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

Chapter 517: Professional fly swatter

"Then... you're going to keep owing me. Penny, I don't want you to owe me, but if that's the only way to keep you away from him and the Pierson family, then you'll keep owing me. And I'll make sure you do."

A glint flickered across Dean's eyes as he slowly drew his head away, holding her sharp gaze. He watched as the corner of her lips twisted lightly into an incensed smirk.

"A threat," she remarked. "Right in my territory."

"This place is never your territory."

"It is, and if not, it will be." Penny took a step, chin high, eyes still locked with his. "Dean Pierson, you're going to great lengths to stop me from helping Zoren Pierson. It's been a while since I've seen you so passionate over something."

"I told you." Dean lifted his cast arm mildly. "Do you know where I got this cast? Not long ago, from an accident orchestrated by my own family. Why? Because I am Dean Pierson, and I exist. Do you know who else got hurt? My driver. He was in critical condition while his wife and children took care of him, dreading every second that his heart would stop."

He lowered his head as his eyelids drooped. "He got hurt just because he was around me at the wrong time and in the wrong place. You'd be him if you linger here, Penny."

After speaking, Dean took a step back and exhaled slowly. He kept his sharp gaze on her, running his tongue along his cheek.

"Please," he breathed out. "Don't get hurt just because you're in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Another wave of silence fell between them for a moment, eyes never leaving each other. A while later, Dean shook his head as he moved away, hands raised at his sides.

"Just making sure you're okay, and I'm glad you are," he said. "That person who attacked your brother will never see the light of day again."

The corner of his lips curled up, his eyes flickering before he turned his back on her. After taking only three steps, he stopped when Penny spoke.

back with an arched brow. "It's just that... your

at her. "However, no amount of debt would make me go back now. It's not like I

"What does that mean?"

replied in a matter- of-factly. "I appreciate the constant warnings and worry, but throw

"Penny, you—"

off you go, and the next time you want to see me, set up an appointment. You have Yugi's

guy disliked him with

more, backing down. "But I'll stand by what I said. Sit back, relax, and

office. Once he closed the door behind him, the fierce look on her face twisted into anger. Penny knocked her knuckles against the surface of the desk, huffing

how to press my buttons," she grumbled,

to write someone a message, she put her phone down. Her sharp eyes

like a splinter in my throat that, no matter

he sticks there," she whispered, leaning back, her eyes

papers waiting for her attention. "Now, I'm

*

*

*

Later that day...

blinked, sitting on a bench, watching his sister sprint on the treadmill. Her legs almost looked

to hit the gym. But it seemed she

anger. They'd finished their routine, and he had even

Hugo shrugged, watching