Chapter 396

Topics like Donald Bishop’s Unforgettable First Love, Judy Bishop Living in the Shadow of the One That Got Away, and Who is Edith Laurier? were all over the internet. Penelope scrolled through the posts, her brow furrowing. Her parents’ marital spat had somehow dragged her mother into the spotlight, painting her as the cause of their problems. Commenters were speculating that Donald had wanted to divorce Judy for years to find Edith, with some even suggesting they were already secretly together. Others were calling Edith a homewrecker.
Seeing this, Penelope’s face darkened with anger.
“Mrs. Bishop has issued a statement,” Wilma said, reading from her phone. “She says her marriage to Donald is strong, the divorce rumors are false, and they plan to sue for defamation.”
Penelope took a slow breath. Mrs. Bishop had denied the divorce but had conveniently failed to clarify that her mother was not a third party.
“Donald has a live-streamed promotional event for a brand this afternoon, and it’s being broadcast from his home,” Wilma added after seeing another update. “The timing and location suggest they’re planning to put on a show of marital bliss to salvage his image. A lot of people are calling him a scumbag online right now.”
“This afternoon? At the Bishop estate?”
An idea began to form in Penelope’s mind. Yvonne had stolen her project, Hans had used despicable tactics to threaten Mr. Johnson, and then there was yesterday’s fiasco. It was time to settle the score. And more importantly, it was time for the truth to come out. Her mother was gone, but she would get justice for her.
“I have to go out this afternoon.”
The Bishop Manor was an old mansion built in the mid-twentieth century, located in the heart of Orenth. It stood on a bustling street, not far from the riverfront. The street was lined with six such residences, most passed down through generations and priceless beyond measure.
Penelope parked her car and walked to the front gate of the manor. Instead of ringing the bell, she called Donald.
“Did you agree to lend me the painting?” he asked, his voice filled with excitement.
“Yes.”
“That’s wonderful! When would be a good time for me to come by and pick it up?”
“I’ve already brought it.”
“What?”
“I’m right outside your gate.”
Donald hesitated for a moment but then had a servant come out to let her in.
The live broadcast had already started. Donald stepped away from the camera to greet her. He took the painting from her, promising to take excellent care of it and return it as soon as the exhibition was over. He then explained that he was in the middle of the broadcast and couldn’ properly entertain her, but he would treat her to a special dinner another day.
“Would you mind if I looked around your home?” Penelope asked with a slight smile. Donald couldn’t very well refuse. “Of course, Mrs. Stapleton. Please, make yourself at home.”
“Thank you.”
Someone was already calling for Donald. He quickly instructed a servant to prepare coffee and snacks for Penelope before hurrying back to the broadcast.
Penelope told the servant not to worry about her and made her way through the old house toward the back garden.
All those years ago, a much smaller version of herself had stood outside this very gate, staring at the
beautiful house, wondering if sheet” Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs.net
had the wrong address. Is my biological father rich? If he is way did he abandon Mom and me? Why didn’t he give us any money, so our lives could have been easier?
When she had been led inside, the first thing she saw was a princess castle playhouse in the garden. That’s when she knew this family already had a daughter. That’s why they didn’t want her.
The princess castle was gone now, replaced by a large patio umbrella and a lounge chair. Yvonne probably spent sunny afternoons there, reading or simply enjoying her perfect life.
She had once been envious. Not anymore.
But they shouldn’t have provoked her.
…