: 83 +8 Pearls After much hesitation , Emma decided to follow him outside . However , he had already ended the call . Though she hadn't caught the conversation , her eyes stayed glued to his phone . " Who was that just now ? " The flash of anger on her face quickly vanished , replaced by a sweet , obedient expression as she stood before him . " There's something at work I need to handle . I have to go , " Michael replied curtly , not bothering to answer her question as he walked out the door . " Darl- " The word " darling " got caught in Emma's throat . Once he had completely left , she stormed back into the room , ripped off her mask , and smashed everything on the table into pieces . A glint of malice flashed in her eyes . No way ! He has to be mine ! I've got to secure my place with him through our child - no matter what ! Sitting in the backseat of the car , Michael glanced at Eric , who was about to start the engine . " Get someone to look into who Clara met today . " Eric stopped what he was doing , picked up his phone , and called his contacts . As the car drove along , Eric occasionally checked the rearview mirror . Just as he was about to ask Michael about their next destination , his phone buzzed . Eric looked at the incoming photo and handed the phone to Michael in the backseat . " Mr. Goodman , it looks like Mrs. Goodman met with Howard Xander today . " Michael took the phone and reviewed the detailed message from his subordinate , along with the pictures of Clara at the club . " Find out where Clara is right now , " he instructed , using Eric's phone to make the call . The person on the other end , initially taken aback by Michael's voice , quickly responded , " Yes , right away ! " Soon after , Michael received an update from his subordinate . " Mr. Goodman , Miss Clara Bennett is on her way to meet Howard Xander . Howard is currently at his underground trading club ." Michael didn't say a word . After hanging up , he turned to Eric and said , " Head to Howard's underground trading club immediately ! " 1/2 11:52 Sat , Oct 18 M ... Howard Xander , the heir to the Xander Group , had been building his own influence over the years , though it was all in shady areas . His underground club was one of his enterprises . His character was erratic . Despite Benjamin's multiple attempts to court him , he had never managed to bring Howard to his side . Instead , Howard had often clashed with him in business dealings . While Michael had to deal with Benjamin , he also had to manage Howard's presence , which is why Howard hadn't been removed from the equation yet . Clara arrived outside the underground trading club and glanced around . It looked like an ordinary hotel - luxurious but somewhat isolated . After Michael had turned her down , she had called Howard out of frustration . He had given her the address , and so here she was . " Miss Bennett , Mr. Xander is expecting you . " An assistant came out from inside , gesturing politely for her to follow . Clara nodded and followed the assistant into the building . They descended to the third basement level , where the noise was deafening . The assistant guided her into a fairly standard reception room before leaving . Clara saw Howard sitting behind an office chair , a sly smile playing on his lips as he looked at her . " Miss Bennett , or should I say , Mrs. Goodman ? " Clara's heart skipped a beat as she noticed a stack of documents on the desk - documents containing detailed information about her . It was clear that Howard had done his homework . Howard kept his refined demeanor , but his gaze was far from friendly . It was so intense that it made her want to flee . Instinctively , she took a step toward the door , but Howard's voice stopped her . " Aren't you here to discuss a project with me ? Leaving so soon ? " Send Gifts 口 ( Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!