Chapter 248

With a final, contemptuous snort, Yvonne tossed her head back and swept off toward the restroom.
Penelope had no desire for any interaction with Yvonne. It seemed she would have
to remind Theodore to handle his collection of obsessed admirers.
“Did Yvonne say something hurtful?”
No sooner had Yvonne left than Donald approached her table.
Penelope was silent for a moment before looking up at him. “Yes, she said
something very hurtful.”
Donald wore an apologetic expression. “That girl has been spoiled by the family. I apologize on her behalf.”
Spoiled by the family? Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by.net
The words were like a knife twisting in her gut. But her heart was hard enough that it didn’t break the skin.
“She’s in love with my husband, but her love is unrequited, so she’s taking her anger out on me,” Penelope said with a weary shake of her head. “I don’t know how her moral compass was formed, but I’m sure it has something to do with her upbringing. Which means, Mr. Bishop, you bear a great deal of the responsibility.”
Donald was taken aback, clearly not expecting such a sharp tongue from Penelope. “There’s nothing wrong with my daughter’s morals.”
“Like father, like daughter, I suppose.”
“How can you speak so rudely!”
“I’m ‘a weed that sprouted from the mud.’ That’s what your daughter just called me. Was that pleasant to hear?”
Donald was at a loss for words.
“Do you Bishops think you’re so high and mighty, always putting on such arrogant airs? Your family is nothing!”
“You!”
“Please leave. You’re disturbing my meal.”
Donald had likely never been so thoroughly rebuffed in his life. His composed, gentle facade crumbled, and he returned to his seat with a dark expression.
Yvonne soon returned from the restroom. Donald said something to her, and she stood up, ready to march back over to Penelope’s table. Donald grabbed her arm and shook his head.
“Some people think marrying into a wealthy family means they’ve made it,” Yvonne said loudly, her voice dripping with scorn. “Little do they know they’re just the rich heirs plaything
Penelope just shook her head with a soft “tsk.” You had to be truly pathetic to say something so childish.
She was about to retort when the restaurant manager approached her table, beaming. He gave a slight bow and then announced to the entire room Ladies and gentlemen, this evening, all of your meals wibbe complimentary, courtesy of Mr. Theodore Stapleton.”
The announcement drew gasps of surprise from the other diners. Even Penelope
was taken aback and looked up at the manager.
“Mr. and Mrs, Stapleton had planned to dine here together this evening,” the manager explained.
“Unfortunately, Mr. Stapleton wan et
called away on urgent business and had to cancel. As a gesture of
thanks fordining with Mis. Stapleton
in his stead, he has insisted on covering the check for the entire
restaurant.”

A meal at a high-end restaurant like this could cost a small fortune, and Theodore
was paying for everyone.
“Theodore from Zenith Group?” someone whispered.
“Who else would be so generous?”
“That must be Mrs. Stapleton. She’s so beautiful and elegant.”
“Mr. Stapleton must really love his wife.”
A murmur of conversation spread through the room, and all eyes turned to Penelope, filled with envy. In that moment, she was the undisputed center of attention, radiant and shining.
“I propose we all raise a glass to Mrs. Stapleton!” one guest suggested.
Elated by the free meal, everyone happily raised their glasses in Penelope’s direction.
Penelope gracefully lifted her water glass in return. “Thank you, everyone.”
As she spoke, her eyes met those of the Bishops. Donald, ever the gentleman,
raised his glass as well. But Yvonne’s eyes were red with jealousy.
A smirk touched Penelope’s lips as she returned her mocking gaze.
…
As she was leaving, Donald caught up with her.
“Mrs. Stapleton, do you know Edith Laurier?”
Edith. Her mother.