Chapter 707
Penelope clearly needed one-on-one tutoring.
Theodore first helped the kids with their homework and put them to bed before heading to the study. Penelope was still tearing her hair out over the speech, and when she saw him, it was like she’d found a lifeline.
“Save me. My brain is about to shut down p>
By the time Penelope finally got through the entire speech-not understanding all of
it, but at least able to read it—it was already past two in the morning. She yawned
as she walked toward the door, but Theodore grabbed her arm.
“That’ll be four hundred thousand for four hours p>
“Four hundred thousand?” Penelope’s eyes widened. He’d made that much in just a few hours?
She huffed, not really wanting to pay.
“I don’t have that much on me right now. I’ll get it to you later p>
“No IOUS,” Theodore stated flatly.
Seeing that Theodore was serious, Penelope’s eyes darted around for a moment before she leaned into his embrace. “Well, in that case… maybe I can pay with my body p>
As she spoke, she draped her arms around his shoulders and moved closer to his lips. She had meant to tease him, but the warmth of his body and the scent of his breath made her resolve crumble.
He hesitated, a flicker of conflict in his eyes as he tried to turn away, but she captured his lips in a kiss. He seemed flustered at first, a bit reserved, but when he didn’t push her away, she deepened the kiss.
This time, they were both sober p>
She deliberately tried to please him, pressing her body against his and guiding his hand to her waist.
“Mr. Stapleton doesn’t like a losing deal. Four hundred thousand… you’ll have to take me hard to get your money’s worth,” she whispered, her forehead resting on his shoulder as her hand drew circles over his heart.
“I feel like I’m still getting the short end of the stick. You should be the one paying me,” he said, his hand tightening on her waist.
“Ow!” She slapped him playfully. “I’m a generous person. I can pay you, but you have to provide excellent service p>
“What kind of service p>
Penelope looked up and gently bit his lower lip. “You know p>
She could feel his heart pounding, his breath growing hotter. Just as she thought he was about to lose control, he suddenly pushed her away.
“Do you think I’m cured p>
“Huh p>
“That day, when Dominic was provoking me with that thing… I wish I could kill him p>
At his words, the heat inside Penelope vanished, replaced by an icy chill.
“I… I understand how you felt, but you controlled yourself p>
“No, I didn’t. You stopped me p>
“Theodore p>
“So, Penelope,” Theodore scoffed coldly, “you were right to leave me back then. And since you were right, don’t ever look back. Not ever p>
With that, Theodore turned and walked out.
Penelope stared blankly at the doorway, taking a long moment to process what had happened. He was getting revenge, making her regret everything in his own cruel Way.
Marico leaned back in his chair, his legs propped up on the desk, frowning as Harold recited his work. schedule for the next week The • briefing alone took more than ten minutes, his time accounted for down to the minute, with not even a bathroom break scheduled in.
“Are you doing this on purpose?” Marico asked, his eyes narrowing.
Harold paused. “Mr. Stapleton, I don’t understand what you mean p>
“You’re getting revenge for Theodore p>
“You’re overthinking it, Mr. Stapleton. When Mr. Stapleton was in this position, his
schedule was just as packed every day p>
“Why do you always have to mention him p>
“Well, I p>
Marico lowered his eyes for a
moment. Then, as if struck by an
idea, he looked up, his eyes bright. “If
I fire you, then I won’t have a
schedule for next week, right I’ll be
free to do whatever I want p>
“But p>
“No buts. You’re fired p>