Chapter 617
Penelope had been dreaming. She was back in the small town, lying on a lounge chair in the yard on a sunny afternoon, just like countless times before. And, as usual, her neighbor’s dog, Max, had come to bother her.
So she’d swatted him away and yelled at him.
Turns out, it wasn’t a dog, it was… Theodore.
Penelope quickly apologized, saying she was groggy from sleep.
“Anyway, the phone p>
Theodore handed her a piece of paper. “The call log was recovered, but the contents of the calls couldn’t be restored p>
Penelope quickly took the paper. It listed many phone numbers, and she first looked
at the last one. After mumbling it to herself, she took out her phone, intending to call
it.
“That’s Marico’s number,” Theodore said.
Penelope was startled. “You’re saying this last number belongs to Marico p>
“Yes p>
Penelope’s mind struggled to process this. How could it be Marico’s? Was he also involved in harming her father? But on second thought, he and Yvonne were engaged, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he was involved.
“I want to see him!” Penelope said, looking at Theodore.
Theodore nodded. “Alright, I’ll take you p>
Hearing Theodore was willing to help, Penelope quickly thanked him.
“You should thank me. After all, I’m your ex-husband. A little politeness is to be expected p>
Penelope secretly rolled her eyes. He was clearly teasing her for still bothering her ex-husband after their divorce.
Theodore said he’d take her to see Marico, but Penelope never imagined he would drive her straight to Stapleton Manor.
“It’s the Stapleton family dinner tonight. Marico will definitely be here,” Theodore said.
Penelope peered inside and saw that it was indeed quite lively.
“Why don’t you just call him out p>
“Let’s go in p>
Theodore started walking ahead, but Penelope pulled him back.
“It’s not appropriate for me to go in p>
Theodore nodded. “Suit yourself p>
With that, he strode inside. Penelope kicked the air in frustration, but since she was
already here, she had no choice but to brace herself and follow.
As soon as she entered, she predictably drew everyone’s attention.
“Mommy, you’re here p>
Hearing the voice, Penelope looked up and saw Hubert running towards her.
So for the Stapleton family dinner, Theodore had someone bring Hubert over too.
She took her son’s hand and looked up at the others. They were all still staring at her, surprised that she would show up with Theodore. Mrs. Stapleton, in particular frowned after her initial shook, clearly not welcoming her.
Unsure of how to explain, Penelope blurted out, “I… I came to pick up Hubert p>
“Hubert is a part of the Stapleton family. Is it too much to ask for him to meet his relatives and have a meal at home?” Mrs. Stapleton said coldly.
“Of course not,” Penelope cleared her throat. “It’s also been a while since I’ve caught up with the elders. This is a good opportunity p>
“What is there for you to catch up on with us?” Theodore’s aunt, Nydia Stapleton, said with a laugh.
beat
Penelope’s eyes darted around. “Oh, plenty. For example, I saw Marico the other day. He was hanging out with a married woman, and her husband showed up wanting to him up. But Marico beat him upy instead, and the guy called the cops p>
“Alright, that’s enough out of you,” Nydia quickly cut her off.
Penelope smiled. “See? We have plenty to talk about p>
Mrs. Stapleton sighed. “Still as thick-skinned as ever p>
Penelope couldn’t retort to Mrs. Stapleton the way she did to Nydia. She was Theodore’s mother, after afterw all, and mentally unstable. She was afraid of triggering an episode.
“Then perhaps I should take Hubert and leave p>