Chapter 377

“What?” Anastasia blurted out in disbelief. “An engagement? My cousin and Penelope?!”
“It’s true,” came the reply. “The whole upper circle of Fairhaven is already buzzing about it. Mr. Brennan has made it clear to everyone-he won’t marry anyone but Penelope
Anastasia’s expression darkened. Without hesitation, she grabbed her phone and called Juliet.
“Cousin, you’ve heard already?” Juliet’s voice sounded weak, as if she hadn’t slept at all.
“What on earth is going on?!”
How did this happen? Why was Benson suddenly getting engaged to Penelope?
“It happened last night,” Juliet explained, her voice barely above a whisper. “As soon as my brother got home, he went straight to Grandpa and told him he wanted to marry Penelope.”
“Grandpa refused, but Ben just knelt in his study and said he wouldn’t get up until Grandpa agreed
“Grandpa nearly fainted from anger. Eventually, my parents dragged Ben out of the room, but he wouldn’t back down. I heard him say he was determined to go through with the engagement no matter what, and if the family didn’t approve, he’d cut all ties with the Brennans!”
“I didn’t dare tell you. I was afraid you’d be furious.”
After all, Juliet knew exactly what kind of person Penelope was—and how much her cousin despised her.
“Cousin, what should we do?” Juliet sounded lost and anxious, her voice trembling.
She’d seen her brother’s stubbornness firsthand last night, and it left her feeling helpless. How could someone as smart and capable as Ben let Penelope twist him around her little finger?
Anastasia’s face was set and cold. She forced herself to stay calm. “How are Grandpa and Grandma holding up?”
The two of them were getting on in years, and Grandpa’s health had never been great…
Sensing Anastasia’s worry, Juliet hurried to reassure her. “They’re alright. Grandpa was really angry earlier, but he’s calmed down. Grandma’s been trying to talk sense into Ben. Don’t worry, Cousin.”
Only then did Anastasia’s heart settle, just a little. Her eyes narrowed coldly. “Leave this to me. I’ll handle it.”
She hung up and immediately set out to find Benson.
In just one night, Benson had stormed out and moved into his own place after fighting with the family. Google seaʀᴄh.net
As the current darling of the entertainment world and the Brennan family’s eldest son—heir to a pharmaceutical empire—he had more than enough resources at his disposal. Moving out made little difference to him.
Anastasia found his new apartment and rang the doorbell.
The door swung open, and her expression instantly turned icy.
Penelope stood there.
Penelope’s face paled. After that last slap, she flinched, shrinking back a step with barely concealed fear.
“What are you doing here?” Anastasia asked coldly.
Penelope swallowed, forcing a triumphant little smile. “Ben and I are getting engaged, of course I’m living with him now.”
No sooner had she spoken than Benson appeared.
He immediately pulled Penelope behind him, using his tall frame as a shield, clearly intent on protecting her.
“What do you want?” he demanded, irritation etched across his face. His gaze was sharp, rebellious, and openly hostile.
Anastasia’s heart ached. She drew a steadying breath. “I’m here because I need to ask you something—are you really going to get engaged to Penelope?”
“So what if I am?” Benson shot back, hands shoved deep in his pockets, his jaw set in a hard line. “What does it have to do with you?”
“Do you even know who she really is? Are you sure you want to marry her?”
“I know exactly who she is. Penelope’s a genuine, kind-hearted girl. I know her better than anyone!”
Anastasia couldn’t help but let out a sharp laugh.
Penelope? Genuine and kind-hearted?
That was the biggest joke she’d ever heard.
She fixed Penelope with a cold stare as she cowered behind Benson. “You really think you know her? Then tell me do you know about all the boyfriends she’s seduced? Or the fiancés she’s slept with behind people’s backs?”