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

Chapter 463: The taste represents how I feel

The next day...

A soft moan echoed through the room as Penny slowly woke from a deep slumber. Stretching her arms and legs, she blinked her eyes open. Unlike last night, she felt much better-completely recharged. Sitting up, her gaze landed on the chair beside her bed.

A small smile appeared on her face as she noticed a bowl and some towels on the side table. Although no one was there now, she knew someone had looked after her during the night.

"Was it Second Brother?" she wondered with a smile, recalling that Hugo had been with her last night. "Or Mom?"

After all, it was Allison who had woken her up for some warm soup and medicine. Either way, Penny appreciated her family's care, even though she was an adult.

'In my first life...' She cut the thought short before she could start comparing. Smiling softly at the empty chair, she told herself, "There's no need to compare then and now. They weren't like that before, just as I'm not who I used to be."

For some reason, after last night, Penny felt ready to let go of some parts of her past she'd been holding onto. Life was different now, and she was content. Though it wasn't perfect-perfection was never her goal.

"Well, I'm better now! I should thank them for nursing me back to health."

With that thought, Penny energetically jumped out of bed. It was as though the fever had replenished her energy. She felt like she could conquer the world, and her mood was suspiciously good.

***

After completing her usual morning routine, Penny applied some tinted lip balm and smacked her lips, smiling at her reflection. She looked bright and refreshed, with no sign of exhaustion. Even her body felt lighter, all traces of the previous day's soreness gone.

to the kitchen to join her parents for breakfast

had likely gone to work already, Hugo was probably still asleep or training, and Slater... well, his schedule was

the reality turned out different

the

mor―" Her words caught in her throat as she sensed an ominous aura hanging over the kitchen. She dramatically staggered back, squinting her eyes as if to shield herself from the dark atmosphere radiating from the

at the table, she furrowed her brows. Not only were Allison, Charles, and

her heart starting to race for reasons she couldn't pinpoint. This felt like déjà vu. 'I swear I

she couldn't be guilty of anything. But

hand to his neck, then motioning a cutting gesture. He was

took a step back when she caught Hugo's eyes

in her stomach, and Penny quickly abandoned

there was no chance of brightening up this morning. Sighing internally, she decided

with a forced smile. "I'm off to work early. I forgot I have a ton of things to do. See

of trouble. She didn't want to get roped into whatever it was. But just as she was about to

"Penelope Bennet?"

full name sent a shiver down Penny's spine. Slowly, she turned

mother's angelic smile

early for work," Allison said sweetly. "Why don't

an excuse to decline. But seeing the overly sweet smile on Allison's face, she didn't dare. Although her mother's smile was angelic, it was almost

smile Allison wore when