"No, I didn''t mean that. She didn''t trust me..." Yulian started rambling, trying to exin himself, but Hugo cut him short.


    "Just go. And keep today a secret. Don''t tell anyone you were here," Hugo said, dismissing Yulian.


    Relieved, Yulian nearly fell to his knees. "Thank you, Mister Hugo. I''m leaving now," he said and quickly left Hugo''s office. Hugo stood before the French window, gloominess gleaming in his eyes.


    No one could taint Pearl.


    * On Friday, Pearl and herpanions arrived at the court. A crowd and reporters were already there, eager for a story.


    When the reporters tried to question Pearl, Esther''s fierce look made them back off.


    "Stop asking questions. You''ll know when the result is out," Esther snapped.


    James, standing by, radiated an icy aura that made the reporters even more hesitant.


    They remembered Yulian''s earlier luck but realized they wouldn''t have the sfortune today. With Pearl''s imposing friends by her side, no one dared to bother her further.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, please be patient. The details will be shared after thewsuit," Pearl said, smiling, as she entered the court.


    Then Richard arrived, immediately swarmed by reporters. His assistant and bodyguards quickly cleared a path for him.


    "Let Mister Richard through first, please," his assistant pleaded.


    When the reporters realized they couldn''t talk to Richard, they yelled, "Mister Richard, is what''s in the news about you true? Do you want to take back the shares gifted to Miss Pearl?"  Richard nced at them coldly, and the person got too scared to speak anymore.


    The crowd wisely stepped out of the way.


    Inside the court, the proceedings were lengthy and unclear to outsiders. When both parties emerged, their expressions told different stories.


    Pearl appeared calm and even managed a polite smile, suggesting things went well for her. The reporters, knowing she had a better temper, decided to question her.


    "Miss Pearl, can you share any details?" one reporter asked.


    Esther proudly lifted her chin and quickly bragged, "My boyfriend is amazing. With the bestwyer in Enswood on our side, guess who won?" James merely smiled, letting Esther''s boast slide.


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    "And the oue?" the reporters pressed.


    Pearl purposely beat around the bush. "I can''t share just yet. I''ll post it onler." However, herposure hinted that she had not suffered any losses.


    In the aftermath, it was evident Richard had lost the divorcewsuit.


    His defeat and the subsequent news hit Waldorf Enterprises hard. Thepany''s stock prices fell, weakening thepany''s image.


    However, something more serious happened. There seemed to be a problem with thepany''s internat management. Semployees anonymously posted on the Intethat thepany was not managed welf and was about to go bankrupt.  et Then, everyone learned that the seemingly prosperous Waldorf Enterprises was on the verge of copse. It appeared strong on the outside but was crumbling witkin, putting it in jeopardy as opportunists piled on the pressure.