Female Novel
Chapter 817
Hugo was right behind Richard, hands in his pockets. He watched the unfolding drama with acurious gaze, occasionally stroking his chin as if deeply entertained.
Pearl crossed her arms, her expression unreadable.
"Rick, my hands are really hurting..." Winona said, holding out her hands in an exaggerated way.
Richard hesitated for a moment before helping her up, their closeness leaving Pearl at a loss forwords. It struck Pearl that maybe letting them come to the set was a mistake; it felt like trouble wasbrewing.
"Rick, you saw that, didn't you? Pearl pushed me for no reason. You've got to stand up for me,"Winona complained, looking down but sneaking peeks at Pearl.
Pearl was quite puzzled. These women were usually so pleasant, but they turned hostile towardher.
First Abby, then Jenny, and now Winona. Richard's romantic troubles seemed to follow a pattern.
Pearl, unfazed, challenged, "Got any proof I pushed you without reason?"
Winona was speechless, caught off guard by Pearl's admission. Pearl's tactic left her scrambling,her planned accusations falling apart.
"Is it because Rick is kind to me? Are you jealous? I get it, moving on from someone as great asRick is tough." Winona tried to provoke Pearl, touching a sore spot.
Esther saw through Winona's tactic and jumped in to defend Pearl. "Rick this, Rick that, why sonoisy? Can't you say anything else?"
Winona, who could handle a straightforward Pearl, was lost on how to deal with a crazy person likeEsther. After all, she couldn't act outrageously in front of Richard.novelbin
"Este, I've done nothing to you. Why attack me?" Winona pleaded, trying to maintain her composurein front of Richard.
Esther's response was fierce. "Done nothing? We both know the truth. But let me tell you, mess withPearl, and I'll set your hair on fire!" she threatened, making Winona instinctively protect her hair.
"You can't do that, Este. It's against the law..." Winona muttered angrily.
Pearl, seeing Winona's defiance, suggested, "Let's check the security cameras. That'll show us thetruth."
The mention of surveillance footage made Winona panic.
"Did you hear that?" Esther raised her chin smugly.
"According to Article 20 of the Criminal Law, actions taken to stop an ongoing infringement in orderto protect the interests of the state, public, individuals, property, or other rights that result in harm tothe infringer are recognized as legitimate defense. Such actions shall not be subject to criminalliability."
Just then, a new voice joined the conversation. A tall man in a black jacket entered, walking overslowly.