Chapter 528

“Actually, it’s me.”
The other end of the line went dead silent, followed by the sound of heavy
breathing.
“Why are you with my son!”
“He
“Where did you take him?”
“I
“What the hell are you trying to do?”
“Can you please let me finish a sentence?”
His voice, though strained with effort to remain controlled, erupted with fury through the phone.
“You were the one who said we wouldn’t interfere in each other’s lives. What are you doing now!”
“I wasn’t trying to interfere. It’s just… Julian wanted me to go with him to a kindergarten event, and I… I couldn’t say no. But I promise I didn’t say anything I shouldn’t have, and I’ll continue to stay away from your lives.”
“Where are you now? I’m sending someone to pick Julian up.”
“We’re in a car on the way back to the city. Julian… has a fever.”
“Penelope!”
“I’m taking him to the hospital right now. I… I’m sorry.”
“Don’t go near Julian again. Or I won’t be so courteous next time!”
With that, he hung up.
Penelope’s heart pounded in her chest, and she gasped for air. Ever since she had known Theodore, he had never spoken to her in that tone. For the first time, he made her feel afraid.
The car stopped at the hospital. Just as she got out with Julian in her arms, the Stapleton family’s housekeeper arrived and had the accompanying maid take Julian from her.
Penelope tried to follow them inside, but the housekeeper blocked her path.
The housekeeper was a woman in her forties who, of course, knew who Penelope
was.
“Ms. Laurier, Mr. Stapleton hopes you will honor your promise and refrain from contacting Julian privately, let alone meeting him.”
Penelope frowned. “I’m just worried about Julian. I want to go in and see how he is.”
The housekeeper shook her head. “Sir said that Julian is no longer your concern. Please retract your sympathy. Julian doesn’t need it.”
Penelope let out a breath. “Then I’ll wait here. Could you please let me know how he’s doing later? Then I can leave with peace of mind.”
The housekeeper paused for a moment before nodding. “Alright.”
They took Julian inside. It wasn’t a long wait before the housekeeper returned to report that Julian’s fever had dropped significantly. It was just a cold and after a brief observation at the hospital, he should be able to go home by noon.
Penelope felt a sense of relief at the news.
After thanking the housekeeper, Penelope prepared to leave.
“Ms. Laurier, Mrs. Stapleton called a moment ago. She would like to meet with you.”
“Mrs. Stapleton wants to see me?”
“Yes.”
An hour later, Penelope arrived at the designated coffee shop.
Mrs. Stapleton had arrived a little earlier and was calmly gazing out the window.
Six years ago, when Penelope left Orenth, Mr. Stapleton Sr. and Mrs. Stapleton had already gone abroad for medical treatment. She didn’t know when Mrs. Stapleton had teturned, but judging by her current state, the treatment seemed to have been effective.
“It’s been a long time, Mrs. Stapleton,” Penelope said as she approached.
Mrs. Stapleton turned to her and offered a faint smile. “Yes, it has been a long time.”
Penelope sat down across from her. “I’m surprised you wanted to see me.”
Because Lorraine’s death had been linked to her, Mrs. Stapleton had redirected her grief and hatred onto Penelope, cursing her, forcing her sono divorce her and ever trying to run her over with a car in a fit of madness.

Now, she faced Penelope with an air of calm, but Penelope was sure that beneath
the surface, a storm was still raging.
“Actually, there’s something I wanted to ask you.”
Mrs. Stapleton looked at Penelope.