Chapter 836


    Howard was surprised that Pearl agreed so easily.


    "Are you trying to trick me?" Howard gulped, incredulous.


    "Why would I?" Pearl''s smile concealed her ulterior motive. "But you must fulfill your promise to


    teach me. You can''t go back on your word now."


    Howard realized he had fallen into her scheme. "You''re quite the cunning one." He sighed and said,


    "I''ll keep my word, but you must promise not to leave or disrupt the wedding."


    Pearl nodded, her expression now neutral. "Of course."


    Howard''s smile returned. "That''s wise of you. I''ve arranged this house for your stay."


    *


    Tension filled Richard''s office.


    Esther stood before Richard, her anger palpable. She obviously wanted to grab him by his cor


    and yell at him. "Tell me where you''re hiding Pearl," she demanded, her eyes seemingly aze.


    Meanwhile, James watched Richard closely, his expression unreadable.


    "Why do you think I''m involved in her disappearance?" Richard''sck of concern was evident; he


    appeared more impatient than worried.


    Esther was utterly disappointed. "I never thought you could be so heartless. Even if you''re not


    responsible, shouldn''t you be concerned? She loved you so much. You''re worse than an animal, a


    heartless jerk!"


    Richard remained unfazed by Esther''s harsh words. "If you''re done, please leave. I have work to


    do." He showed no interest in hearing their usations and hoped they would leave so he could


    regain his peace.


    "I''m asking you again. Did you have a hand in this?" Esther''s tears flowed as she mmed her


    hand on the table, startling James.


    Richard''s eyes went cold. "I''m warning you for thest time. Stop causing a scene here." He then


    turned to James. "Take her away."


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    James couldn''t bear to see Esther being dismissed and spoke up on her behalf. "Why are you


    kicking her out? Are you feeling guilty?"


    Richard hadn''t anticipated James joining in. Before he could respond, the office door swung open.


    Winona entered, looking excited, but her enthusiasm faded upon seeing the scene.


    Esther''s annoyance red upon seeing Winona. Marching over, she grabbed thetter''s cor. "Tell


    me, are you behind Pearl''s disappearance?"


    Winona, feeling unsettled after her recent actions, found newfound confidence with Richard by her


    side.