Looking into Richard's calm, expressionless eyes, Winona felt a chill. Before, his gaze never carried deep affection, but it always
held a semblance of warmth. Now, it seemed filled with disgust.
Feeling uneasy, Winona stammered, "R-Rick, why have you broughthere?"
At this point, she wondered if Richard had suddenly recalled her past actions, choosing to punish her. Yet, with Pearl at his side, this
theory seemed less plausible.
What was going on? Richard's feelings for Pearl was a well-known fact across Enswood. Winona bowed her head, concealing her
deep-seated loneliness.
"I brought you here because your grandfather took our people."
"Grandpa? How is he? Is he okay?" Winona panicked and asked anxiously.
Although Winona usually appeared proud and arrogant, she genuinely cared about her grandfather. Having grown up with him
since childhood, their bond was the strongest in the family. He was her staunchest supporter, eager to lavish her with the best.
"Your grandpa is perfectly fine. On the contrary, you're the one in trouble," Richard informed her.
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Winona shook her head firmly. "Impossible. You wouldn't harm me. After all, we have a history."
"And who said | had any affection for you during that time?"
Richard's indifference cut through Winona, her eyes widening in disbelief. "What do you mean? You felt nothing for me?"
Not even a bit? No way! She couldn't accept it. She would never believe this!
"If you're talking about feelings, it's mostly pity and disgust."
Disgust... That word shattered her already fragile defenses.
Tears welled up in Winona's eyes as
she struggled to speak, "Richard, you
can'tpe so cruel. I've devoted fyself
toyou. You must feel something."
"Why should I? Was this not how you treated Pearl? Did you ever consider her feelings after all your dirty tricks?"
Pearl watched the exchange, devoid of sympathy for Winona. Richard was right. Why show compassion to someone who once hurt
you?
Winona's actions were now coming back to haunt her.
Winona insisted, "But you clooking forin the first place..."
"Yes, | approached you," Richard
confirmed; his gaze chilling. Bute)”
rememper, | proposed a trade: 30%
of Waldorf Enterprises’ shares’for
Pearls safety. You refused and even
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threatened me."
english©
Pearl took a sharp breath, her emotions swirling. Thirty percent of the shares? Was Richard planning to sell Waldorf Enterprises?!
Meanwhile; Winona was forced to
confrontdhe truth, recalling their¢)”
agreement. Indeed, shehad >
gambfed on growing affections over
timeyUsing the situation to her
advantage.
english©
"So, we were just using each other. There's no need for any affection."
Those final words left Winona enveloped in a cold, desolate loneliness.