Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl (Pearl and Richard)
Chapter 817

Hugo was right behind Richard, hands in his pockets. He watched the unfolding drama with a curious gaze, occasionally stroking his chin as if deeply entertained.

Pearl crossed her arms, her expression unreadable.

"Rick, my hands are really hurting..." Winona said, holding out her hands in an exaggerated way.

Richard hesitated for a moment before helping her up, their closeness leaving Pearl at a loss for words. It struck Pearl that maybe letting them come to the set was a mistake; it felt like trouble was brewing. "Rick, you saw that, didn't you? Pearl pushed me for no reason. You've got to stand up for me," Winona complained, looking down but sneaking peeks at Pearl.

Pearl was quite puzzled. These women were usually so pleasant, but they turned hostile toward her.

First Abby, then Jenny, and now Winona. Richard's romantic troubles seemed to follow a pattern.

Pearl, unfazed, challenged, "Got any proof I pushed you without reason?"

Winona was speechless, caught off guard by Pearl's admission. Pearl's tactic left her scrambling, her planned accusations falling apart.

"Is it because Rick is kind to me? Are you jealous? I get it, moving on from someone as great as Rick is tough." Winona tried to provoke Pearl, touching a sore spot.

Esther saw through Winona's tactic and jumped in to defend Pearl. "Rick this, Rick that, why so noisy? Can't you say anything else?"

Winona, who could handle a straightforward Pearl, was lost on how to deal with a crazy person like Esther. After all, she couldn't act outrageously in front of Richard.

"Este, I've done nothing to you. Why attack me?" Winona pleaded, trying to maintain her composure in front of Richard.

Esther's response was fierce. "Done nothing? We both know the truth. But let me tell you, mess with Pearl, and I'll set your hair on fire!" she threatened, making Winona instinctively protect her hair. "You can't do that, Este. It's against the law..." Winona muttered angrily.

Pearl, seeing Winona's defiance, suggested, "Let's check the security cameras. That'll show us the truth."

The mention of surveillance footage made Winona panic.

"Did you hear that?" Esther raised her chin smugly.

"According to Article 20 of the Criminal Law, actions taken to stop an ongoing infringement in order to protect the interests of the state, public, individuals, property, or other rights that result in harm to the infringer are recognized as legitimate defense. Such actions shall not be subject to criminal liability."

Just then, a new voice joined the conversation. A tall man in a black jacket entered, walking over slowly.