Chapter 268: That worries me
Lola’s mouth fell open as she stared at the gorgeous woman behind the desk. Though her hair was shorter than in the last photo released of her, it made her look more mature. There was barely anything on Penny’s face, yet the room seemed brighter than before.
Penelope Bennet, she thought. No doubt it was her. In the flesh.
Lola gulped, knowing this woman, now approaching her, had just made it onto the list of the most powerful women in the world. Not just because of her successful businesses, her ties to numerous public figures, and producing one of the largest security systems and programs on the market, but also because of her research on the Miracle Drug.
Lola had heard of that drug—everyone had. In conclusion, the woman standing before her was not just successful; she was smart, wealthy beyond imagination, and beautiful. A total package; nothing about her was wasted. If Slater was the star, this woman was the moon—irreplaceable.
The only bad part? She was Atlas’ sister, and Lola knew this wasn’t business, it was personal.
As Penny stopped a step before Lola, the latter couldn’t help but imagine all the things Atlas’ little sister might say.
Would Penny slap her with a stack of money and tell her to stop poisoning her brother? Criticize her for even thinking she and Atlas had a chance? Perhaps warn her, or even threaten her?
Lola mentally prepared for the worst until Penny suddenly stepped forward and hugged her.
Silo: "..."
Haji: "..."
The kids: (grinned)
Lola’s brows rose in surprise, frozen in place. Slowly, she slid her eyes to the woman on her shoulder as Penny hugged her as tightly as possible.
"Huh?" Lola blinked, confused as Penny held her close, consoling her. "Uh... what’s going on?"
"Oh, you," whimpered Penny dramatically. "It must have been tough for you, huh? Don’t worry. I’m here now."
Penny continued to console Lola, and she noticed their audience: the kids grinning, Silo sporting a complicated look, and Haji just confused.
*
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*
The image of the Bennet family in Lola’s mind was akin to royalty. With their family business a key player in logistics, each sibling was remarkable on their own. They were a powerful clan, and their in-laws came from prominent backgrounds.
So Lola expected the worst, considering how her life often delivered its challenges in the harshest way. She wouldn’t have been surprised if the family disapproved of her. While Lola had her own accomplishments, compared to them, she felt like an ant—a child in the major leagues.
"Right. How rude of me." Seated across from Lola in the nearby café, Penny cleared her throat. "My name’s Penelope, Penelope Bennet-Pierson, but you can call me Penny."
Lola rocked her head. "I know you."
"Of course, you know me." Penny grinned. "Who doesn’t know the beautiful wife of Zoren Pierson?"
"..." Lola’s smile stiffened, though she couldn’t deny it. This woman might not be as popular as her brother Slater, but her name, her business presence, and her husband’s status were enough to command attention.
Penny leaned her arms against the table. "And you’re Lola Young. CEO of Taz Constructions, TZ Entertainment Agency, and the original creator of Angel’s Revenge and a few others. A very productive one, I must say."
"You... also know that, huh?"
"I own one of the leading security firms in the world," she continued with a smile. "But even if I wanted to brag, I know you because Slater or the twins wouldn’t stop talking about you. So don’t get angry at me. I didn’t run a background check... and I don’t need to."
"Me? Getting angry at you?" Lola almost laughed. "Penelope—"
"Penny, please."
Lola cleared her throat. "Penny, I have no reason to get angry at you."
"Really?" Penny raised her brows. "I left my children in your care without permission, though. My brother’s angry about that."
"They’re adorable, and surprisingly well-behaved. Besides, it was Slater who took care of them."
Penny blinked repeatedly, eyes fixed on her. She cupped her face, the corners of her lips curling into a wider smile.
"Yay for me, then," she giggled. "That means when First Brother berates me for dropping my kids in your care, I’m saved! I’ll use that in my argument."
A light chuckle escaped Lola as she looked up while the server placed their food. She shifted her gaze back to Penny, who was already picking up cutlery while eyeing the feast she had ordered.
"Isn’t this a bit... much?" Lola muttered. "I don’t think we need this much."
Penny blinked. "I do need this much. I haven’t eaten properly since I left my kids with you. My husband and I planned a short vacation, but hours later, we missed them so much we hurried back as soon as we finished our dealings."
"We’ll still continue the vacation, but with the kids," she added knowingly. "My husband and I waited for them a long time, so we just cannot do things without them—at least not while they’re still so little."
"I see..."
"Let’s eat first. I’m starving, and if there’s one thing I always avoid, it’s being starved. I become a different person; I might start biting people’s heads off—hahaha!"
Lola’s face twitched as she watched Penny laugh like a villain, unconcerned with the people glancing at their table. Penny’s easygoing manner wasn’t what Lola expected from a woman of her standing, which only raised more doubts and suspicions.
"Hmm? Why aren’t you eating your food?" Penny paused mid-bite, looking at Lola. "You don’t like them?"
A subtle smile turned up Lola’s lips as she exhaled calmly. "Penny, why are you here? I’m sure one reason is that you want to pick up your children. But I’m sure that’s not all."
Penny didn’t answer immediately, then grinned.
"I was worried," she said after swallowing.
"You’re worried about your brother?"
"No, I never worry about my brothers. They hate it when I do," Penny grinned. "I was worried about you. The man who wants you is my First Brother, after all. That worries me."