Chapter 866


    Richard just assumed that Hugo was saying nonsensical stuff, but he stopped in his tracks. He


    wanted to hear what ridiculous things Hugo could say. "Don''t go crazy here."


    Hugo, ustomed to Richard''s cold tone, simply smiled and replied, "That''s all I have to say. If you


    want to know more, ask her." With that, he left, leaving Richard to mull over his cryptic words.


    Watching Hugo''s back disdainfully, Richard felt hatred beneath his icy exterior.


    Heading to a nearby restaurant, Richard spotted Pearl waiting outside, apanied by Esther and


    James. Esther was engaging in light banter with Pearl, while James seemed content by Esther''s


    side.


    Pearl''s face lit up when she saw Richard. "There you are. I''m starving."


    Richard, his mind still upied by Hugo''s words, apologized. "I''m sorry I''mte."


    Pearl sensed his somber mood and urged him, "It''s okay. Let''s go inside."


    Meanwhile, Esther sensed trouble brewing from their affectionate exchange. She feared the worst,


    questioning whether Richard might silently hold a grudge or even seek retribution. She even


    wondered if it was toote to try and please Richard now.


    Lost in her anxious spections, she realized Richard was approaching her. With no escape, she


    faced Richard with determination, adopting an innocent look and a genuine smile. "Richard, I don''t


    remember what I did before. I hope you won''t take it to heart if I offended you."


    Pfft…


    Nearly choking on her own spit, Pearl couldn''t believe Esther''s boldness. She had always known


    that Esther was straightforward, but she didn''t expect it would be to this extent.


    "Oh?" Richard arched an eyebrow, contemting Esther''s words. "Are you referring to the time you


    called me a liar?"


    Esther broke out in a cold sweat.


    "Or a beast?"


    Terrified, Esther felt a pang of regret.


    "Or—"


    "Oh, stop. I''ve made a mistake, okay?" Esther sobbed, feigning grievance.


    Witnessing Richard''s behavior, James stepped forward to defend Esther, criticizing him. "I didn''t


    expect you to be so mean as to tease young women, Mister Richard."


    Intrigued by James''s unexpected defense, Richard retorted, "I didn''t expect the sternwyer to be


    so protective."


    Their exchange grew heated until Pearl and Esther intervened, ushering them into the restaurant to


    diffuse the tension.


    Seated at the table, Pearl poured wine to celebrate their victory.


    "Pearl, were those reporters your subordinates? Did theye here intentionally?" Esther asked,


    admiring Pearl''s strategic prowess. She hadn''t anticipated Richard and Pearl crafting such a


    wless strategy, one that even led the devious Winona to call off the wedding.


    "Yeah, and there''s more. I even hired the man in that room."Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.