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?"

her head, and he frowned. "Haha.

<

How did you

thing Penny wanted. She

brothers, huh?" he chuckled. "How will you date if you're always

bother. Dating is not part of

you always plan

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

at the sly look that briefly crossed her face. But Penny was always like that-smart, capable, and sometimes cunning, but

and nodded. "It's what I

her tongue and rolled

for dinner, should I walk you home?" he asked meaningfully. "Or is it a

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

"But like they say, try and

Penny shook her head, clicking

raised his brows and stared at her with anticipation. "Should I walk you

"You brought Chunchun a present, so

once.

eyes gleamed

laughed. "What? Did

"No... I didn't."

that's a nice

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 the line

smirked triumphantly. "It

before letting out a

such a

pressed his lips together, smiling widely, nodding his head as

2:4

did you

suppress the

other hand, glanced at his side profile.

me questions because you think that's akin to asking

She shrugged, setting her eyes ahead,

You answered mine, so I'll answer yours," he said, just to let her know this wasn't a favor she'd have to return in

you

stared at her back, watching the distance between them grow wider

you this before, but now... I am. How did

asking now?" he asked out

pure curiosity.