Khloe approached the group of people arm-in-arm with Ethan.Ethan was a known prodigy. He was a significant figure in Americana's business world, and many families present were eager to collaborate with the Strausses.These young people, accustomed to a life of intrigue and resource exchange, knew whom to befriend. Therefore, they promptly engaged in conversation with the two Strausses.Khloe smiled sweetly in response to everyone. She was the first to answer when someone inquired if Ethan had a girlfriend."My brother is a workaholic. He's never thought about settling down. Besides, whoever wants to be my sister-in-law has to pass my test first," she joked, looking at Ethan."Right, Brother? Only a sister-in-law I approve of can catch your eye."Ethan was aloof in demeanor, but he affectionately ruffled her hair."You're always up to mischief," he chided gently.Khloe stuck out her tongue playfully, her gaze shifting to Penny.She wondered how Penny would react to seeing her
"Who taught you to say such things?"Ethan's expression darkened, and his gaze turned cold. "Khlo, don't start picking up bad habits from Sean."Khloe pouted, feeling wronged. She continued to shake his arm.Ethan was a gentleman. He had always disliked watching women fight over petty jealousies. He devoted himself to work, showing responsibility only toward the Strausses' kin.In his eyes, Khloe was just spoiled but not malicious. She was just a child who wanted the world to revolve around her, which was not wrong considering her youth."Ethan, I was wrong."She bit her lip, obediently quiet now. She knew Ethan disliked such behavior.Ethan still occasionally glanced at Penny.By this time, Penny had walked to a distant viewing platform. They were high up in the mountains, so the place offered a majestic night view.It was as if the Milky Way had scattered across the earth. It was her first time seeing Imperial City from this perspective.As she sat on a stone bench, Caleb r
Penny was uninterested in watching Khloe's little performance. She merely quietly finished the food on her plate.Caleb, too, did not look at the opposite side but rested his cheek on one hand. He smiled as he watched Penny. It seemed as if watching her eat was an amusing activity.When Penny was about to eat more after finishing half of her portion, he gently pressed her hand with his fingertips."It’s seafood. Don’t eat too much or you might get a stomach ache," he cautioned her.Reluctantly, she put the food down.Caleb calmly took a wet wipe from nearby. As he held her hand, he meticulously wiped each of her fingers as if they were delicate works of art.He was so engrossed in the task that he did not notice the attention they were attracting from everyone around.Penny was equally captivated, unaware of the strange atmosphere developing.After a while, Liam spoke up."Caleb, Winston said Finn called you, but you didn't answer. He wants you to call him back."When Winston
Caleb's hand paused. He was genuinely amazed at this woman's audacity.Meanwhile, outside in the hall, Penny stiffened as she listened to the voice on the phone.The caller was Grandpa Fergerson, who was currently missing."Penpen." The voice on the other end hesitated before breaking into a cough."Grandpa Fergerson?"Penny thought she was hallucinating and urgently responded, "Where are you right now? Caleb has been searching for you.""Penpen, let's meet tomorrow night. Don't tell Caleb."Tomorrow night? By that time, they would already be in the mountains, spending the night there. This implied that Sir Fergerson was nearby but unwilling to show himself.With many questions in her mind, Penny heard him say, "There are some things I want to ask you alone, so Caleb must not know."After saying this, he started to cough heavily again.Sir Fergerson was already frail when he left, and he probably did not have much time left."Grandpa, I'll ask Caleb to track this signal's
Wind was at a loss for words as Khloe smiled at him, the fragrance of her hair filling his nostrils.As he was about to get lost in her gaze, he heard her say, "I can't wait any longer, Wind. During this trip, I want you to kill Penny."Khloe's face was cold. Her lips curved in a sinister smile as she cupped his face with her hands."You said you could be the knife in my hand."Killing Penny during the hike meant risking discovery by Caleb at any moment.If Caleb paid even a little attention, he would know who was behind it.This meant Khloe was asking Wind to risk his life to take Penny's."Can you do it, Wind?"Wind lowered his gaze, his braid falling over his shoulder. He looked up at her."I can, Ms. Khloe.""Good. Tomorrow night, keep an eye on Penny. The moment she's out of Cally's sight, make your move. Make sure she dies, Wind. You know, I can't stand playing with her anymore. My illness might worsen if this continues. You don't want anything to happen to me, right?"
