Chapter 782

Pearl didn't forget that her mission was to find Esther and James. "I have something important to attend to, and I don't have time for a chat," she declared, prepared to leave. "No need to search. Esther is safe," Richard responded with a knowing smile as Pearl turned away. Turning back around, Pearl inquired, "How do you know who I'm looking for?" Richard found it rather amusing. "Why do you think I'm here?" He didn't seem to be joking, so Pearl hesitantly got into the car. Once the door closed, she found herself momentarily captivated by Richard's eyes. However, after a pause, she asked, "I'd like to know how you found out. Did James text you?" Since James was new money who had recently returned to the country, Pearl couldn't fathom any connection between them. Richard was uncertain about how to respond, but he didn't want to reveal his source. Instead, he nodded and admitted, "Yes, he texted me." Though he answered readily, Pearl believed he was bluffing. She couldn't