Chapter 189
“What are you doing here?”
Sophia said in a chirpy tone, “I came with Mister Richard. You have a fever, so we brought you here.” She emphasized that she came with Richard as if they were close.
Pearl couldn’t help but feel annoyed at this. “Thank you so much.”
Sophia smiled and continued, “Don’t mention it. You’re the best employee in the company, so Mister Richard would be worried if you were sick”
Sophia seemed to imply that Richard’s concern was purely work-related, rather than personal. Her words carried hidden meanings, and it grated on Pearl’s nerves.
“If you care so much about the company’s sales, why don’t you go back to work? You should show Richard how valuable you are.” Pearl lacked the patience to engage in pretense with her.
Sophia chuckled. “I came here because I didn’t want you two to have time alone, Pearl.”
“Oh, why?”
“I’m going to be honest with you. Mister Richard is my target. I’m good-looking and well-educated. Arnault Enterprises is one of the top players in the textile industry. If not for him, why would I be just a lowly worker?”
Another woman with an interest in Richard. Pearl couldn’t help but shake her head at how popular he seemed to be.
“It seems your relationship with Mister Richard is on shaky ground. I suspect his interest in you might be fleeting. After that, he might fall for me.”
Sophia appeared outwardly sweet and harmless, like a rabbit, yet this was how she talked in private.
Richard returned after settling the bill. Hearing his footsteps, Sophia instantly appeared as if she’d been mistreated. “If you hate me so much, Pearl, I can leave. There’s no need to make your condition worse because of me.”
When she heard the footsteps pause at the door, Sophia continued to play up the situation. “I know you never liked me, but I’m just trying to take care of you. I mean no harm.”
Pearl noticed Richard at the door and maintained her composure.
Richard raised his brows. “What’s going on here?”
Sophia dabbed at her eyes and quickly got up, keeping her head low. “It’s fine, nothing happened.”
“Did Pearl bully you?” Richard was a little hesitant. Pearl wasn’t the type to bully anyone, especially when Sophia hadn’t done anything wrong.
Pearl scoffed. “Why would I dare do that? You’re so good at jumping to conclusions.”
Richard sensed the hostility in her tone, and his tone changed. “She’s just a newbie. Don’t bully her.”
“Would you believe me if I said I didn’t do that?” Pearl looked at him with a serious expression.
Richard seemed momentarily tongue-tied, and after a long pause, he finally replied, “Never mind.”
Pearl looked down in disappointment. “If there’s nothing else you want to discuss, please leave. I’d like to rest.”
The atmosphere became uncomfortably tense. Richard heard Sophia sobbing softly beside him and suggested, “Let’s step outside, Sophia.”
Pearl closed her eyes and turned around in bed.
