Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

They didn't chat for long before a knock was heard on the door. Esther quickly went to open it and was surprised to find James's mom, Agnes Foster, standing there. Esther didn't know how to face her after what had happened. Even though she was okay and nothing bad had happened, there were still rumors flying around.

She was worried that James's family might think less of her because of it. So, she greeted Agnes with a shy "Hello, Aunt Agnes," not sure what to expect.

But instead of asking lots of questions or looking worried, Agnes just gave her a big hug, full of concern.

"What happened, Este? Are you okay?" Agnes asked.

Feeling the warmth and care in Agnes's voice, Esther felt a rush of relief. "No, I'm okay, nothing happened," she replied.

Hearing this, Agnes looked relieved. "Oh, thank goodness. I heard you were kidnapped, and I've been so worried. I've been asking James to search for you nonstop."

Seeing the dark circles on Agnes's usually good complexion, Esther believed she cared for her deeply. "I was lucky. A friend found me and helped me, so I was safe," she explained.

Agnes's eyes lit up with gratitude. "A friend? We need to thank them! They've done our family a huge favor."

Before Esther could respond, James chimed in, "If you let your future daughter-in-law get in touch with that friend, she might be taken by him."

Agnes was initially confused but

then realized what he meant. She wasn't mad at Esther; instead, she scolded James, "This happened because you weren't good enough. If she leaves you, I won't forgive you."

James could only shrug, accepting his mom's anger. He brought this to himself.

Agnes then decided Esther needed some cheering up and suggested a shopping trip to the mall, with James carrying the bags.

James had no choice but to agree, both because he couldn't say no to his mom and for Esther's safety.This is from NôvelDrama.Org.

So off they went to the biggest mall

in Enswood. The mall was huge, with the first few floors for regular shopping and the upper floors for luxury items.

Esther, now a well-known celebrity and coming from a wealthy family, hadn't shopped for herself in years as brands would send items directly to her. But she could see how excited Agnes was and didn't want to disappoint her, so she went along to the fifth floor, where high-end, custom-made clothes were sold.

Agnes, who never wore clothes that anyone else had, was greeted warmly by the shop staff as they entered.