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

Chapter 718: Different in person

To ensure Slater would be fine, Penny reluctantly asked someone to take Renny to the master bedroom. Chunchun was allowed to roam freely, but she still went to accompany her brother. It was only then did Slater was able to get in the house.

Leaning on the kitchen counter, Slater watched Penny put on an apron and start doing things he had never seen her do before.

"Penny, I never knew you could cook. Wow... is there anything else you can't do?" he remarked, glancing over at Mark in the corner. "And if Mark is your bodyguard, why is he here to guard you? You're already home. Isn't that a bit suffocating to follow you around in the house?"

Penny smirked at her third brother and proudly replied, "Mark isn't guarding me. He just wants to see how perfect I am. You know, not everyone can do what I do - running a successful company, looking beautiful, and being a great cook, too."

'Uh...' Mark pressed his lips into a thin line, watching Penny happily brag about being a total package. 'I only said that because I'm sure she wouldn't like what her Second Brother told me.'

When Penny and Slater entered the manor, Mark had reported to Benjamin, telling him that Penny was going to make dinner for her husband. He didn't expect a response, as he only mentioned it to prevent Zoren from eating out or to give him a heads-up.

Who would have thought that a minute later, he'd get a text from Hugo?

The message from Hugo read: [Keep an eye on her. She might burn down the kitchen if you leave her alone.]

And so Mark stayed, even though he wouldn't normally remain by Penny's side once they were home.

'But from what I can tell, she doesn't look bad. She really has a good knife work,' he thought, watching her chop ingredients with surprising efficiency. 'Maybe Second Brother Hugo's just a little paranoid. Considering he almost died, he's probably just worried.'

Mark didn't think much of it as he stayed quiet, growing a little complacent as Penny worked.

smiling with anticipation. "Penny, you're really perfect. Do you need any

winked at him, making his brows

I helping

me look

do for her. "But well, hehe. You're so perfect! How did my little sister get to be so perfect?

and Hugo's interactions, this was surprising. Not that Hugo and Penny fought, but Hugo

wonder Penny's confidence was

Mark wouldn't be surprised if the angels themselves could

Penny while Mark listened to it all, Slater suddenly trailed off, noticing a figure entering the kitchen. He turned his head, furrowing his brows as he caught

he asked, drawing Penny's and

see Nathaniel, and both of their expressions soured. Penny didn't answer and simply popped a piece of raw carrot into her

at Slater. "The gardener.

inside," Slater commented, watching Nathaniel smile nervously and lower his head. He didn't dwell

a huff as he caught Penny looking his way.

hired me,' he grumbled internally, recalling how he was given one proper task to display his talent, then promptly relegated to being the

showcasing

if she were on a

every move in awe, like her personal hype man, while Mark observed in silence. Nathaniel's gaze lingered on Slater, tilting his head to

celebrity brother?' he mused, recognizing Slater from billboards around the city. 'He... feels

his. Slater held his gaze briefly before smiling