The atmosphere in the hallway turned awkward in an instant.Penny stood at the door, unable to comprehend why Caleb would embrace Khloe. It seemed like they might have even kissed if not for the interruption.Upon hearing the door open, Caleb immediately regained his senses and pushed Khloe away with considerable force.Khloe was caught off balance and fell to the floor.Ethan quickly approached and punched Caleb in the chest.Unable to dodge in time, Caleb staggered backward several steps.Ethan's expression was icy as he helped Khloe up. He asked her gently, "Khlo, are you okay?"With reddened eyes, Khloe nestled into his embrace. "Ethan, my chest feels uncomfortable, I..."As she spoke, she was even starting to gasp for air, and her cheeks turned red.Ethan promptly looked for her medication and administered it to her.Khloe was sobbing as she stayed in Ethan's arms, refusing to look at Caleb.Her appearance suggested she felt betrayed by Caleb despite their seemingly int
After being brought back to her room, Khloe continued to sob.Ethan prepared a hot bath for her and sighed upon hearing her cry.“He’s obviously stringing both of you along.”“I know, Ethan, but I just can’t let go of him. Even if he doesn’t bat an eyelid toward me in front of others.”Ethan’s frown deepened. Having been overly protected, his sister had limited interactions with the opposite sex, leading to her current infatuation.“He was the one who first wrote letters to me. I still keep them. If it weren't for my health, I would've come to him much earlier. There wouldn’t have been any issue with Penny. When Caleb held me in his arms just now, I couldn’t resist him at all,” she continued, wiping her tear-streaked cheeks.“So, Ethan, can you help me? I want to marry him. Even if his heart is with Penny, I just want him. He'll surely treat me well after marriage.”Hearing this, Ethan was incredulous at her love-struck state.However, his beloved sister was holding his hand an
Penny almost instantly sat up from the bed, thinking it was someone pulling a prank on her.The next second later, another message came through: [That nightgown looks pretty good on you.]Penny felt a tingling on her scalp. She suddenly recalled the numerous cameras in her previous house. It was a feeling that made her nauseous.She turned off the lights and scanned the room, finding no hidden cameras around.Then, she got up and went to the window. She was just about to draw the curtains when her phone rang again.You look so cute searching for me. I was too rough on you last time. Did my Penpen take some birth control pills?]It was Casby.Penny's hand that was still holding the curtains felt sweaty at that moment.She hastily drew the curtains, ensuring no one outside could see in. She then sat back on the bed, feeling uneasy.No new messages came after that, but she felt very unsettled.She went to the bathroom again, double-checking every corner to ensure no one was hidi
Penny was displeased but was too shy to voice it out. Her body felt empty.“Are you happy that he’s back?” “No.” “Then, do you want me?” Penny bit her lip. He had caused sweat to break out across her body. Caleb’s phone rang. Finn was on the other end of the line. He answered the phone, and Finn’s voice rang out. “Imperial City is going to be in chaos tonight. The higher-ups are hunting for the results of Caspian's experiments, and even Uncle Shawn is getting involved in this. "He just called and told me that the higher-ups contacted him and basically forced him to agree to convince Caspian to give them the results. "Cas has also contacted the higher-ups himself and told them that unless Penny is by his side, the mental torture he was subjected to will stop him from recalling where he’s put the chip.” It was a matter of national security, and this was what Caspian was using as his bartering chip the minute he returned. There was no doubt the higher-ups would put a
Penny had made it out of the room by then. Her face was deathly pale. “Penny!” Caleb ran after her and pulled her into his arms. He pulled her behind a pillar where no one could see them. Caleb knew what was going through her mind, and he held her face in his hands. She did not look at him. Her chest heaved as she struggled to process the truth. Caleb did not know what to say and merely brushed the tip of his nose against hers. When she did not resist, he slowly moved down and kissed her. He knew why Caspian had chosen this sort of appearance. Not only would he manage to devastate Penny, but he could also announce to everyone that he was Penny’s first love. That way, he could also cause Caleb to find himself in a sticky situation. However, Caleb could not care less. As he kissed Penny, he tightened his arms around her waist. Their breaths turned ragged as they continued kissing for another ten minutes. Finally, he rested his forehead on her shoulder. His back was slig
Despite everyone staring at him, Caleb only had eyes for Penny. Penny did not know the reason behind that, and her brows were knitted together tightly as she watched Caspian make his way down from the second floor. He took the ring from the host and placed it before her solemnly. “I’m here to fulfill my promise, Penpen.” Penny wanted to smack his hand away, but he slowly bent over and smiled as he took her hand. He tried to put the ring on her finger, but his actions were stopped by someone else. He looked in the direction where the hand had come from, and his gaze met Caleb. “Long time no see, Caleb.” Caleb pulled Penny from her seat into his arms. She was left with no choice but to sit on his lap. Caleb could not care less about whatever sort of tricks Caspian would pull. If he allowed Caspian to put that finger on Penny’s finger, he would change his last name! Penny wanted to struggle out of his grasp, but the warmth of his body caused her to stop. He was still
