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

Chapter 743: Guilt kills

Chapter 743: Guilt kills

[FLASHBACK]

"I did everything, Atlas. Everything. I worked and studied ten times harder than anyone else, all in hopes you'd like me. I enrolled in martial arts classes to have something in common with Hugo, and I even studied music and arts so I'd have something to talk about with Slater."

"So yes, I am jealous, because Nina didn't have to do any of that for you all to like her!"

How could you say all of that?

Atlas looked at Penny through the glass, watching as her chapped lips curled into

a sinister smile. Her eyes shone with tears, but she was smiling and even giggling.

He couldn't recognize her.

Was this really the Penny he knew?

"You really are something. I knew it. I knew you were bad news the day you came into our house," Atlas breathed out, barely processing the cruel things she'd just uttered. "Well, at least now I understand."

No, he didn't understand at all.

"Atlas..."

"I heard your execution date is set. I... don't know what to say, Penelope. I just finished Hugo's funeral arrangements, so... I'll find you a decent resting place, but it won't be with our parents or Hugo." Atlas let out a jagged breath, his head rocking slightly as if he wanted to say more.

There was so much more he wanted to say. After all, he had come here to console her, even though her actions had destroyed their family. Yet Penny kept denying what she had done now that her execution was near. And when he didn't believe her, she finally revealed her true colors.

With a heavy heart, Atlas turned his back on her and never looked back.

He didn't want to see her anymore.

she didn't

hurt

car, tears began streaming down his cheeks. He clenched his teeth, punching the steering wheel as her words replayed in his mind like a broken

hissed, gripping the steering wheel

disappointment in Penny,

gone. His remaining brother had

still felt helpless. He couldn't help her. It tore him apart, trying to

should've done it from the start," he sobbed, resting his arms on the steering wheel and burying his face in them. "Why deny it now,

Atlas believe her?

thought Penny only recanted once she realized the gravity of her situation. Penny was smart, but too naive for

the authorities had gathered, pointing

the seat. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath,

the only moment he'd have to take

a while, his phone rang, and he opened his eyes. Seeing

this now?" he

woman's voice came through, which was unfamiliar to

"Yes, who is this?"

from Green Valley Medical

caught as the nurse's words blurred into the background. In no time, he was speeding toward the hospital, barely aware of how fast he was driving. He wasted no second and jumped out

a curtain was partially drawn around the bed. He could see Slater's side profile, resting in

moving to sit beside Slater's bed, his eyes falling on his brother's wrist, which bore fresh scars underneath the bandage.

his gaze.

him that Slater had been rushed there after a suicide attempt. Fortunately, a neighbor who

he whispered, taking Slater's

in Atlas's eyes, helplessness

was Atlas's

he had to care for Slater. Since everything had spiraled out of control, Slater had barely been able to cope. Hugo's death was too

whispered, holding Slater's hand with trembling fingers. "I'm so sorry,