Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Pearl and Richard instantly sensed trouble when they spotted the speeding car heading their way.

"Let's split up and run!" Richard shouted.

They dashed in opposite directions, running as fast as they could.

The car made a sudden sharp turn, chasing after Pearl. She sprinted ahead, but she couldn't outrun the car for long. Before she knew it, the car cut off her path. Breathless, Pearl stopped and faced the car.

A man in a suit emerged, followed by another man in black holding an umbrella, like he was there just for the man in the suit.

"Long time no see, Pearl," said Hugo, smirking at her drenched state with his eyebrows slightly raised.

"Why don't we get Miss Pearl a jacket from the car? She looks like she's been caught in this rain," the guy with the umbrella said.

Pearl snapped, "Save your hypocritical words, Hugo. What do you want?"

I want? Seriously? What do you think?" Hugo stepped forward, but

away? I'm not some monster. I won't bite." Hugo chuckled. "And trust me, I like you too much to hurt

persistence irritating. "Could you just

to get closer to her make me gross?" Hugo shrugged, looking helpless.

are you here?" Pearl knew he had a reason, especially after

to silence us,

to hear this. "Why would I do that? I like you so much, so there's no way I'll kill you. But if someone has to be silenced, it's

here for me now. You probably

glanced at the man holding the umbrella, smiled, and faced Pearl again. "Do you think I

you mean?" she

got someone else after

grin sent shivers down Pearl's spine. Fearing for

my brother a long time ago. Isn't it too late to play the emotional