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 once. "That's not

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 will never be.

my enemy," he answered quietly but

tongue across her inner check while studying

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

"What is it?"

replying,

"Penny."

took a deep breath and faced him squarely, looking him straight in the eye.

<

splinter in

Haines from that incident. But that doesn't mean you get a say in everything

them, her

in your family drama. I have my own to deal with. I gave you my word, and I'll keep it," she stressed, her tone decisive and cold. "Whatever I need from Zoren Pierson is none of your concern, but rest assured, I won't sell

assessed the look in her eyes before he nodded. "If you say so," he raised a hand in surrender. "Then I trust

"Good"

and faced the elevator door. When the lift reached the ground floor, she quickly stepped out without sparing Dean another second

tracks. Watching her

[FLASHBACK]

to flicker beneath her eyelids. She instinctively touched her head before slowly opening her eyes.

Penny turned to

eyes. The corners of his eyes were red, and a thin layer of tears made them shine. The

relief, pressing a button to call the

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

she had was of Wild standing by

"My Uncle Haines-"

clasped her hand and nodded