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

Chapter 1606: It damn hurt

Penny, for Dean, was someone so close yet always just out of reach.

They had both graduated early and trained under Professor Singh, entering college at an unusually young age. And while many would assume their shared experiences meant they understood each other well, the truth was quite the opposite.

Dean quickly rose to popularity - thanks to his early achievements, towering height, and striking appearance — while Penny struggled. She wasn't bullied, exactly, but people often treated her like a novelty. It took time for others to warm up to her. To most, she was either a child to be coddled or a quirky mascot.

And Dean was always there, watching it unfold.

Now that he thought about it, he had always been there - not too far, not too close, just enough to be in her world without fully belonging to it. Whenever he tried to become a more significant part of her life, something always seemed to get in the way.

So instead of showing her his heart, he chose to irritate her. Teasing her, provoking her — it was the only way to get her attention, and the only way the world seemed to allow him in.

For the longest time, Dean had believed that it was the world interfering.

But now, he was asking himself,

Was it really the world? Or was it just me-my own lack of urgency, my failure to try harder-that lost me every chance I had?

[PRESENT TIME]

Dean pulled into the driveway of his villa, his eyes immediately spotting a familiar car parked a few meters away. A heavy sigh escaped him, followed by the click of his tongue in irritation.

But this time, he didn't turn the wheel and drive away.

This time, he parked, shut off the engine, and stepped out.

He walked straight to the front door, then stood there, staring at it as if it didn't belong to him. As if Belle wouldn't be waiting inside to greet him.

Click...

within and creaked open. Belle stood there, tilting her

away?"

didn't respond, only stared

want to talk about it, that's fine," she said gently, stepping aside and opening the door wider. "But at least let me look after you. I know you're not sick, and

think I'll be fine," he interrupted, catching her off

as he tried

I'll be fine,

His eyes reddened at the edges,

he whispered. "It... damn

a tight line, her

wrapping her arms around him. "I

could deny it all he wanted, but Belle - someone who had been like a sister to him - saw

Zoren knew it, too.

for now, the best he could do was stay out of

broken heart, but it was

[Back at the Laboratory...]

she busied herself writing up the experiment report. But no matter how focused she tried to be, she

lit up the moment she

just finish this, then we can

grin and giddy laugh said everything - she was thrilled. She

hand, notes in the other. Zoren came up behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and rested his chin on

really happy," he observed, earning a chuckle from

the right combination for the antidote," she announced, her voice buzzing with restrained

"Really?"

to Mint. Homeland Security's been investigating the drug for ages. I'm sure this will

hummed in response, arms still loosely around her as he watched her finish her notes. Then his eyes lingered on her a moment

"Penny."