Chapter 370
Penelope was silent. Hypnosis could alter memories, primarily by tapping into a person’s instinct for self-preservation. The true memory was too much for Theodore to bear, so he subconsciously accepted the fabricated one, using his hatred for Mr. Johnson as a shield for all these years.
“That’s not fair to you,” Penelope said softly.
Mr. Johnson shook his head. “If I hadn’t left early that day, my children would never have suffered like that. If anyone is to blame, it’s me p>
“You’re not to blame. And neither is Theodore.” In truth, no one was. But if Mrs. Stapleton insisted on assigning fault, wasn’t she also culpable? She had left one child in the care of another while she went off to have afternoon tea. But perhaps, in the immense grief of losing her daughter, Mrs. Stapleton was also tormented by her own guilt. That’s why she had lost her mind.
“Hans saw all of it,” Mr. Johnson said, his expression grim.
Penelope’s eyebrows shot up. “He threatened you? He said he would tell Theodore the truth if we didn’t withdraw from the Higgins Plaza project p>
“He claimed he was doing it out of concern for me p>
“That old bastard. How despicable p>
“I had no choice but to agree p>
Penelope leaned over and hugged the man who seemed on the verge of shattering. “I promise you we’ll withdraw. It’s not like the company will go bankrupt without the Higgins Group. It’s not a big deal p>
“I feel like such a failure p>
“In my eyes, you are an incredible man p>
Mr. Johnson managed a small smile, but then his expression grew heavy again. “You must never let Theodore know any of this p>
“I’ll keep it a secret,” Penelope promised.
After dinner with Mr. Johnson, Penelope decided to pick up Theodore from work, as he was working late. She parked her car in the underground garage next to his. As she waited, she got a call from her father, Mr. David Anderson. He said he’d been sorting through old things at home and had packed up a large box of her belongings to mail to her, wondering if she still wanted them.
“Why the sudden urge to organize everything?” Penelope asked.
“I’m thinking of selling the old house p>
“Selling it p>
“Yeah. The market’s good right now. And since you and Timothy won’t be coming back to live here, it seems like the right time p>
“That makes sense. You can move to Orenth, and we’ll be able to take better care of you p>
“Good, good p>
Hearing a catch in her father’s voice, she grew concerned. “I have some free time in the next few days. I can come back and help you with the house p>
“No need. I’ve already found a buyer. There’s not much left to do p>
“Well, be sure to call me if you need anything. I’ll get a place ready for you here.” “Penelope p>
“What is it p>
“You’re too hard on yourself.
Sometimes it’s okay to admit you can’t do something. Just let yourself off the hook Your health is the most important thing, and so is your happiness p>
“Dad, you’re sounding a little strange p>
“It’s nothing. I was just looking at old photos of you and Timothy today It’s amazing how fast time flies Got me feeling a little sentimental that’s all
“Are you sure you don’t need me to come back p>
“I’m sure. I’ll be in Orenth in a few days. From now on, we won’t have to be apart.” “Okay, then p>
After hanging up, Penelope still felt uneasy. She immediately called Timothy and asked if he was free that weekend to take a trip back home with her.
“Sure. We can bring Dad back with us p>
Only then did Penelope feel a sense of relief.
Just then, Theodore stepped out of the elevator Penelope slipped out of her car, planning to surprise him, when a loud CRASH echoed through the garage from a short distance away The sound made her jumps She looked over and saw that a car had somehow slammed into the fire escape door. She rolled her eyes, annoyed, but when she turned back to Theodore, she saw he was frozen in place, looking terrified.