Chapter 418 Flattery
Pearl was a bit surprised.
Oscar looked at her calmly. "Your clothes are dirty. You probably need a shower."
Pearl glanced at herself. At home, she bathed daily, but here, it wasn't as easy. She'd given up on daily baths. After being buried under rubble, she definitely wasn't clean. She didn't expect Oscar to be so considerate.
She sniffed herself. "Do I smell?"
"No," Oscar said, his deep eyes on her. "I know you like to stay clean."
His words stunned Pearl. She looked at Oscar. They were divorced; he didn't need to care for her. Yet, he still showed concern.
Pearl pursed her lips and looked away. "I'll head back now."
"Okay," Oscar replied.
Pearl turned and left. Oscar watched her until she was out of sight, then turned and saw Elijah sneaking around.
Oscar got serious. "What are you doing there?"
Elijah had just arrived and saw them talking. He only saw a blurry figure and didn't know it was Pearl. Elijah muttered to himself.
Oscar frowned. "What are you saying?"
"I have something to say," Elijah hesitated, nervous. "That woman looks like Pearl, but she's not. Mr. Brown, don't betray Pearl!"
Oscar's face darkened, and he kicked Elijah hard, then left. Elijah hugged his leg, realizing Oscar didn't want to discuss it. He looked at Oscar, then the direction Pearl had gone.
'What's going on?'
When Pearl returned, she smelled barbecue near the tent. She was puzzled. She'd already eaten, so why was there this smell?
She walked in and saw a plate of barbecue on the table, still steaming.
"Whose meat is this? Was it delivered to the wrong place?"
Pearl went out to ask. "I don't know," someone replied. "It must be for you. There's no one else here!"
Pearl looked around but saw no one. She decided to go back inside.
As she walked in, Paloma sighed in relief. As long as Pearl accepted her gesture, it was enough. She slowly walked out, intending to leave.
Pearl's voice came from behind. "Did you make this?"
Paloma stiffened, feeling guilty as she turned around slowly.
She huffed awkwardly. "So what if it is?"
Pearl crossed her arms, looking at her. "Why bring this to me? Weren't you trying to kick me out a few days ago?"
Paloma, embarrassed, looked up. "I was afraid you'd starve. The village is destroyed, and people are eating communal meals. I didn't see you around. I don't want any more deaths here."
Pearl thought of Paloma's tricks from a few days ago and how she had saved her brother Ricardo. Paloma probably felt guilty and made her a meal.
Pearl sat down and glanced at the barbecue. "Did you bring the only meat from your house?"
"Who said that!" Paloma followed her in. "We're all eating this. No special treatment for you!"
Paloma, still young, couldn't hide her emotions.
Pearl didn't call her out and took a bite.
Seeing this, Paloma looked hopeful. "How does it taste?"
Pearl nodded. "Not bad."
Paloma beamed. "Tasty, right? It's not worse than the food you have back home."
Pearl asked, "Did you eat?"
Paloma rubbed her stomach. She had only made a meal for Pearl and forgot to eat herself.
Pearl saw through her and handed over the barbecue. "Have some."
Paloma hesitated. "No, it's for you."
Pearl replied, "I'm on a diet. A little is enough for me."
Paloma looked at her. "With such a slim figure, why do you still want to lose weight?"
"Good figures need maintenance," Pearl said. "Given the current conditions, we can't waste food."
Paloma wanted to eat with her. "Of course I know!" She immediately picked up the food and ate with her.
"It's really good!" Paloma was satisfied. Meat wasn't something they could eat every day.
Pearl said, "You can eat it all."
Paloma nodded happily, then remembered something and put down her fork. "Thank you for saving Ricardo."
"Ricardo already thanked me. You don't need to."
Paloma insisted, "It's different. I'll remember your kindness."
She quickly finished eating. "I'm full."
Paloma cleaned up and left.
"Be careful. It's late," Pearl reminded.
"Got it. I need to get back early," Paloma said.
Meanwhile, Valentina Cruz approached but was stopped. "You can't come in here."
Valentina said softly, "I'm here to see Mr. Brown."
"Mr. Brown is resting. Come back tomorrow."
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