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

<

did you

misunderstanding tonight was the last thing Penny wanted. She already had enough of

your brothers, huh?" he chuckled. "How will

bother. Dating is not part of my

you always

a glint flickered in them before she smirked. "Of course. Otherwise, I'd be in trouble. Always ten steps ahead. That's

between his brows creased slightly at the sly look that briefly crossed her face. But Penny was always like that-smart, capable, and

smiled and nodded. "It's what I

her tongue

for dinner, should I walk

"Dean, when have I ever let you walk me home or

like they say, try

Penny shook her head, clicking her

raised his brows and stared at her with anticipation.

"You

once.

eyes

laughed. "What? Did you not

"No... I didn't."

that's a

yes was something he didn't expect in this lifetime. Penny, after all, had made it her life's mission to oppose him in everything, no matter how big or small. "Did you just say yes just to see my reaction?" he

"It

before letting out a dry laugh.

be such a

his lips together, smiling widely, nodding his head

2:4

did you

suppress the smile on

his side profile. "Dean, can I ask

You never ask me questions because you think that's akin to

her eyes ahead, her steps slow but

matched her pace. "So, what's the question? We're quits now. You answered mine, so I'll answer yours," he said,

you

steps slowed and then he stopped, while Penny continued walking. He stared at her back, watching the distance between them

never asked you

you asking now?" he asked out

pure curiosity.