Chapter 868

Pearl smiled, but she averted her gaze to the scenery by the lake. "So, Miss Pearl, how do you plan to make it up to me?" Richard asked, squeezing her hand against his chest. "I don't know. Don't ask me." Although Pearl had said so, she could feel his strong heartbeat through the thick clothes. She wondered if Richard was nervous. Or was he moved? "But I want to know now." Richard wanted an answer there and then. Blushing, Pearl glanced around, noticing curious onlookers. "Come on, let go. People are watching," she urged. Naturally, Richard wasn't about to let her go that easily. He swallowed hard, observing her embarrassed expression. In the midst of their close encounter, he suddenly drew her into a firm embrace. He said softly, "I know that your mother has passed away." Pearl's smile faded as she stiffened in his arms. "You're very sad, aren't you?" Speechless, Pearl nestled against him, her emotions overwhelming her. "I'm not very sad," she lied, rubbing against