Chapter 32: Many Women Around Him

The crowd dispersed. Patrick helped Pearl to her feet and asked, "Are you alright?"

Pearl shook her head. "I'm alright, sir."

"I've booked a room here. You can wash up first. I'll have someone buy you a new set of clothes. Afterward, go to the hospital. You have many injuries."

Pearl stared at Patrick, dazed. Although she had always clung to Gabriella, she had never spoken to him.

With a pale face, she thanked him. "Okay, thank you, sir."

Patrick left Pearl in the presidential suite and went to socialize. Pearl had never seen such luxury. Everything made her feel the life of the upper class. Soon, Patrick's secretary arrived with a dress.

Pearl recognized the international brand. She entered the bathroom and showered, washing away the dirt and humiliation Gabriella had inflicted.

She looked in the mirror. Her slapped face was reddened, but it couldn't hide her beauty. Remembering the humiliation, she clenched her fists. Coming from a poor family, she had always been bullied. She didn't want to live that life anymore. This was her golden opportunity.

She wanted to be with Patrick! The thought of becoming a Hart, Gabriella and Olive's stepmother, brought a smile to her face.

Patrick returned to the suite after the party. He had drunk a lot of wine and fell onto the bed. His phone rang—Monica. He ignored the call. Since he'd slapped her outside the hotel, she'd been causing trouble. Monica had capital and, in recent years, had used her connections to secure Patrick many business deals. But he couldn't forget his ex-wife, which infuriated Monica.

The ringing phone was loud, so Patrick switched it off. He took out his wallet and stared at a picture of Olive's mother, Trisha. The photo, taken on a summer afternoon, showed Trisha sitting in a flower-covered wicker chair, holding a medical book. Olive looked so much like her. Patrick's fingers fondly traced Trisha's eyebrows.

Pearl emerged from the bathroom and approached the bed. Patrick was asleep, but he murmured Trisha's name.

Pearl reached out and began to undress Patrick. Though in his forties, he exercised regularly. His muscles were firm; he was mature and powerful.

Patrick suddenly grabbed her. "Who are you?"

Pearl, panicked by his awakening, stammered, "Uncle, it's me, I…"

"Trisha, are you back?"

Patrick pulled Pearl into his arms and held her down.

Chapter 32: Many Women Around Him

Olive learned of Gabriella's violent attack on Pearl. The "plastic sisters" hadn't lasted. Neither disappointed her.

Olive felt no sympathy for Pearl. She believed Pearl could have lived with dignity but was greedy and vain. Olive planned to visit Pearl, but Derrick found her.

"Olly, I finally found you."

"Derrick, why are you looking for me?"

Derrick grabbed her hand. "Let's go. I want to take you to see someone."

Olive quickly pulled away. "Derrick, you're so impatient. Don't touch me if you want me to go with you."

Derrick, clearly in a good mood, didn't mind her attitude. He released her hand. "Let's go then."

Olive followed.

They arrived at a luxurious room. Derrick pursed his lips. "Olive, see for yourself."

Olive looked inside. The room smelled of smoke. Los Angeles dignitaries were playing cards; among them was a familiar face—Elvis Augustine. He hadn't gone home in two days.