CHAPTER SIX

Pearl's POV

I watched as people stared at me. Celeste scoffed with a mocking smirk while others whispered among themselves. Their eyes never left me, making me feel completely out of place.

Grace grabbed my arm and said, "The Foolish Hayes Family—that's the headline in the latest newspaper. What are you going to do, Pearl?"

I stared at her, speechless, before I realised Dominic grabbed my hand and led me away, leaving Grace standing at the edge of the ballroom beside Celeste.

A bodyguard discreetly showed us a private exit, allowing us to leave the presidential gathering unnoticed.

Outside, a young man in a suit had already opened the car door for us. We got in while he walked around to the driver's seat.

"We've gotten new intel, sir," the young man said.

"So you know who did it? Tell me," I demanded angrily.

"And what exactly would you do if I told you?" Dominic asked calmly.

At that moment, I wasn't emotionally ready to listen to him.

"Dominic, I know you won't understand. You're wealthy—you can crush your enemies without thinking twice. Please... you have to help me. My family's business is already on the verge of collapsing. Please help us. My brother needs this."

My voice broke as tears streamed down my face.

"I'll help you," Dominic replied, "but on one condition—you will stay out of this. Don't poke your nose into my business. I'll handle everything, and you are to do absolutely nothing."

Once again, he shut me out.

Why does he always do this?

I looked at him and whispered, "You have my word, Dominic."

A few minutes later, we arrived at the Dominic Estate.

The housekeeper, Miss Park, opened the front door.

"You can leave Pearl with Miss Park. I'll handle this," Dominic said.

The warmth in his voice disappeared instantly. His aura turned cold, and the look on his face became hard and intimidating.

I watched him walk away before turning my attention to the mansion.

It was a magnificent three-story limestone estate, blending modern luxury with classic New York elegance.

As soon as Dominic drove off, I turned to Miss Park.

"How long have you known Dominic?"

"Twenty-seven years, Lady Ashford," she answered with a gentle smile.

I hesitated before asking, "Does he always act like this? Has he always been... so cold?"

Miss Park chuckled softly.

"Lady Ashford, I can assure you Mr. Dominic is a good man. He simply doesn't know how to express himself. Beneath that cold exterior is someone with a kind heart."

Her words comforted me.

After all, Miss Park had no reason to lie.

Dominic's POV

I slapped Liam hard enough to leave a thin trail of blood running down the corner of his mouth—but not hard enough to satisfy my anger.

He slowly wiped the blood away and grinned.

"Dear brother, why are you doing this? We both know you don't love her. You don't care about her family... or do you?"

His mocking laughter echoed through the room.

"Liam," I said coldly, "I've warned you before. Don't cross the line. I have more than enough evidence to throw you into prison. Better yet, I could hand everything over to Grandfather. Let's see who's laughing then. And next time, hire someone competent to do your dirty work."

I stared at him with nothing but disgust.

He laughed again.

"You think I didn't prepare for that? If I were you, I'd find a way to meet Grandfather. Your precious wife's family name has already been stained."

"What stain?" I scoffed. "If you must know, there isn't a single publication damaging the Hayes family."

A satisfied smile crossed my face.

"Thomas," I ordered, "let him go. He's still a useful pawn in this game."

I smirked.

Liam glared at me.

"How dare you pity me? I'll have the upper hand in the end, brother. Trust me—once I make my move, everything you know and everyone you love will change."

Pearl's POV

I went up to my room, took off the ridiculous dress that reminded me of that embarrassing moment, put on my robe, and went into the shower for a warm, relaxing bath. Afterwards, I wore my blue silk pyjamas.

I headed down the staircase, where Miss Park was making pancakes and some oatmeal. I was really comforted by her gesture. She remembered my favourite food exactly the way I like them. Even at my parents' house, I don't get treated with such respect so openly.

"Lady Ashford, here is your dinner. I hope it is to your liking. Forgive young Mr. Ashford for his tardiness again," Miss Park said.

"What is there to forgive? He is never around. Miss Park, can I ask a question?" I said.

"Lady Ashford, you can," she said.

"Before that, it's Pearl, Miss Park," I said with a great smile.

"Oh no, I couldn't, Lady Ashford. That would certainly go against the rules Mr. Ashford gave us," she said.

Of course, Dominic and his overbearing rule.

"Well, as the lady of the house, Miss Park, you should address me as Pearl, or I will call you Madam Park," I said.

"Oh no, no, please, madam, no need to go to such lengths. Mrs. Pearl it is," she said.

"I think I can work with that. Do you know why Dominic only hired a few helpers around his house? It is so large, yet it is so empty," I said.

"Well, young madam, that's because Mr. Ashford does not trust anyone. He always gets into heated rivalries with his siblings, and they don't always see eye to eye. Mistrust grew from there," Miss Park said.

"Ha, I'm sure you already know this, child," she said.

I laughed awkwardly and nodded, except for the fact that I actually knew nothing about him. I hadn't even Googled him.

Since, my parents knew him, I'm not disturb.

"How about I help you with the groceries tomorrow?". My phone rang while I was talking with Miss Park, and I picked it up.

"Have you seen the headlines recently? You've got to check. Call me later," Grace said.

I checked the headlines and I was shocked. I knew crazy things like this could happen, but only in fiction. Guess it's real. Dominic was right. I should have trusted him more.

"What, Vivienne Hayes and Liam Ashford thrashed the Hayes family?" I said loudly.