Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Richard ignored Pearl’s question and used his uninjured hand to take a laptop out from his bag, immed

iately delving into

work

Bored, Pearl gave up and grabbed her own laptop. Her aim was to uncover the mastermind behind the

conspiracy that had targeted them. Utilizing facial features from

photos and investigating recent calls and bank transactions, she traced the clues back to Lawson Enter

prises.

“Richard, do you know who’s behind this attack on you?” Pearl asked tentatively.

Without looking up from his laptop, Richard answered without even blinking, “Lawson Enterprises.”

Shocked, Pearl asked, “How did you know?”

Richard explained calmly, “Our company’s stock has been on the rise lately, and our jewelry business is

thriving. We’ve nearly monopolized the low–end jewelry market and are moving into high–

end jewelry. Who do you think would be the most threatened by this?”

“Lawson Enterprises holds a grudge against us for failing to strike a deal. They lost out on potential prof

its and are envious of our current success. Is that why you suspect them?”

Richard flashed her a rare smile. “You’re very:

v smart.”

His astute deduction impressed Pearl, but she had another question. “What are you going to do about it

?‘

Being vindictive, she always sought retribution when wronged. Of course, she wasn’t inclined to let Law

son Enterprises off the hook for causing such a big mess.

A steely resolve gleamed in Richard’s eyes. “Of course, I won’t forgive Lawson Enterprises so easily.”

Knowing that he would make a move, Pearl felt reassured.

Over the next two days, Pearl

concocted a cover story when the Waldorfs inquired about their whereabouts. She claimed that they we

re working late at the company and wouldn’t be returning home temporarily. Sean was away on busine

ss, making her fabricated story more believable.

Richard only resumed his duties at

the company once his hand had almost healed. During their absence, the company had acquired some

unfamiliar faces,

Upon his return, Richard held an executive meeting to discuss their next move.

“I propose we stabilize production of our low–

end jewelry and allocate substantial funds for the development of high–

end pieces,” Richard suggested. His plan piqued Pearl’s interest, as she admired his strategic thinking.

“I’m not sure that’s a wise move,” a skeptical voice interjected suddenly, breaking the silence in the con

Richard glanced up, his face turning cold as he looked at the man nearby. “Why do you think so?”

Pearl also turned her attention to the source of this unexpected dissent, discovering that it was Brandon

Brandon, who generally carried himself with an air of superiority, had adopted a condescending tone.

“Have

you forgotten how to plan during your brief absence, Mister Richard? We’ve yet to stabilize our position

end jewelry market, which is performing admirably. Rushing into high–

end jewelry development could backfire, potentially resulting in financial losses. Who will be held accoun

“We won’t lose money,” Richard asserted. “Sticking with low–end

jewelry alone will lead to aesthetic fatigue, limiting our potential. We’d miss out on a good opportunity

to develop high–end jewelry.”