Chapter 300

Penelope’s face changed in an instant, her smug satisfaction freezing on her features.
Anastasia fixed her with a level stare. “Why don’t you answer? All you have to do is nod, and I’ll drop to my knees and apologize right here.”
Penelope’s complexion turned pale as she met Anastasia’s gaze. Suddenly it hit her: Anastasia wasn’t alone-behind her stood Harrison, that formidable man who treated Anastasia like a precious jewel, never letting anyone lay a finger on her. “I Cold sweat prickled down her back, resentment twisting in her gut.
Penelope had dared to use Shirley to stir up trouble for Anastasia because she believed Anastasia was the type to handle things herself, too proud to hide behind Harrison’s protection. She never expected Anastasia to play along so easily.
Now, how could she possibly nod? If she so much as inclined her head, by tomorrow, Harrison would make sure she vanished without a trace.
Sandra and Juliet, catching on to her hesitation, chimed in. Sandra called out, “Well, Penelope? Just say the word and Anastasia will be on her knees, apologizing to you!”
“N-no, there’s no need!” Penelope managed a strained smile, refusing to meet Shirley’s eyes. “Anastasia doesn’t need to apologize to me
Anastasia let out a derisive laugh and turned to Shirley. “Even Penelope, the person involved, doesn’t want an apology. Ms. West, what are you getting so worked up about?”
Shirley’s expression soured as she shot a venomous glare at Penelope.
Penelope kept her head down, not daring to look up.
Furious, Shirley wanted to keep pressing Anastasia, but her entire argument was that she was standing up for Penelope-and if Penelope herself didn’t want an apology, what reason did she have left?
She could only swallow her anger and snap, “Let’s go!”
With a stormy scowl, she rounded up her friends and stalked away.
The moment they reached a quiet hallway, Shirley spun around and slapped Penelope hard across the face.
Penelope cried out. The force of the blow sent her head snapping to the side.
“Sh—Shirley?” Penelope clutched her stinging cheek, stunned.
“Shut your mouth!” Shirley hissed, her face cold and furious. “You’re unbelievable, Penelope. I went out of my way to stand up for you, and this is how you repay me?”
She’d been humiliated in front of everyone. Thɪs chapter is updated by.net
Penelope dug her nails into her palm. Sure, she’d used Shirley to go after Anastasia, but everyone knew Shirley’s real motivation was Aaron-Anastasia was just an easy target, and the excuse of defending Penelope was nothing but a cover. But no matter what she thought, she didn’t dare say it aloud.
She was no longer the pampered golden girl of the Sterling family. Gabriel had long since stopped doting on her and Nora, and compared to Shirley’s family, she didn’t have the power to fight back.
So after taking Shirley’s slap, she didn’t even dare be angry. She forced a shaky smile and apologized, “I’m sorry, Shirley. I didn’t want this to happen either, but you heard what Anastasia said she threatened me
Her voice trembled, bitter and pitiful. “If I’d made Anastasia apologize, my father would have called me home tonight. He’s always favored her-he’d never let me off the hook
She looked utterly miserable, but Shirley’s expression stayed icy; she clearly didn’t care.
“And honestly, I was looking out for you, too Penelope glanced at her, then added, “Anastasia would just run home and complain, or worse, tell Mr. Lancaster. If Mr. Lancaster found out you’d caused trouble for Anastasia, he’d be furious with you.”
At that, Shirley’s face finally changed.