Chapter 946

"Isn't this offer attractive enough?" Indeed, the stakes were high. Winona represented not only the family's future, as the only heiress, but also held a special place in Howard's heart, having raised her since childhood. The bond they shared was undeniable, and the thought of anything happening to her was intolerable. "Alright, I'll let her mother go, and you'll release Winnie," Howard conceded. He had to save Winona, no matter the cost. It was clear he was already considering alternative strategies, as holding Pearl's mother captive no longer held the advantage it once did. Pearl was about to agree, seeing it as a reasonable exchange. However, Richard's firm grip on her hand stopped her mid-nod, signaling her not to agree so quickly. "No, what we want isn't as simple as that," he said. Howard, taken aback by this sudden shift, pressed for clarification. "What do you mean?" "Nothing much. We've considered it, and it seems you would gain more than we would." By now, Howar