Chapter 333

Penelope smiled and nodded at Mr. Temple as she and Hannah approached the table. “We were planning to schedule a meeting through your assistant, but you called us first and even invited us to dinner. We’re truly honored.”
Though her tone was lighthearted, she extended her hand and gave a slight bow, a clear sign of her respect for him.
“Mrs. Stapleton,” Mr. Temple replied, matching her playful tone, “if I said we’re just friends and shouldn’t stand on ceremony, would you think I’m getting ahead of myself?”
Penelope raised an eyebrow. “Are we not friends?” The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the (.)net
Mr. Temple feigned a frown. “Anyone who says we aren’t will have to answer to me. The fact that you take time out of your busy schedule to visit my mother and coax her to eat—that’s something only a true, dear friend would do.”
After a few more pleasantries, Penelope’s expression turned serious. “I will never forget that when I was just starting out, with no experience or connections, you took a chance on me. You trusted me with my very first project and launched my career. I will be grateful for that for the rest of my life.”
It was the truth. She was deeply indebted to him, which was why she continued to visit his mother long after their first project had concluded.
“You’re too kind, Mrs. Stapleton. Please, have a seat.”
With Ward occupying one side of the booth, Penelope and Hannah sat together on the other. Mr. Temple, looking apologetic, rose to pour them both some water.
“Some people have no shame, showing up to sabotage a business meeting!” Ward muttered, his face a thundercloud.
Penelope feigned surprise. “Oh, dear, did we come at a bad time? Are we interrupting something?”
Mr. Temple waved his hand dismissively. “Not at all. I left work early to reserve this table specifically for you two. Mr. Sullivan just happened to be here and sat down without asking if I was expecting anyone.”
The implication was clear: Ward had invited himself. His face flushed a deeper shade of crimson, but he didn’t move. “Mr. Temple and I were having a very pleasant conversation.”
Mr. Temple chuckled. “Were we?”
Ward’s temper was visibly fraying. He shot a glare at Penelope. “Has KINY Group expanded into architecture now?”
Penelope smiled sweetly. “Not that I’m aware of.”
Ward’s eyes narrowed. “So you’re just here to ruin our two companies’ partnership!”
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about, Mr. Sullivan.”
“Don’t play dumb!”
“I’m genuinely confused. Perhaps
you’re not aware that my former
mentor and I have started our net
archtectural design firm, Pentlan Builders.”
“What!” Ward’s jaw dropped. “You you started a new company?”
“Is there a problem with that?” Penelope challenged.
“You opened a design firm just to steal business from Stone Group!”
“Now you’re just being paranoid, Mr. Sullivan.
Not only do we have nor
need to do that but does Store Group even have any business left for anyone to steal?”
“You… you venomous woman!”
“You’d better be specific about how I’m being ‘venomous, Mr. Sullivan, or
e you for public slande
“You sent Zebulon to prison, and now you want to do the same to me?”
“Weren’t you the ones who broke the law first?”
“You-!”
“So, tell me. How am I being venomous?”
Ward ground his teeth. “Your presence here right now-isn’t it to snatch the LUNA Group hotel project from us?”