Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

The spotlight illuminated the lead singer, who swayed to the music, and the atmosphere reached its peak. The crowd continued to swell, flooding the walkways with people.

Suddenly, someone bumped into Pearl, causing both of them to stagger due to the unexpected collision.

"Ah!" Pearl exclaimed, nearly losing her balance.

In such a densely packed area, a fall could have serious consequences. She couldn't help but think about the recent news of a deadly stampede at an entertainment venue in Hacint due to overcrowding. Many lives were lost in that tragedy. Could something similar happen here?

However, instead of falling to the floor, Pearl found herself securely held by a pair of strong arms. She caught a familiar scent and opened her eyes to see Richard, who appeared on the verge of exploding with anger.

"What are you doing here, Richard?"

As expected, Richard didn't respond to her question and simply pushed her away, allowing her to regain her footing.

Pearl touched her nose sheepishly and took a few steps back. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it. Be careful," Richard replied curtly before turning to leave.

Pearl contemplated saying something more but decided against it.

As she was about to turn and walk away, Silas's distinctive, playful yet mature voice called out to her from behind. "Where are you, Pearl?"

Pearl turned around to answer him but was immediately hit by a strong scent that made her think of Richard.

Richard walked away but then turned back to Pearl.

"What's going on?" Pearl was surprised, unsure of what he wanted.

"A lot of troublemakers are taking advantage of the chaos here. If you can, you should head home early," Richard advised.

Pearl was confused, but when she heard the word "troublemakers," Silas's face popped into her mind. Why did it sound like he was hinting at Silas?

She quickly dismissed that thought and said, "But—"

Before she could say 'Someone is looking for me,' Richard's tall figure closed in on her, effectively shielding her from view.

Silas had been searching for Pearl but couldn't find her, even as he pushed through the crowd.

After some time, the voice calling out for Pearl grew fainter and farther away. Finally, Richard moved away from her, acting as if they were complete strangers.

Pearl couldn't stand it anymore. If Silas had been taken by someone, he should stop playing games with her. She glared at Richard. "What are you trying to do?" Belonging to NôvelDrama.Org.

"I told you it's dangerous out there. You should leave as soon as possible."

"Why do you care? We have nothing to do with each other anymore, so you should keep your nose out of my business!"

Pearl made sense. However, Richard showed no signs of leaving and remained behind her, as if he had no intention of moving until she left.

"What do you want, Richard?"

"Go home," he stated firmly, leaving no room for negotiation.