Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Winona contemplated her father's words with a mix of shock and fear. Did he mean he wanted Pearl dead?

"Dad, I don't think that's necessary. Pearl hasn't done anything too extreme. Killing her seems-"

Martin's stern gaze silenced Winona mid-sentence, leaving her feeling unsettled. "You're too soft! You won't get anywhere with that attitude, nor will you keep a man by your side."

After a moment, he sighed, disappointed that his daughter lacked the resolve he and her mother possessed. "Just do as you please. But remember, you represent the Jesseltons. Always be prepared and avoid unnecessary complications in everything you do."

These words were like a reassurance to Winona. Feeling bolstered by her father's encouragement, she nodded determinedly. "I got it, dad."

"Good." Martin stroked the stubble on his chin with a satisfied smile.

Winona couldn't do it. He was prepared to take matters into his own hands and deal with Pearl

had been Howard's apprentice for

learned under Simon. While Simon focused on practical medical knowledge, Howard delved into peculiar cases. Simon's fame eclipsed Howard's due to his expertise in common ailments, with

explained today?" Howard smiled, stroking his beard as he glanced

Pearl found Howard's explanations

looked pensive. "I never imagined encountering someone so naturally gifted in medicine. No wonder Simon was so fixated on you. If he learns I've taken you under my wing, he might be furious." He paused, raising an eyebrow. "You've been here for a while now. Hasn't that old man reached out to

a bead of sweat form on her forehead. "He's probably busy playing chess, not thinking

was miles away,

for days," Howard reminisced with a nostalgic smile. However, his tone changed as he added, "Look at you, becoming his apprentice only to be neglected. With me, it'll be different. I'll do everything I can to cure your