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

279 How did you know me?

"What is he doing here?"

The corners of Penny's lips curved downward, her eyes fixed on the person ahead of her.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, louder this time. "Dean, I'm getting annoyed with you.

now e

Dean, who was leaning against the side of the car, peeled himself away from it. He smiled charmingly as he walked toward her.

"Why are you getting annoyed with me? It's not like I'm following you," he quipped, stopping in front of her. "I know where you live and I'm just dropping by."

"Wow... so because of that, you think you can come here anytime?"

"Penny, I felt like our last conversation... it weighed on my heart. His smile faded as he sighed. "I reflected on my actions, and you were right. I should trust you. After all, we've known each other for a long time, and no matter what, we've shared many memories over the past twelve years."

Penny narrowed her eyes slightly, raising her brows. "What did you cat today? You're saying so many strange things."

"Haha. I reflected on my actions and realized that no matter how worried I was about you, I should know you better than anyone," he explained with a smile. "Whatever you need from my uncle, I'm staying out of it."

"Good." She nodded, a bit taken aback by his change in approach.

"Anyway, Penny, there's another reason I came here," he remarked, watching her brows elevate. His lips stretched a little as he took something out of his pocket. "Here."

Penny glanced at the small box-a handful-sized present-and asked, "What is that?"

"A toy fish. He shrugged and jerked his chin toward the cat in her arms. "Happy Birthday,

Chunchun." (

"Oh..." Her lips closed slightly. "You remembered her birthday, huh?"

"I always remember her birthday," he said with a touch of humor. "Did you think even now, with how busy I am with work, I'd forget her birthday?

Penny pursed her lips and drew a deep breath. "Well, thank you."

"Do you have other plans for her birthday?"

"Well, my Second Brother prepared a simple family dinner for it," she said as she accepted the box. "Thanks!"

Dean blinked as if waiting for something. "No invite?"

Penny shook her head, and he frowned. "Haha. It's for your

<

did you

misunderstanding tonight was the last thing Penny wanted.

he chuckled. "How will

not part of my plans

always plan

smirked. "Of course. Otherwise, I'd be

sly look that briefly crossed her face. But Penny was

and nodded. "It's what I like about

clicked her tongue and rolled her

dinner, should I walk you home?" he asked meaningfully. "Or

this, her eyes brimming with curiosity. "Dean, when have

laughed. "But like they say, try and try

Penny shook her head, clicking

brows and stared at her

didn't respond immediately, unlike usual. "You

once.

His eyes

Did

"No... I didn't."

Oh, that's a nice

of only getting rejection from her, hearing her say yes was something he didn't expect in this lifetime. Penny, after all, had made it her life's mission to oppose him

triumphantly. "It was

off before letting out a dry

Don't be such a drama queen. Let's

pressed his lips together, smiling widely, nodding his head

2:4

How did you

unable to suppress the smile on

side profile. "Dean, can I ask

her. "This is a first, too. You never ask me questions because you think that's akin to asking for yet another favor. What did you

eyes ahead, her steps slow but

the question? We're quits now. You answered mine, so I'll answer yours," he said, just to let her know

did you

then he stopped, while Penny continued walking. He stared at her back,

tilting her head. "I never asked you this before, but now... I am. How

now?" he asked

pure curiosity.