Chapter 816


    For the first time, Ss felt intimidated by another man. He squinted, sizing up Richard, who exuded


    an air of authority.


    But Ss was not one to back down. He straightened his body and tried to make himself appear


    taller. "I''m not afraid to y this game with you."


    Richard remained silent and left the room, understanding Ss''s decisive look.


    As Ss watched him go, he couldn''t shake off the feeling of being threatened. Frustration boiled


    within him.


    "What''s he so smug about? He broke up with her, yet he''s here trying to intimidate me," he muttered


    to himself, clenching his fist in frustration.


    Initially, Ss considered telling Pearl about Richard''s visit. But then he hesitated, realizing Pearl


    might think Richard still loves her and may stir up old feelings between them.


    He decided to keep it to himself.


    *


    Esther returned to work after taking a few days off to recover.


    During the shoot, Winona''s disruptive behavior caused tension on set, much to Esther''s annoyance.


    But Esther held back from criticizing Winona since they were on set. She simply reminded Winona


    to be serious.


    Winona grinned at Esther. "Este, you know what? Rick spent 40 million to help me—"Owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Esther rolled her eyes. "I don''t care if Rick spent 40 million, 4 billion, or 40 billion. You have to do


    your job seriously." She then felt quite pleased with herself for scolding her.


    Winona had always been spoiled, so she didn''t take Esther''s frank criticism kindly. "How dare you


    say that? Aren''t you here because of some connections?"


    Esther, hands on her hips, retorted sharply, "So what if I did use my connections? If I have them,


    why shouldn''t I use them? Besides, I''m more popr than you. We''re not even on the same level."


    This hit a nerve with Winona. She attempted to p Esther, but her wrist was caught firmly before


    she could.


    Shocked, Winona turned to see Pearl, expression unreadable, holding her wrist. Winona''s panic


    was palpable. "You''re hurting me," sheined.


    With a forceful push, Pearl sent Winona stumbling to the ground, the momentum causing her to fall


    hard and her arms to ache from the impact.


    "How dare you!" Winona began to scold, but upon noticing someone else entering, she quickly


    shifted to a more pitiful tone. "Why did you push me? I didn''t do anything wrong."


    Pearl guessed Richard must have arrived, given Winona''s quick change of behavior. Turning


    around, her guess was confirmed as she saw Richard standing a short distance away.


    Their gazes met, both cool andposed.