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?"

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

<

did

the last thing Penny wanted. She already

"How will you date

is not part of my plans

you always plan

her eyes, a glint flickered in them before she smirked. "Of course. Otherwise, I'd be in

crossed her face. But Penny was always like

"It's what I like about

clicked her tongue

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

her eyes brimming with curiosity. "Dean, when have I ever let you walk me home

they say, try

Penny shook her head, clicking her

his brows and stared at her with anticipation. "Should

unlike usual. "You

once.

eyes gleamed with

laughed. "What? Did you not

"No... I didn't."

Oh, that's

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 in everything, no matter how big or small. "Did you just say yes just to see my reaction?" he asked in dismay. "Penny, you're crossing

"It

letting out a

god. Don't be such a drama

lips together, smiling widely, nodding his head as he took a short

2:4

did

the smile on his

other hand, glanced at his side profile.

back at her. "This is a first, too. You never ask me questions

shrugged, setting her eyes ahead,

matched her pace. "So, what's the question? We're quits now. You answered mine, so I'll answer yours," he said, just to let her know this wasn't a favor she'd have to

did you

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

head. "I never asked you this before, but now...

you asking now?" he asked

pure curiosity.