Chapter 1012


    "No, I''m not that bothered. I just find it weird."


    Richard pulled her into his arms tofort her. "I know it''s not just about Mister Elijah. There''s


    something else going on. And I can sense what Ss is up to."


    "Yeah, right."


    "So, you don''t have to worry. I won''t let him off if he''s still interested in you," Richard said, sounding


    jealous and childish.


    Pearl smoothed his jacket and yfully pinched his nose. "Don''t worry. I know."


    They were about to leave when a group of people barged into the office with urgency. Leading them


    were several police officers apanied by some nosy employees.


    "Mister Richard, we''ve received aint about illegal tax evasion in your business. Pleasee


    with us," one of the officers said, shing his ID.


    As a result, Richard and Pearl''s ns for a meal were dashed, and instead, they had to apany


    the police to the station.


    Before leaving, Pearl noticed a smug smile on a man in the crowd—Ss.


    ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    She made a mental note of it.


    *


    At the police station, Richard was taken into the interrogation room while Pearl waited anxiously in


    the reception area.


    One of the officers questioned Richard sternly. "Mister Richard, is it true that you''ve been evading


    taxes for the past six months?"


    "Don''t you need evidence before you arrest someone?" Richard retorted, his expression serious.


    "We called you in for questioning based on a report we received," the officer replied. He had


    investigated many people before, but this was the first time he felt nervous.


    "Go ahead."


    "We received a report this morning alleging tax evasion over the past six months. Upon


    investigation, we found that you failed to pay taxes on time this month," the officer exined.


    Richard asked solemnly, "This month?"


    "Yes, the Treasury Department has sent multiple reminders, but you haven''t responded."


    The officers were well aware of Richard''s reputation for being difficult, but due to the report, they


    couldn''t handle the matter discreetly. They had to interrogate him openly.


    "I''m not so sure about that. Why don''t you let me speak to the head of the finance department at my


    company?" Richard suggested.


    The officer cleared his throat. "Based on the current situation, you''ve been operating yourpany


    illegally. We may need to take disciplinary action."


    "What kind of punishment are we talking about?" Richard asked, his gaze steady.


    "Seven...three days of detention," the officer replied, adjusting his initial sentence due to Richard''s


    intense stare.


    "Three days?" Richard repeated.


    "One day will do..." The officer trailed off, feeling guilty.


    "Tell me, who put you up to this?" Richard''s tone shifted, his whisper carrying a chilling edge.


    "Why are you asking that? I''m just doing my job..." The officer answered weakly, avoiding Richard''s


    gaze.


    "Nice try. I may be a businessman, but I know enough about thew to know I shouldn''t be detained


    under these circumstances. Who''s behind this? Tell me the truth," Richard demanded, his voice low


    and threatening.


    "I swear, it''s not… I''m just following procedures…"