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.

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

Dad rented it so we can watch it

comment to stall.

them, cocking

your birthday?" Allison quickly rushed

.overdo it?"

13

do

Charles also squatted down in front of his daughter. "I know you said you don't like surprises, but we thought since it's your first birthday with us, we should at

Hugo

didn't add more, but he also advanced in

mouse will starve! Butler Jen can get them for you!" Slater jumped in and Butler Jen nodded. When he set his eyes back on

worry in them. "It's not like that..." she blurted out quietly. "It's just that... shouldn't you

was so strange that she just couldn't help but wonder. It wouldn't surprise her if she heard the answers: Jessa didn't want to let

she got

Charles was the one who gave that answer. "So, Nina

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

toward Nina remained and the longer it lingered in him,

also your birthday?" Atlas blurted out, though his comment originated from

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

them. "But in case you want to know, Allison cooked all your favorite dishes with the help of our in-house chefs. Chef Skylar also sent some snacks and recipes. The servants spent all night and day taking turns in shopping for a gift and helping

get a copy of the movie you

as the errand

guilt-tripping her. Even Penny noticed it. However, he was simply doing it just so she let her guard down. Haines didn't know why, but he was certain Penny just created another

she dropped that wall between them instantly. Although it didn't feel like she was trying to distance herself, but more like she was trying to protect herself from