Some people were speculating if they had gotten back together again, and some were even wondering if Caleb was blind. Why did he pass on Khloe Strauss and choose a designer who did not come from a prestigious family? No matter how well Penny ran her company, these people would still view her as a lowly designer fighting to make a name for herself in the market. She ignored everyone else’s stares and merely took a piece of tissue. She turned slightly to wipe the sweat from Caleb’s forehead. Caleb opened his eyes slightly and looked at her. The two did not say anything. Plenty of people were standing around them, but the light above their heads seemed to have enveloped them in a world of their own. Penny felt her heart rate increase as she clutched the tissue and returned her gaze to the stage. “This is a piece of emerald that Mr. Winston Hill has donated. Bidding starts at three million dollars.” Everyone’s gaze turned toward Winston. Winston smiled at everyone as he int
Ethan patted her head and then noticed Sean's gaze shifting toward them."Sean?"Sean leaned back and remained silent, merely twirling his phone between his thumb and forefinger. His lowered lashes cast a shadow.He stood up and heard Ethan say again, "Leave your phone."Sean chuckled. "Ethan, you're being too serious right now."He left his phone behind and went upstairs.Khloe continued to sway Ethan's shoulders."Ethan, I had Wind take action against Penny tonight. This time, success is mandatory. Failure is not an option."Ethan's expression turned grave instantly. "Didn't I tell you not to act on your own?""But I nearly lost my life because of her, twice."After saying this, she touched the area over her heart, her complexion turning pale in a moment."Khlo?"This time, Khloe genuinely felt discomfort in her heart, and the next second, she fainted."Khlo!"Ethan was no longer concerned about reprimanding her and immediately took her to the hospital.…Tonight, the
After returning to Dawn Haven Villa, Penny pulled up her laptop to check public opinion. There were those who vilified Zach, those who vilified her, and even more who vilified S.M. The autistic child's mother, who had published that post online, was even planning to hold a press conference today to accuse S.M. of not having contacted her yet.Penny obtained the mother's contact number and made a call, but the woman did not answer.After just testing the waters, Penny hung up. She then had people from Dawn Haven Villa follow the autistic child's parents and also had someone investigate the whereabouts of Linda and her group.After leaving Sky Lounge last night, that group of wealthy youths checked into a villa Khloe had purchased in Imperial City.The villa had helpers to attend to them, and the group of wealthy youths lived it up.Penny had a rough idea of the culture in Americana, which was much more open than here, with many policies far more lenient.Her fingertips tapped on
A lot of people had gathered around the police station. Zach had just won a grand prize and was currently a top male star with many fans.Hence, being embroiled in a scandal like this shocked the entire internet.The post written by the autistic child's parents placed Zach directly in the spotlight.The combination of the words 'child', 'abuse', and 'autism' had a huge impact.Fans were voicing their disbelief, but bystanders had already boiled over with rage online, hurling insults and curses.S.M. instantly became the target of public condemnation!When Penny arrived at the entrance of the police station, Zach's agent, Otis, was already waiting there. The grown man was crying so hard his eyes were red."Ms. Sullivan!"He immediately stood up from the ground when he saw Penny."I'm sorry, Ms. Sullivan."Penny did not look at him and headed straight into the police station.Zach was sitting on a bench with a police officer still questioning him.Penny had a strong presence.
Penny stood still for a while, feeling unsettled as she got back into the car.Firstly, it was due to her situation with Caleb. Secondly, it was because of Ethan's words. Was something about to happen?She looked up, intending to speak with Winona. However, she suddenly heard Winona's soft sobs. She was lying on the steering wheel, so engrossed in her emotions that she did not notice Penny getting into the car."Winona?" Penny called out.Awakened from her daze, Winona quickly sat up straight. "Ms. Sullivan.""Did your ex-boyfriend come looking for you again? Haven't you already paid him back? Won't his family let you be?""That’s not it.""Is it because he and that woman are getting married? Did they send you a wedding invitation, which made you feel upset?""No."Then what was it?Penny knew that the family situations of the people close to her were quite simple. Winona came from a single-parent family, and her mother did not care much for her.Raven's parents had passed a
Ethan's gaze fell on Penny, and his brows furrowed. His good upbringing prevented him from making any sarcastic remarks at this moment.After all, Penny was alone on her side. On the contrary, they had strength in numbers. Khloe was just discharged from the hospital today and was planning to welcome friends who had come all the way from Americana to see her.Seeing Penny alone, she felt a surge of satisfaction.Given her status as Ms. Strauss, she had many friends in Americana and would never be as isolated as Penny.She had specifically called Linda over, knowing Linda's temper was explosive. Just a little sob story from her and Linda could spew out some really nasty words.Linda spoke up again at this moment."Slut, we'll get you killed sooner or later!"She touched her face as she glared fiercely at Penny as if she wanted to devour her alive.Khloe quickly intervened, saying, "Linda, let's go. We should head inside."Ethan, Sean, let's go."Sean stood by, sighing slightl