Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

"Isn't this offer attractive enough?"

Indeed, the stakes were high. Winona represented not only the family's future, as the only heiress, but also held a special place in Howard's heart, having raised her since childhood. The bond they shared was undeniable, and the thought of anything happening to her was intolerable.

"Alright, I'll let her mother go, and you'll release Winnie," Howard conceded. He had to save Winona, no matter the cost.

It was clear he was already considering alternative strategies, as holding Pearl's mother captive no longer held the advantage it once did.

Pearl was about to agree, seeing it as a reasonable exchange. However, Richard's firm grip on her hand stopped her mid-nod, signaling her not to agree so quickly.

"No, what we want isn't as simple as that," he said.

sudden shift,

it seems you would gain more than

was slightly relieved. The tone of the conversation was

do you think I'd

you two share a deep bond. So you'll benefit more after the exchange." Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the Findɴovel.ɴet website on

Pearl couldn't help but stifle a laugh. Although it made sense, it felt off. The negotiation seemed more like choosing goods

however, failed to see the logic. "But Pearl's mother is her family. How could I possibly stand to gain more from

her mother is someone she barely knows, lacking any deep emotional connection. Her decision to save her is based more on obligation than affection. You,

breath, caught off guard by Richard's insight. He was now

him around and the

your terms?" Howard