Chapter 351
Suddenly, Raymond smiled as he didn’t expect such a reason. “Why?”
Seeing that they were alone, Ezra decided to share more. He began to explain slowly, “You see, I had another daughter aside from Pearl’s mother, but she was a recluse. Most people didn’t know about her, so they thought I had only one daughter, but…”
Ezra’s expression shifted, his gaze growing intense. “One night, Richard’s uncle took liberties with her when he was drunk, driving her insane. That very night, she jumped off a building and ended her own life. Given this history, I cannot allow Pearl to marry Richard under any circumstances.”
This tragic incident had been buried for a long time, and Ezra had always dealt with it coldly. Back then, he had made great efforts to send Richard’s uncle to jail and keep the matter hushed up, as it was a deeply embarrassing family affair. Consequently, the younger generation remained unaware of it.
A pang of sorrow gripped Ezra as he recounted this painful memory.
Raymond, sensing Ezra’s grief, found it inappropriate to dwell on the matter further. He offered some casual advice and took his leave.
*
In the days that followed, Ezra would frequently praise Raymond whenever he met Pearl. However, Pearl was reluctant to engage in this topic with him, and eventually, she decided to stay in the hospital to take care of Blake.
Lying in the hospital bed, Pearl snacked on nuts and played mobile games, enjoying her leisurely time.
Stunned, Blake asked, “Could you be a bit more considerate, Pearl?”
Pearl, focused on her game with earphones on, hadn’t heard him. It was only when Blake
tugged at her earphones and said, “Can you show me some respect, Pearl?” that she finally noticed him.
Still absorbed in her mobile game, she replied absentmindedly, “What’s wrong, Blake? I rushed here to take care of you.”
“But you took over my bed. What about me?” Blake complained through gritted teeth.
Having achieved a Pentakill, Pearl turned to Blake. He stood there in a hospital gown, IV drip in hand, his expression gloomy.
In stark contrast, Pearl had been lounging comfortably in Blake’s hospital bed…
Catching a glimpse of her phone screen, she flashed an awkward smile and quickly got up from the bed. “I’m sorry. I’m used to lying in bed while playing mobile games.”
Blake grumbled, “You took over my bed while I was in the bathroom. Aren’t you supposed to be taking care of me…”
“Alright, I was just lying down for a moment. Don’t be so stingy.”
Blake’s smile returned, though traces of gloom still lingered in his eyes. “Humph!”
While they bickered, a white-clad figure briskly entered the room.
Upon seeing Raymond, Pearl realized that she would have to confront him sooner or later.
Raymond greeted her, saying, “You’re here too, Pearl?” He had adjusted the way he addressed her, transitioning from the formal “Miss Pearl” to using her name directly.
Pearl mustered a forced smile and replied, “Why can’t I be here?”
Her retort didn’t seem to faze Raymond, who maintained his composure. “Of course not. It’s written in stars for us.”
“Really? I think it’s bad luck,” Pearl rudely talked back to him.
Blake’s smile stiffened because of Pearl’s disgraceful words. He thought that even if she disliked Raymond, she didn’t have to be so rude.
However, Raymond appeared unconcerned by her behavior. He turned his attention to Blake and asked with concern, “Are you feeling better? I meant to visit you when I heard about your injury, but other matters got in the way.”
