Chapter 331
As they stepped outside, a cool breeze swept through, scattering Penelope’s thoughts. She shook her head and looked at Theodore. A shadow of melancholy still clung to him.
The princess of the Stapleton family was gone.
This was the root of Mrs. Stapleton’s illness, the reason for her loathing of Norton. It was the unhealed wound carved into Theodore’s past and the source of the rift between him and his father.
“He was supposed to be watching Lorraine that day,” Theodore said, his voice low. “But he was on the phone, closing a business deal. He didn’t see her run outside, and then p>
“And then p>
“A huge tree, weakened by a storm, suddenly fell. It landed right on top of her.” Penelope covered her mouth in horror.
“And then, when my mother was at her lowest, he divorced her. When we were collecting data to ‘resurrect’ Lorraine, he refused to cooperate. He’s never once come back to see her p>
Theodore’s words were laced with a deep-seated resentment, and Penelope didn’t know how to comfort him. She couldn’t truly comprehend their pain—not Mrs. Stapleton’s or Theodore’s grief, nor the regret that must have hidden behind his father’s coldness. Any words she offered would feel hollow. So, instead, she just held him tighter.
As they drove away from the vast manor, Penelope finally understood why the place had felt so cold, so lifeless despite the staff. The Stapletons had turned their home into a mausoleum, entombing not only Lorraine, but all of them.
The moment they passed through the main gates, it was as if Theodore came back
to life. He offered her an apologetic smile. “Did I scare you p>
Penelope shook her head. “Not scared. Just heartbroken p>
“For who p>
“For you p>
Everyone else had their own people to care for them. Her job was to care for Theodore.
He reached over and pulled her close, kissing her forehead. “I’m sorry for dragging you into this sadness, but it was something you needed to know p>
“I’ll come with you next time p>
“Okay p>
After parting with Theodore, Penelope headed to a new architectural design firm called PenHan Builders. The company was so new that the receptionist hadn’t started yet, and the office was still in a state of organized chaos.
Just as she walked in, she nearly collided with Wilma, who was struggling with a large cardboard box.
“Watch out!” Penelope sidestepped just in time.
Wilma recognized her and broke into a wide grin. “It’s so good to have you as our boss again p>
the box was filled with
Penelope saw th
reams of paper and helped her carry the heavy load to the printer. “It’s going to be tough landing projects for the first few months. If you run into any trouble, you have todet me know p>
“I’m fine, but I’ll pass the message along to the rest of the team p>
“They all came?” Penelope’s eyes lit up.
As if on cue, a group of people gathered around them.
“You didn’t think you could get rid of us that easily, did you p>
“That’s right! Wherever you go, we go p>
“As long as we’re with you, we’d be happy even with scraps p>
These were her former colleagues from the project department at Stone Group, a team she had personally trained. Their skills were top-notch. She was touched and
overjoyed that they trusted her
enough to join her new venture.
“Thank you, everyone. But I promise, you won’t be eating scraps. There will be plenty of feasts for all of us p>
The team erupted in cheers, their energy infectious.
Looking past her loyal crew, Penelope saw Hannah standing in the doorway of an office. Smiling, she walked over. “Ms. James, I’ll be counting on you p>
Penelope extended her hand, and Hannah shook it with a warm smile. “It’s no trouble at all. Although with the way were spending money lately, I’m worried you might get a heart attack p>
Penelope puffed out her chest dramatically. “Spend away! Money is no object!” The firm was a partnership between them. Penelope provided the capital, while Hannah managed all business operations. They would split the profits accordingly. Hannah noticed the pastry box in Penelope’s hand and reached for it. “Are those for us p>