Chapter 310

“The grandfather said she married into a powerful family. Does anyone know who she is?”
Each comment was a blow, making her vision swim. She wanted to defend herself, but she knew her single voice was no match for the mob.
When she backed out of the comments section, she saw that the video’s view and comment counts had skyrocketed again.
Just then, a message from Zebulon popped up: “This is your judgment day, Penelope. Enjoy it.”
She clenched her fist. When she clicked back into the app, the video was gone from the trending list. She searched for it, but it had vanished completely.
What
As she was trying to figure it out, an unknown number called.
Penelope answered. A heavy sigh came from the other end.
“Do you know who this is?”
The voice was female, authoritative, and calm.
Penelope’s lips tightened. “Hello, Mrs. Stapleton.”
It was Theodore’s mother. She must have been the one who had the video taken down.
“Handle your affairs. Do not tarnish the Stapleton name.”
“I will.”
Before she could say more, Mrs. Stapleton hung up.
Penelope’s head drooped. She didn’t want to face the Lancasters; she was terrified of them. She could be weak for once, she could lean on someone else, right?
She picked up her phone, ready to call the man across the ocean. But as her thumb hovered over the button, a voice echoed in her mind.
Don’t be a fool, Penelope. The moment you lower your armor and rely on someone else, you lose control of the game. You become the sheep, ready for slaughter. You can’t let that happen. Not ever.
She quickly canceled the call.
Penelope Laurier did not lose. Not now, not ever.
The next day, Penelope and Timothy saw David off at the train station.
David was still worried, but he didn’t say so. He just hugged Penelope and reminded her that she had family who loved her.
“Dad, I’ll come visit as soon as I’m craving your braised pork,” Penelope said, trying to sound cheerful.
“Good. I’ll be waiting for you.”
Timothy pouted. “Don’t forget you have a son, too!”
David smacked Timothy lightly on the head. “Just listen to your sister, you hear me?”
Timothy rolled his eyes. “If I listened to her all the time, I’d have ended up in a ditch by now.”
Penelope shot him a look. “Excuse me? My advice is golden.”
“Heh.”
He was asking for it. Without a second thought, Penelope kicked him in the shin.
Timothy yelped and immediately wrapped his arms around her from behind, demanding an apology.
Penelope tried to trip him, but he was much taller and stronger. He simply lifted her off the ground.
“Timothy, you dare challenge me? You’re finished!”
“You started it!”
“That’s what you get for being a smartass!”
Her first move having failed, she took advantage of his awkward hold and jabbed
him hard in the ribs with her elbow.
Caught by surprise, Timothy grunted in pain and let her go.
“Ha! See what happens when you mess with me?”
Timothy looked ready for another round, and Penelope squared up but the station announcer called for
boarding. They
both looked over
David and saw he was already at
gate.

He
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his ticket and turned to
give them a final wave, his eyes full of reluctance. Then, he turned and walked through.
“Timothy,” Penelope said thoughtfully, “do you ever feel like Dad is hiding something from us?”
“Really? I haven’t noticed.”
“Maybe it’s just me, then.”
As they left the station, an SUV pulled up in front of them. The window rolled down to reveal
Norton, his hair a
wild multicolored, mop of curls, waving at them.
Timothy winced at the sight but got in the car anyway.
“What are you two up to?” Penelope asked, raising an eyebrow.
Norton drew a finger across his throat. “We’re going to make those people regret
ever messing with you, Penelope.”