Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress

107 Wishes do come true

Everyone anticipated that Penny would be so surprised that she might cry tears of joy. Atlas's meticulous planning arrangements were flawless, and everyone had thoughtfully chosen gifts for her. Despite their limited time, they had managed it all.

So, everyone was in high spirits with great expectations.

But instead of reacting with joy, Penny turned away from them. What was happening? Was she not happy? Or perhaps she was hiding her tears?

As curiosity ran in the family, Butler Jen gazed down at her with furrowed brows. Penny stared back with a blank expression, her chest heaving as if she were hyperventilating. Her complexion was pale, as though she had seen a ghost.

"Miss Penny Butler Jen squatted down in front of her, worried. "Are you okay?"

Penny didn't answer immediately as she stared at him, wide-eyed.

Myriads of questions raced through her mind at the moment. Why were these people here? Shouldn't they be elsewhere? In her previous life, although they didn't celebrate Nina's 13th birthday grandly, they still acknowledged it with Nina. They greeted Penny, but all the attention was on Nina.

What had changed? Had she done something wrong? Or had Jessa disagreed to let them have Nina, giving them no choice but to celebrate hers?

The last thought that crossed her mind brought clarity to her. That must be it, she thought. After all, in her first life, they were her priority, but... she was simply their option.

"Miss Penny?" Butler Jen's voice brought her back to the current lapse.

Penny managed a subtle smile. It was a relief she hadn't expected much; it spared her from al bitter disappointment.

"I'm okay," she said softly before she turned around to face them. "Thank you."

She wore a kind smile, but everyone felt that a gigantic wall suddenly appeared between them. The creases on their faces faded.

Penny forced her smile wider, more eager to escape this scenario. "So nice! But I just remembered Mouse might've finished its food. I need to give her some snacks." She lowered her head and turned around to leave.

to watch the Upside Down movie? Hugo blurted out, thinking if they didn't say anything,

and Dad rented it so we can watch it together,'

comment to stall.

at them, cocking her head

birthday?" Allison quickly rushed to her

.overdo it?"

13

Wishes do

said you don't like surprises, but we thought since it's your first birthday with us, we should

there's something wrong?" Hugo approached, standing behind their

advanced in their direction. I thought

get them for you!" Slater jumped in and Butler Jen nodded.

anxious faces, noticing the nervousness and worry in them. "It's

her, this was so strange that she just couldn't help but wonder. It wouldn't surprise her

she got

birthday in the past twelve years, Charles was the one who gave that answer. "So, Nina can celebrate this day with her biological

be Nina's birthday, but it's also yours," Hugo backed

remained and the longer it lingered in him, the less interested he was in

are you talking about other people's birthdays when it's also your birthday?" Atlas blurted out,

If the Cortez Household were already doing everything they could to create a bond with Nina, they should also do the same for

in case you want to know, Allison cooked all your favorite dishes with the

producers, so we could get a copy of the movie you wanted to see. Atlas made the planning,

as the errand

simply doing it just so she let her guard down. Haines didn't know why, but he was certain Penny just created another huge wall in just the

because when they greeted her happy birthday, she dropped that wall between them instantly. Although it didn't feel like she was trying to distance herself, but more like