The next morning, while Penny was still resting, he pulled her up.“Let’s go buy New Year’s goods.”Penny had been worn out by him until the early morning and was utterly exhausted. When she was led to the car, she felt so limp that she rested on his shoulder to catch up on some sleep.Caleb shifted her to a more comfortable position. While he dealt with the documents in one hand, he used the other to support her, ensuring her head did not droop.Upon reaching the mall, he noticed the mall doors were firmly shut. Being the driver, Sebastian then realized his oversight.“Sir, it seems the mall opens at nine.”It was only seven, and the mall’s doors were still locked.Sebastian, having never been to the mall, had forgotten to remind them. It was an oversight on his part.Neither Caleb nor Penny had ever been to the mall early in the morning either, so both were unaware.Hearing Sebastian’s words, Penny raised her eyelids slightly and could not help but laugh.“Mr. Fergerson, sh
Penny stayed still, even deliberately raising her shoulder a bit, just to make him more comfortable.By nine o’clock, the mall’s doors had opened.She looked down, about to call out to him. That was when she noticed that he had already opened his eyes, as if he had an internal alarm clock.He took her hand and led her out of the car, with Sebastian silently following behind them. He was responsible for carrying things.Caleb had never shopped for New Year’s items before. At each shop, he would turn to her and ask, “Do we need this?”Penny had done her research, so she nodded. They ended up buying several large bags of goods.The previous night, when it was time for fireworks to be set off all over the city, they had been passionately engaged in bed and had missed the display. He asked, “Do you want to watch the fireworks?”Probably few women could resist fireworks.Penny nodded again.Suddenly, he draped an arm over her shoulder, his tone dropping. “It seems you know exactly w
He chuckled. He had been so good to her, giving her such a large piece of land that its appreciation now was in the tens of millions.She had not even given him a gift once, yet she had given such an expensive item to another man.Ingrate.A true ingrate.Caleb’s lips tightened coldly.For the rest of the time, Penny felt that his mood had dampened. They casually bought a few more things and then returned to Kensington Gardens.She picked up several garlands, uncertain where to hang them.Caleb also stood by, but his enthusiasm had waned. He was not really in the mood to decorate.Decorations were more fun when done together. Seeing his reaction, Penny assumed he did not like the garlands and asked the staff to put them away.Caleb frowned. Hearing her instructions, he quickly stood up.“Why put them away?”“I thought you didn’t like them.”“Who told you that?”He picked up a garland and fetched a foldable ladder.Penny, fearing he might fall, hurriedly went to steady the
Caleb kissed her after attaching the hair clip to her hair. “A New Year’s gift.” That reminded Penny she had not prepared him anything.He checked the time after getting to his feet. They had been at it for two hours. He could not believe they had been making out for two hours straight. “I’ve got to go now. I’m visiting my grandfather before heading to the Fergerson Estate. All you need to do is stay at Kensington Gardens and leave once it’s seven o’clock.” “Alright.” Her cheeks were still tinted red, and she sat on the couch, feeling like a puddle. In Caleb’s eyes, she looked exactly like a sweet piece of cake that he wished he could enjoy every day. Hence, when he saw the look on her face, he desperately wanted to put a hold on what he was supposed to do and spend more time with her instead. He wanted to exert so much force on her that she would crumble into a million tiny pieces.However, he managed to get a grip on himself and left the premises. As he walked out
The room immediately fell silent after Shawn slapped her. It was not Aurelia’s first time getting slapped. She put a hand against her cheek and sobbed as she sank to the floor. Caleb sat on the couch, an aloof look on his face as he watched their fight go from being verbal to physical. Fragments of memories suddenly flitted through his mind. They had always acted this way. Ever since he was a child, this was how they had been. He picked up his cup from the table and sipped from it as he turned. He asked a nearby staff member, “When will dinner be ready?” It was as if what was happening before his eyes did not affect him at all. When Aurelia realized just how apathetic her son was, another wave of sadness washed over her as her sobs grew louder. There were plenty of domestic staff watching them in the living room, and Shawn found what she was doing embarrassing. “You can cry outside if you want to. Don’t disrupt our celebrations.” Aurelia got to her feet and ran into t
They drove for a solid two hours before arriving at the military base. There was a heavy police presence in the area, with sentry posts placed every five paces from each other. Shawn lowered the window and only gained access after they got a good look at his face. Caleb wanted to leave right after Shawn got out of the car, but Shawn spoke to him. “Come have a drink with me in my office.” He had no choice but to get out as well.They walked through the building and arrived at Shawn’s office. He had a family picture on his desk. Even Aurelia was in the picture. The four of them looked like a picture-perfect family. Caleb did not recall taking that picture, and he picked up the frame to take a better look at it. Shawn felt a jolt of excitement run through him when he saw Caleb showing interest in the picture. He immediately brought out a photo album. “These here are all pictures of you when you were still a child, and these are pictures from when you were enlisted in th
She checked the time after taking her seat. It was 20 minutes past seven. Caleb would be arriving in approximately ten minutes. The restaurant was warmly lit, and her thoughts began drifting as she turned and gazed out the window. This was probably the best New Year’s celebration she had had in recent years. She had not expected Caleb to be the one accompanying her. It was an odd feeling. Some time passed before she took her phone out and checked the time again. It was eight o’clock, but Caleb had not arrived yet. The server approached her and asked if she would like to start her meal. She smiled. “I’m good. My companion has not arrived yet.” The server retreated. As the clock approached nine, Penny began getting hungry. Her eyebrows knitted themselves together. Caleb did not seem like someone who would be tardy. Unable to stop herself, she dialed his number. Caleb answered the phone. “What’s the matter, Penny?” His voice sounded so gentle that Penny began sus
Penny could not fall asleep, and she spoke to Caleb in a formal tone after answering the phone. “Hello, Mr. Fergerson.” “Penny, I…” He wanted to tell her he had been forced to stay and undergo a bunch of tests on his head that evening. He had not intended to forget their date. However, what Penny said next shut him up. “It doesn’t matter that you forgot, Mr. Fergerson. You’re a busy man.” Caleb felt stifled. Was he such a fickle man in her eyes? He did not know what to say in response. “If there isn’t anything else you want to say, I’ll hang up the phone now, Mr. Fergerson.” “Penny.” He could not stop himself from calling her name. “Why don’t we meet now?” They could watch the fireworks again. “That’s alright. I’m quite tired. You should get some rest too, Mr. Fergerson.” Penny hung up the phone after she finished her sentence. Caleb listened to the dial tone while he sat in his seat and stared at the cold food in front of him. He sighed softly. After Penny hu
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