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

Chapter 1476: Not even close

"This? This is a mere distraction."

"A distraction?" one gentleman blurted out, looking at everyone who was just as confused as him. They all turned to Hayley, brows furrowed. "What do you mean by that, Miss Rogers?"

Hayley smiled. "I mean it literally. Like Miss Penny said, we're all on the same ship. Prime Group experts are already working to keep all of your data safe. And while they do, Miss Penny has to distract this person named X."

"Oh." Hearing this, the men breathed out in near-relief. They looked at each other, wiping the sweat from their foreheads.

"So, all this time, this is just a distraction while Prime Group works to secure our data?"

"I knew it! Penelope already had a plan laid out."

"Miss Rogers, if that's true, then why didn't she say so earlier?" another man, still skeptical, raised his voice. "Was it necessary to shake us like that? She should've told us, so we wouldn't be so terrified of the situation!"

Hayley offered a calm smile. "If Miss Penny had done that, it would've tipped off the enemy about the extra parameters Prime Group has in place. By now, I'm sure you've realized X is listening. That's why we had to get you all in here — this place is safer."

Listening to her, the men exchanged glances again. There were still lingering doubts, but many clung to the relief the explanation provided.

"I believe in Penelope," one of the gentlemen - the same one who helped her during her early years - nodded. "She's young, but she has the wisdom of someone twice her age. Maybe more."

"That's true. Miss Bennet has always been the type to fix problems."

"If Prime Group is already working, then I guess I shouldn't worry too much! Hahaha! I thought I was about to have a heart attack just now!"

"Let's just go back to our seats."

"I guess I need to practice more patience," another one murmured, heading back to his chair.

Hayley's words had eased much of their anxiety. Knowing Prime Group was already in action gave them hope. Meanwhile, a few others still looked conflicted. Eventually, one of them spoke up.

said. "Even if Prime Group is behind the scenes, I still want to understand why

composed demeanor. Once everyone had settled, she turned toward the door. On her way out, she shot a look at Shawn,

outside, Shawn turned to

he said quietly, eyes on her

Hayley didn't react. "No."

"What?"

to stop them from interfering," she whispered, facing him directly. "That's our job to make sure the guests don't second-guess their partnership with Prime Group while Miss Penny and Sir Yugi handle

grabbed her arm, whispering through clenched teeth. "You lied

"If lying minimizes the

I want

her arm free. "Stay here and make sure they're happy. I don't care

naked - just get

walked away

there in stunned silence,

isn't the office job I was expecting," he muttered. Then, recalling the look on Hayley's face he sighed. "I don't know how to lie with a straight face like she does... but there's a first time for

[Main Hall]

furrowed. Her eyes darted between the teams while

nose.

Hayley asked, stopping beside Teddy and Patricia.

here?" Teddy asked instead

gentlemen would've," she replied flatly. "So,

myself the same

knows yet," Patricia added with difficulty. "I feel like

"SHUT. THE. FUCK. UP."

cut off at Penny's voice. Teddy, Patricia, and Hayley instinctively shut their mouths.

to them, her

clear - silence

they had seen that look before — the same one she wore when she trespassed into