Penny took a deep breath, put her arms around Caleb's neck, leaned in, and kissed him.In the few intimate encounters she had, Penny had always been in a passive position. She was uncertain of how to take charge.Caleb responded by pressing her against the door with a newfound assertiveness.The kiss deepened and lasted for ten minutes. Finally, Caleb released Penny and left her somewhat breathless. However, she had not forgotten about her request."Mr. Fergerson, what do you think?"All traces of his anger had dissipated entirely.Caleb looked at her and said, "I have germophobia.""I know.""Have you been with anyone besides your husband and me?""No."Her answer satisfied him, so he looked away. He opened the door, his tone easing as he said, "You can take a week off.""Thank you, Mr. Fergerson."Caleb ignored her and entered the elevator.Penny did not follow suit.As the elevator doors closed, Caleb felt the urge to smoke. The moment she kissed him, Caleb felt his
During this time, Penny also managed to call Laura to inform her about her decision to head home early. She also requested that Laura not set her up with any more men. She decided to keep the fact that she was stranded on the top floor to herself. She figured that if Caleb did not show up, the cleaning staff would eventually find her.Penny sat against the wall in the corridor and felt the discomfort of the high heels she had chosen to wear that night. Her feet were aching from standing.As she heard footsteps from the corridor, Penny quickly looked up and spotted Caleb walking toward her. With a mixture of relief and anticipation, she rose to her feet and called out to him, "Mr. Fergerson."She was careful not to provoke Caleb. She knew all too well that antagonizing him could lead to consequences similar to what happened to Purvi Group.Caleb stood by her side. His silence stretched for a few moments before he finally said, "Let's go."Penny followed him closely as she was d
Laura and Penny enjoyed the cake together before Laura bid her goodbye and left.Penny slept until dawn before she headed to the Sullivans' residence to accompany Nani. She had previously asked Zane to stay in the hospital a little longer, but he was back as he wanted to celebrate her birthday with her.In the past, Penny was happy whenever her father was around on her birthday. However, their recent interactions were marked by awkward silences.Zane had instructed the mansion's chefs to prepare a lavish meal for the occasion.On the other hand, Chris Sullivan, who was still stinging from his previous loss at Penny's hands, could not stand the thought of his two sons being jobless while Zane enjoyed the luxuries of living in a grand mansion. Envy consumed him.Unable to contain his frustration, he confided in Spencer Hughes."Mom, don't you think Penny doesn't look anything like Zane? Her face is just too distracting. I suspect that Maeve hooked up with someone else and had h
Zane had faced too many upheavals recently. His body could not help but convulse from the shock.Penny had already communicated with the hospital beforehand and understood that Zane's life could only be sustained through medication. Hospitalization would not provide much help at this point. The key was to prevent him from getting agitated.However, at that moment, Zane coughed up a mouthful of blood.Chris and Spencer exchanged a triumphant glance, their eyes gleaming with satisfaction.They thought to themselves, ‘If Zane dies, we can inherit his fortune!’Penny immediately rushed to Zane's side. She called for the doctor while she checked the paternity test results.Spencer sneered."You can leave now. This is a Sullivan family matter and has nothing to do with you."Just as she finished her sentence, Penny summoned the security personnel into the room."Get these people out of here!"Spencer was fueled by anger and nearly threw a teapot at Penny, but her sharp gaze deterre
Penny fell silent and Zane looked down."I have a total of 35% of the shares. I'll give 20% to Willow and 15% to you."Penny's mouth tasted bitter. She was unsure of what to say.She was always the one left out.It was the case with her uncle's family, Caleb, and now Zane.She had never been needed by anyone.There was someone who once told her that she was important, but he left her without hesitation."Penny, Maeve had to give up her career in painting to take care of you. Her health deteriorated because of that."The burden of gratitude instantly overwhelmed Penny."If you're not my daughter, then you must not be Maeve's either. Maybe the hospital made a mistake at that time. I don't know whether the child Maeve gave birth to survived or not, but I want you to find out."Zane closed his eyes wearily."I don't have much time left. When I was discharged the last time, I overheard the doctors talking. I only have six months to live."Every word Zane uttered was putting more
Willow laughed wildly in place and did not forget to admonish Penny, "Dad's giving me 20% of the shares. You have to manage Sullivan Corporation while I just need to sit back and collect money. Haven't you noticed? You've been used. It's truly pitiful. 20-odd years of companionship can't outweigh blood ties. Penny, nobody will care about you—not even Caleb."Penny ignored her and drove away.She looked at Willow's reflection in the rearview mirror and knew that at that moment, Willow had truly won.Willow was right about one thing. She had indeed been used.However, the weight of gratitude she felt toward Zane and Maeve pressed down on her. It made it impossible for her to go against what Zane wanted.As she drove back to The Rosarium, she received a call from a gift company."Ms. Sullivan, hello. We have a gift prepared several years ago that was specifically instructed to be given to you today. Can you let us know your address? We'll have someone deliver it to your doorstep."
Caleb rubbed his forehead with his hand."You called me here just for this?""Cas went on a secret mission. He's been dead for so many years, yet his higher-ups are still investigating everything to do with him—including your father. Your father hasn't come home for many years, so I’m certain that your brother must have left something important behind. "It's highly possible that it's in the hands of his girlfriend. Perhaps even his girlfriend isn't aware of the importance of what she’s holding on to."Caleb remained silent. He was dressed in a suit and exuded a cold aura."Caleb, maybe you should think about what kind of girl Cas would like. We can screen them one by one in Imperial City. Perhaps it will be quicker."Caleb was about to leave. Finn saw his complete lack of interest and glanced at him."That information might uncover the reason for Cas's death."Caleb's body stiffened, and his lips formed a straight line."I've looked into it. He had no interactions with any fe
Penny's fingertips tightened on the steering wheel, and her face turned as red as a tomato.Caleb released her.Penny did not say anything. She looked a little flustered and just stared ahead."Penny.""Mm?""You should consider divorcing your husband."Penny felt a chill in the night breeze. She did not respond to him.With that, Caleb's gaze gradually turned cold.A few minutes later, Penny turned her head to look at him. Her tone remained calm as she said, "Mr. Fergerson, why do you say that?"Her gaze remained indifferent even though her cheeks still bore the blush from his kiss.At that moment, Caleb was at a loss for words.He furrowed his brows as he did not understand why he had suddenly said that. He thought to himself, ‘I want her to get a divorce, and then what? Would I take responsibility for her? She's already been sleeping with her husband for three years before I got involved.’He felt disgusted when he thought of her being in bed with that kind of man."L