Chapter 618

Mrs. Stapleton’s brow furrowed. “Fine, stay. It’s not like the family can’t afford one more plate!”
With Mrs. Stapleton’s reluctant permission, Penelope was finally allowed to stay. But it wasn’t like she was desperate for a free meal, so she shot a glare at Theodore.
Theodore, however, wore a sly expression. He had clearly brought her here on purpose. She didn’t know his motive, but it definitely wasn’t anything good.
Julian ran down from upstairs. He still seemed awkward about seeing her but nevertheless gestured for her to come up.
Since she couldn’t see Marico at the moment, Penelope followed Julian and Hubert upstairs.
Julian was still mad at her, so he led her to a small sitting room that was set up like a memorial hall. A black-and-white portrait hung in the center, with an incense burner on an altar in front of it. Thankfully, there was no incense, or she might have felt compelled to bow.
“Who is this?”
She didn’t remember anyone in the Stapleton family dying.
“It’s you,” Julian said.
Penelope’s eyes widened. “Me?”
“Dad said you were dead and your ashes were scattered at sea. Since there was nothing left, he used Al to create a picture of you based on my face, hung it here, and burned incense for you every day.” Julian was clearly very angry as he explained this.
“But you’re not dead. You’re alive and well. Dad lied to me!”
Penelope’s heart ached with even more guilt. Unlike Hubert, who was carefree, Julian was much more sensitive. While this method was a bit morbid, it was a testament to the boy’s deep love for her.
Tears welled up in Penelope’s eyes. She moved to hug Julian, but he dodged her.
“My son, Mommy is so sorry. From now on, whatever you want Mommy to do, I’ll do it for you.”
“Hmph, so now you admit you’re my mom?”
“I am, I’m your mother.”
“You’ll do whatever I want?”
Penelope nodded eagerly. “Anything.”
“Then you can’t go back on your word!”
“Of course not Penelope trailed off as she saw the scheming look on Julian’s face. She had fallen into a trap, hadn’t she? But it was her son’s trap, and she was more than willing to fall for it “Mommy won’t got back on her word.”
Hubert, watching from the side, learned from the exchange.
“I’m going to say that to Daddy later, so he has to promise me things too!”
Julian was pleased with his brother’s quick uptake. “You’ll follow my lead then.”
“If Daddy promises, I’m going to ask for a big jar of candy!”
Julian’s eyes widened. “You idiot, did you forget the important stuff I told you?”
“You’re the idiot!” Hubert retorted.
“You’re not an idiot, you’re a fool!”
“You’re the fool!”
The two started bickering again. Penelope figured that arguing could also strengthen their brotherly bond, So she didnt intervené Besides, she had just spotted Marico coming out of the study and quickly went after him.
Marico didn’t go downstairs. Instead, he went up to the third floor and started hitting
a punching bag in the home gym.
Penelope paused at the doorway, then took out her phone and dialed the number. Sure enough, Marico’s phone rang. He threw a couple more punches before pulling it out of his pocket.
“Who is it?”
Marico sounded furious, as if someone had pissed him off.
Penelope ignored his tone and walked into the gym, holding up her phone. “It really was you.”
Marico saw her and glanced at the
phone in her hand. His eyes darted around before a mocking expression spread across his face. Well wet it isn’t my dear sister-in-law. Need
.if..
me to show you a good time?”
Penelope walked closer. “Donald was in a car accident. You know that, right?”
“I do. So?”
“The last call he received before the crash was from you.”
Marico’s eyes narrowed slightly. “What are you trying to say?”