Chapter 231

“Are you trying to make the school go bankrupt even faster?” Hans scoffed.
Penelope ignored him and continued, “Then, when the whole nation’s attention was on the incident, I would release the school’s internal surveillance footage. I’d show the public how our staff handled the emergency, demonstrate the strength of our on- site medical capabilities, and then I’d build an entire marketing campaign around that single point: medical security.”
“When children choose a university for their elderly parents, their primary goal is for them to enjoy their golden years. But their biggest concern is whether their parents will receive immediate medical attention if something happens.”
At this, Penelope clapped her hands together.
“As you said, your university’s medical facilities are top-notch, and your doctors are experienced and capable. The gentleman in the video recovered fully after treatment. If my dad ever wanted to attend such a university, I would definitely send him to yours. But the problem is, I know about this advantage. Does anyone else?”
“That incident could have been treated as a crisis or as a marketing opportunity. Your granddaughter chose the former. I would have chosen the latter.”
Hans’ expression shifted. “That’s just wishful thinking!”
“You have to dream big to achieve big. Otherwise, you’re just waiting to die.”
Hans looked at Penelope again, this time with less scorn and sharpness in his eyes. “Child, you may have some talent, but as an elder, I must advise you: don’t be too arrogant. Know your place. Marrying up is a fine thing, but without a firm foundation to stand on, you’ll eventually fall. And a hard fall can be impossible to recover from.”
With that, Hans stood and walked towards the door.
“I don’t need anyone to prop me up. My biological father is dead. My biological father’s entire family is dead. I only hope they rest in peace in heaven and leave me alone!”
Hans found her words utterly bizarre. Without another glance, he strode out of the
room.
Though Penelope had won the verbal spar, the memories that had been dredged up left her feeling low. Not wanting Mr. Johnson to worry, she made an excuse and left.
Just as she got into a taxi, Theodore called. He was getting together with Michael and the others that evening and asked if she wanted to join.
“Okay,” she said, her voice thick with congestion.
“Maybe you should rest at home instead.”
“I want to be with you.”
“Then I’ll stay home with you.”
“You shouldn’t. You’ve probably already made plans with them.”
In the end, Theodore decided to take her with him, but since the gathering was later
that night, she went home to take a nap first.
When she woke up, the sky had grown dark.
She quickly got ready and arranged to meet Theodore at the entrance of her villa complex.
As she stepped out of her house,
she ran right into Zebulon, who was
also heading out, dressed to the nines. She hadn’t seen him jmba féwe days; he seemed busy.
“Penelope our company is holding a celebration banquet in a few days. I’m inviting you to attend. Zebulon sald his face a mask of smug satisfaction.
Penelope raised an eyebrow. “A celebration for what?”
“Our Stone Group is about to partner with the Zenith Group. A two-billion-dollar
project. Isn’t that worth celebrating?”
“Are you… running a fever?”
Zebulon scoffed. “As for that mall
project from KINY Group, we wouldn’t take it now even if you begged us. So you see you can hold anything over me anymore!”
“Wow. So you and Zenith Group have already signed the contract?” Updates are released by
“Hmph. I bet you regret breaking up with me now.”
“So you’ve really signed the contract with Zenith Group?”
“It’s too late for regrets. I don’t want you anymore. I don’t love you anymore!”
Penelope pressed her lips together. “Are you incapable of understanding plain English, even in your dreams?”