Chapter 9

Pearl would instantly get an allergic reaction whenever she touched gold, but she had shown no such symptoms previously. Anyone could tell that someone was trying to frame Pearl. She said calmly, "I’m now done explaining myself. Missus Susan, I’d now like to ask you why you transferred 27 thousand dollars to Amy's bank account yesterday." Amy’s and Susan's expressions turned solemn. "What are you talking about?" Pearl then produced her phone, showing the receipt of Susan transferring money to Amy. "I asked around and learned that the helper's salary is 4 thousand dollars, so why did you give Amy 27 thousand?” Pearl knew that a house helper had no reason to frame her, so someone must have bribed the helper. And as expected, she uncovered who had bribed Amy after asking for her name and investigating her bank transactions. It was all Susan's scheme. When the others saw the receipt, they were shocked, realizing what was going on. Richard though was suspicious. He wondered how Pearl had found out about the transaction. "A-Amy's mother is sick, so she asked for a salary advance," Susan stammered. She had not expected things to turn out this way. In wanting to kick Pearl out, she had made a mistake. No one expected Pearl to be allergic to gold. Dustan sighed. "I was around when we hired Amy. I think she's an orphan. Don’t worry, Pea. I’ll give you a proper explanation for all this.” He turned toward Richard. "Rick, bring Pea to the hospital to have her treated." Pearl nodded and left with Richard. When she opened the car door, she heard his deep voice saying, "Sorry about all this." She was a little stunned and then realized that he was apologizing on Susan's behalf. "It's fine." Pearl chuckled. "You guys must be very disappointed. If this scheme had been successful, I would’ve left the house. By the way, did you think it was me?" "No. I don't think you're that stupid." Pearl smirked. "You're right. What are these insignificant things compared to becoming Missus Waldorf? I'm not stupid.” Richard did not know how to reply. At the hospital, the doctor examined Pearl's hands and said, "Miss, why did you touch gold if you knew that you were allergic? Your boyfriend was careless too. Thankfully, you're fine. I'll give you an ointment and your wounds should heal in a few days." Richard pursed his lips and wanted to explain, but remained silent in the end. After he settled the bill, they went to the pharmacy to pick up her medicine. Pearl sat on a bench and waited for Richard. Before long, he came back. "Hands." She extended her arms and watched as he took out the ointment and applied it to her wounds. "Does it hurt?" A cold, stinging feeling overwhelmed her. It hurt but she kept her smile. "You usually look so cold, but you’re quite considerate, aren’t you, Richard? I think I like you even more now." When he heard her teasing remarks, his face stiffened before he said solemnly, "I told you I wouldn't fall for you." "How boring!" Pearl chuckled. She was just joking around. She had to slowly observe the five brothers anyway. However, a strange feeling rose inside Richard as he gazed at her back when she got up.