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.

couldn't do it. He was prepared to take matters into

apprentice for

Howard delved into peculiar cases. Simon's fame eclipsed Howard's due

smiled, stroking

to speak up, Pearl found Howard's explanations clear

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

a bead of sweat form on her forehead. "He's probably busy

miles away, suddenly

was quite the chess enthusiast. He'd play 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