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

Chapter 1648: why didn't anyone even ask?

Naylani Pierson was a name everyone had probably heard but at the same time, she remained a woman shrouded in mystery.

One of those mysteries was how she had managed to capture the heart of a man like Enzo Pierson.

Her very existence was a taboo in the Pierson family—a woman who had

allegedly tried to kill her own son out of jealousy. The same woman who had hung herself in her cell, unable to face the consequences of her actions.

Naylani Pierson had died decades ago.

But the woman who died during that special military operation-led by Charles- had died years before that incident.

It didn't make sense.

The timelines didn't add up. And yet... it was too much of a coincidence for both Charles and Haines to immediately recognize the woman by sight.

> "The person they recognized-the woman who died during that mission... and Uncle Haines's former lover... is Naylani Pierson."

Penny's words were soft and careful, but their weight crashed down like a thunderclap.

Zoren's eyes widened in shock before narrowing in confusion. His mouth opened, then closed again-but no words came out.

"I know," Penny sighed, rubbing his hand gently. "It confused us too. That's why First Brother and Second Brother are going to confront Dad and Uncle Haines directly. They'll try to get as much information as possible... and I'm sure they'll fill them in on everything that's happened."

She squeezed his hand. "Meanwhile, Mint, Third Brother, and I will focus on getting information from Nina's mother."

Her voice softened. "Renren... I didn't want to tell you this-not like this. But you deserve to know."

After all, Patricia had been the perfect reminder of what could happen when you keep one fatal piece of information hidden.

"We'll handle this for now," she promised. "I'll keep you in the loop. You just focus on finding out what this 'Delro' means. Jonathan said it for a reason... with his dying breath."

Zoren said nothing. He didn't react. He only stared at her, his eyes dark and unreadable.

She could tell he hated this plan—but in the end, all he could do was nod.

find out what Delro is," he said quietly. "And... maybe I'll ask Grandma about Naylani. She

faint smile, squeezing his hand tighter. "I know this is hard for

if..." Zoren paused, exhaling sharply. "If she has anything to

"..."

door, as if half-expecting someone to have heard that. When her eyes returned to him,

Pfft-

that night, Zoren let out a

gently with his fingers. His expression softened as he gazed at her, the image of her battered face from the case file

painfully. He

"I'm sorry."

blinked. "Hmm? What

had to go through all of that," he whispered,

would've died before you could even

leaned closer, his voice low

never let that

smiled softly, her

Even if he

was

that situation again.

say those wordsstill

she whispered. "I know you

them as they held each other's gaze. Slowly, Zoren leaned forward, resting his forehead against hers. His hand stayed on her cheek, his

closing.

he would have saved her from

the impossible wasn't

vow.

what,

Later that night...

had quieted, but none of them could find

a moment lay awake in bed, staring at the ceiling. Not a word passed between them,

the same for Atlas, who had returned to the Bennet Mansion hours

his mind