Chapter 996


    Pearl sounded genuine. She confessed her true desire to be with Hugo, but he couldn''t bring


    himself to believe her fully.


    Surprisingly, Hugo found somefort in her honest response. Despite her lingering feelings for the


    other guy, at least Pearl wasn''t deceiving him.


    Pearl noticed Hugo''s guard rxing, knowing she had him where she wanted. She chose honesty


    because she knew Hugo had trust issues. If she had lied, he wouldn''t have believed her,


    jeopardizing Richard''s rescue. But if Hugo trusted her now, everything would go smoother.


    Hugo smiled, gently touching her face. This time, she didn''t flinch, showing a shy smile. Her


    demeanor was just right—not too eager or distant, but with a hint of warmth, indicating her favorable


    impression.


    Hugo was pleased but didn''t rush to embrace her. He knew he couldn''t force Pearl; he had to win


    her over with admiration and persuasion.


    "Why don''t you check on Richard?" Pearl remainedposed outside but fretted internally. Time


    was ticking; Richard might not hold on much longer.


    Realizing the urgency, Hugo called one of his men.


    "Hello, Mister Hugo. What''s up?" The person on the other end seemed to be running, panting as he


    spoke.


    "How''s the man I asked you to catch?"


    "He''s fast, Mister Hugo. We''re trying, but he''s tough to catch," the man exined.


    "You fools! What good are you if you can''t get the job done?" Hugo''s frustration showed. If they


    couldn''t catch Richard, his n would fail.


    Pearl felt a glimmer of hope but couldn''t show it. If Richard managed to escape, she wouldn''t have


    to deal with Hugo.


    With a hidden de in her ring, she prepared to take action and would take Hugo hostage. But


    before she could act, the man on the phone delivered surprising news.


    "Mister Hugo, we got him!"


    Pearl''s heart sank as she discreetly retracted the de.


    Seeing her pale face, Hugo felt uneasy. "Why are you so worried about him?"


    "Didn''t I tell you earlier? I still care about him. Isn''t it normal to worry?" Pearl replied with a weak


    smile.


    Hugo seethed with jealousy but didn''t argue. Pearl''s devotion fueled his desire to win her from


    Richard. He ordered, "Change of ns. Hold off on killing him."


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    "Why not? We''ve already got him."