Chapter 1144

Pearl initially suspected the child might be Richard's but quickly dismissed the idea as absurd. There was no way Richard could have fathered a child with someone else. Besides, the child looked about three years old, and Pearl had known Richard for four years. Richard was deeply engrossed in his work in their first year of acquaintance. He wouldn't have had time for another relationship. However, the child's striking resemblance to Richard made Pearl ponder further. In the end, Pearl mustered the courage to approach the child and spoke softly, "Excuse me..." The child's mother seemed to recognize Pearl. Fear flashed in her eyes when she saw Pearl. "I don't know you. Please stay away from us," she said. Then, the woman grabbed the child's arm, ready to pull him away. "I mean no harm, I just wanted to ask a question," Pearl said, feeling helpless. However, the woman quickly interrupted, "I told you I don't know you. Please don't harass us, stranger." The woman's words were