Chapter 837


    She met Esther''s usatory gaze fearlessly. "Why would I do such a thing? I''m here to see


    Richard. I have no idea where Pearl is."


    Esther squinted with anger. "Bullsh*t. The receptionist saw you leading Pearl away!"


    Winona paused, considering her response before firing back, "We happened to leave at the same


    time. You''re making baseless usations."


    Esther, unable to counter Winona''s argument, released her and turned to James with teary eyes.


    James''s heart melted at the sight of her distress. "Miss Winona, thepany''s surveince has


    recorded everything. Let''s leave this matter to the police. You should consult awyer." He then


    wrapped his arms around Esther protectively, noting Winona''s paleplexion with a hint of irony.


    Clearly, Winona was feeling guilty.


    Winona couldn''t bear the thought of a police investigation, knowing she was behind Pearl''s


    disappearance. James was clever; he might uncover the truth. Moreover, with James''s legal


    expertise, finding awyer to challenge him would be near impossible. It was obvious he was trying


    to test her when he said that.


    Her mind raced, but she quickly dismissed the idea. She believed Richard would protect her


    because he needed her help with Pearl. "Absolutely not. I haven''t done anything wrong, so there''s


    no need to involve the police."


    Richard erupted in anger. "You''re ndering my fiancee. If you continue with this, I won''t go easy on


    you."


    Esther felt dejected. "Even with evidence, you still protect her. I knew it. None of you Waldorfs are


    decent. Pearl must have been blind to fall for you!" With that, she grabbed James''s arm and


    stormed out, mming the door behind her.


    Winona breathed a sigh of relief as Esther left. "I''ve handled it, Rick."


    Richard raised an eyebrow, uncertain. "She''s at Jesselton Manor now?"


    "Yes, I brought her to Grandpa, and he said she''s cooperating well. Maybe she''s genuinely happier


    there."


    Richard''s expression softened at the thought of Pearl''s imminent recovery. He could finally stop


    suppressing his feelings for her, which he had concealed for so long.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    "When do you want to get married, Rick?" Winona deduced that Pearl had likely realized Richard''s


    efforts to help her. If she chose to fight for Richard after that, Winona would lose everything. She


    needed to secure Richard''smitment before Pearl recovered.


    Richard honored his promise without hesitation. "The wedding will proceed as nned."


    Winona smiled, taking a step closer and cing her hand on his shoulder, gently massaging it. "Do


    you still have feelings for her?"


    Richard took a deep breath and gently held her hand. "As I''ve said, once all of this is done, I''ll cut all


    ties with her."