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

265 splinter in my throat.

"See you at lunch" a

Benjamin's heart thudded upon hearing Penny's remark. That sounded more like a threat-hadn't she said she would stay away?! He opened his mouth to call her out, but at the same time, came into view.

He furrowed his brows as he watched Dean approach the strange woman.

Dean glanced at Benjamin briefly before stopping in front of Penny.

"Why are you here?" Penny frowned, only to receive a smile from Dean.

"I was worried.

"Oh." She nodded and nonchalantly strutted off.

Dean

Dean sighed faintly, glancing back at the deadly glare Benjamin was throwing in his direction. He returned it with a smile before following Penny.

In the elevator, Penny stood motionless beside him.

"Don't follow me next time," she said after a full minute of silence. "You know how much I hate

that."

Dean cast her a sidelong glance. "I can't help it. Sometimes following you helps, doesn't it?"

Penny didn't answer but finally gave him a sharp look. "Still with that?"

"Penny, I told you to stay away from him."

"Why?"

"Because he's dangerous."

Penny shook her head

as he held her sharp gaze, which she reserved only for him. "Because I'm Jealous," he breathed out. "We're not together, and I don't mind if we

he answered quietly

tongue across her inner check while studying his eyes.

looked away. "I'm not trying to get his attention. because I'm

"What is it?"

replying,

"Penny."

Penny took a deep breath and faced him squarely, looking

<

in

forget how you saved me and Uncle Haines from that incident. But that

distance between them, her eyes even sharper and

I'll keep it," she stressed, her tone decisive and cold. "Whatever I need from Zoren Pierson is none of your concern, but

her eyes before he nodded. "If you say so," he raised a hand

"Good"

reached the ground floor, she

her but stopped in his tracks. Watching her retreating figure, a shallow breath slipped past his

[FLASHBACK]

instinctively touched her head before slowly opening her eyes. The brightness of the room made her squint

the confusion in her mind, Penny turned to the side

eyes. The corners of his eyes were red, and a thin layer of tears made them shine. The dark circles under his eyes were evident, and he looked like he hadn't slept for days or had a proper shower. "Dean?" she called,

in relief, pressing a button

with the pain came flood of memories from before she woke up in this bed. Her mouth fell open, and

was of Wild standing by

"My Uncle Haines-"

clasped her hand and nodded reassuringly. "Uncle Haines is