Chapter 916


    The gossip about Pearl and Richard''s kiss had everyone talking, causing Pearl to feel embarrassed.


    But the mood changed when Wayne stepped in to divert the attention.


    "Miss Pearl, there''s something important I need to discuss with you," Wayne said,ing to her


    rescue.


    Pearl, feeling the eyes of her colleagues on her, put on a brave face. "I''m quite busy. And everyone


    else should focus on their work. Idle gossip can cost you, remember that. I won''t hesitate to deduct


    a month''s pay from anyone caught spreading rumors."


    Her stern warning worked like a charm. The office quickly returned to its usual state of business,


    with everyone burying themselves in their work to avoid Pearl''s wrath.


    With a re, Pearl dismissed the gossiping colleague and followed Wayne to her office.


    Once seated, Wayneid out a contract on her desk. "This is the agreement we had with Steward


    Group regarding the streamingpany. They''re now looking to back out and seem to think the 7


    millionpensation for breach of contract is trivial. They''re adamant about terminating the


    agreement."


    Pearl frowned, understanding the gravity of the situation. The coboration with Steward Group was


    expected to be highly profitable for Cerubleu, especially in the booming online industry.


    "Why do they want to cancel?" she asked, trying to grasp the sudden change of heart.


    Wayne paused, considering his words carefully. "I''m notpletely sure, but our inside source


    mentioned Steward Group has been in close contact with Hugo recently. They even had dinner


    together. It looks like they''re close."


    "So, you believe Hugo is behind this?" Pearl asked, piecing things together.


    "It seems like it. I can''t fathom what he''s promised or lied about to make them willing to break the


    contract and pay the penalty. Hugo always seems to target us," Wayne expressed, unaware of the


    deeper animosity between Pearl and Hugo. He merely assumed that Hugo was being a b*stard as


    usual.


    Pearl, however, knew all too well that Hugo''s actions were aimed at suppressing Cerubleu to force


    her hand or gain control over what mattered to her. In the past, such a move by Hugo might have


    led her to seek apromise. But things were different now.


    With a lightugh, she said, "Don''t worry, I''ve got this."


    "Miss Pearl, just be careful. Hugo is cunning and might set traps for you," Wayne warned.


    Pearl wasn''t worried about Hugo''s potential traps. She had faced him alone before and came out


    unscathed. Now, she had the support of her friends, the Jordan Group shares, and Richard.


    Stunned, Pearl realized she had regarded Richard as her support at some point. It felt good.


    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    "It''s okay, Wayne. I appreciate your concern. Just let me know how I can help or when you need


    me," she assured him, feeling a surge of warmth from his loyalty and support.


    Wayne''s dedication was a constant reminder of their strong bond.