Chapter 35
“I’ve told you again and again!” Maybelline’s voice shook with rage. Her eyes burned with disgust. “Ariana will always be above you. She is your sister! How dare you let them lock her up like a common criminal p>
If she could, she would have beaten Penny bloody right there in the lounge. The only thing holding her back was the servants watching, and even they might not stop her if she snapped.
Just because Penny married into the Adkins family… she thought she was untouchable now?
She was still trash in Maybelline’s eyes. A shame. A curse. A mistake that should’ve never been born.
Abby on the other hand glanced around, her eyes darting around for any possible sign of the madman. Though she was aware that he was injured and might not be able to get out of bed because of how bad it was, she still wanted to be sure he was not around.
The last thing she wanted was to be hurt by that madman.
“I already told you, it wasn’t Penny’s fault, May,” Abby said, stepping in with a concerned look. Her voice was soft, her tone caring, like a perfect mother-in-law.
But it was all fake.
Abby had been the one who pushed May to hurt Penny. Behind that kind smile was a heart full of schemes. She wanted Penny to trust her, to see her as a protector.
If Penny lowered her guard, Abby could slowly wrap her fingers around Osvaldo’s wealth and control everything.
But life… never always went as planned.
“Even if Ariana was wrong!” Maybelline shouted, her voice rising. “Even if she made a mistake, you should have taken her punishment p>
The maids flinched. Some lowered their heads. Others exchanged glances. No one dared to speak, but the tension in the air was unbearable.
Was it their mistress this woman dared speak to like this?
Does she know who Penny is? The only woman able to tame their mad master.
Even if Penny was nothing in her mother’s eyes, in the Adkins household, she was a treasure. The woman their master had chosen.
“She should be the one locked in that dungeon! She should be the one suffering p>
May pointed a trembling finger at Penny like she was something filthy. How dare Penny let her Ariana suffer?
“I told you since you were a child, your only reason for existing is to protect your sister! That’s all you’re good for p>
Penny stood there, her face pale, lips tight. The words weren’t new. She had heard them her whole life.
Once she was a push-around, but not anymore. She would not let her mother or anyone control her anymore.
“That is not how the house rules work, May,” Abby said again, pretending to be the voice of reason. “Ariana harmed my son. The punishment was by the family’s rules p>
All of the maids around were stunned at Abby’s claim.
Since when did she claim their master Osvaldo to be her son? They all know she hates him, or is she putting on a show for the guests?
May scoffed. “So why didn’t you punish this fat pig instead?” She sneered at Penny. “No matter what Ariana does, this thing should suffer for it. She was born to be her shadow p>
“Mother,” Penny called quietly, but her voice didn’t shake. “You were just told, that’s not how it works anymore p>
“I won’t take the blame for Ariana’s crimes. Not this time p>
May’s eyes widened in disbelief. Did Penny just speak back at her?
“Who’s your mother?” she barked.
“You dare speak back to me now p>
Her hands trembled as she pulled off her slipper, lifting it like a weapon. “Looks like marrying that madman has made you forget who you are. Maybe I should remind you p>
She lunged forward.
“Maybe I should knock some sense into your stupid head p>
Penny didn’t flinch. She stood still, silent, even when the slipper came flying.
The servants gasped.
Some reached forward instinctively, others held their breath. Maybelline, fueled by years of hate, threw the slipper with all her strength.
Penny flinched, eyes shut tight, bracing for pain. But instead… she felt warmth. Strong arms wrapped around her tightly. Protectively. Possessively.
The scent of antiseptics, faint soap, and something dangerously male filled her nose.
She slowly opened her eyes… and froze.
Osvaldo.
He was standing in front of her, shirtless, now bandaged from head to toe. He had somehow gotten there without anyone noticing, like a ghost in human skin.
The slipper lay pathetically by his feet.
His silver eyes stared into hers, too calm… too quiet.
Then he smiled. Showcasing his white teeth as she smiled.
“Mine?” He called blinking his eyes at her. Penny stared at him confused, she had no idea if this was the man she had a few hours ago or the usual madman.
“Osvaldo.” He called but rather than responding, he turned to the people standing there.
Abby felt like she wanted to pee in her pants as she stared at her fake son. She had entered this forbidden penthouse with the hope of not meeting this man, yet here she is.
“O… Osvaldo?” She called staring at the madman. She was terrified because she had no idea what he would do next, and where they stood was so far away from the door.
“Hehehehe A soft, twisted laugh escaped his lips, one that made the hairs on everyone’s neck stand up. The servants all took a step back.
Both women now stood stiff at a spot. Maybelline looked like she was seeing a demon, and Abby looked so terrified she wanted to pee in her dress.
“Penny, do something, I heard you can tame him.” May’s voice trembled as she spoke to her daughter.
Never in her life did she ever believe she would be begging Penny.
“Yes, Penny what are you waiting for, you’re the only one that can tame him,” Abby said. Osvaldo looked nothing like a human. His large form shielded Penny like something precious as he stared at them like he could kill them.
“I’m sorry Mother, but I am useless.” Penny blurted out coldly.