Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

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 some comfort in her honest response. Despite her lingering feelings for the other guy, at least Pearl wasn't deceiving him.

Pearl noticed Hugo's guard relaxing, 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 remained composed 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 explained.

"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 plan 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 blade 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 blade.

Seeing her pale face, Hugo felt uneasy. "Why are you so worried about him?" This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

"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 plans. Hold off on killing him."

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