Chapter 255

At a bustling street-side food stall, Penelope raised a glass of juice to thank Timothy and Norton for their invaluable help.

"I made such a huge sacrifice for you, and this is where you take me to eat? You're so cheap," Norton complained, wrinkling his nose at the surroundings. He was particularly annoyed by a group of male students at the next table who kept glancing

his way.

"I used to come here all the time in college. The food is genuinely good," Penelope said, taking in Norton's miniskirt and heavy makeup. He had indeed made a significant sacrifice. She handed him a handful of skewers. "Eat up."

Norton pouted, but just as he was about to take a bite, one of the students wolf- whistled at him. That was the last straw. Norton shot to his feet, ready for a fight. Timothy pulled him back down, then glanced over at the students, casually draping an arm around Norton's shoulders and giving them a pointed look. The students got the message and sheepishly raised their glasses in a silent apology.

Timothy ignored them and went back to his food.

Norton giggled. "Timothy, I think they recognize you. Do you think they'll misunderstand and think I'm your girlfriend? They'll probably spread it all over campus. Imagine all those girls who have crushes on you... their poor, broken hearts. It's so tragic."

Timothy rolled his eyes. "Could you please wash your face first? You look like a ghost."

"I had this done by a professional makeup artist!"

"A ghost-makeup artist."

"You have no taste!"

"Only a ghost would appreciate it."

Norton fumed. He noticed the students were no longer looking at him but were now sneaking glances at Timothy. They definitely knew who he was. An idea sparked in his mind. He looped his arm through Timothy's and cooed, "Timothy, why are you so mean to me? I love you so much!"

That would surely scare off any potential girlfriends.

To his surprise, Timothy didn't get angry. He played along, pulling Norton closer. "Perfect. I've been dealing with a lot of unwanted attention lately. You can be my shield."

"You!"

"Eat up. Want me to feed you?"

"Ugh, don't be disgusting!"

Penelope paid them no mind, busy editing the audio file Timothy had sent her. Once she had a clean version, she sent a copy to Zebulon. Blackmailing her into a compromising situation and conspiring to withhold wages from migrant workers— either charge would be enough to ruin him.

The moment she sent it, a reply from Zebulon came through.

[Penelope, please, I'm begging you. Don't go to the police. Don't release that recording.]

[You know what to do.]

[I'll make sure Monolith Builders...]

[You have

until noon tomorrow. If

Velket

those workers don't have their money, I'm calling the police] sŵnovels met

She closed the chat. There was no need for further discussion. However, she still needed to

with Louis. Content belonel

She

her face to work up a smile took a deep breath and made video.call

deed her clothes, rubbed

Norton watched her preparations and whispered to Timothy, "Is she about to deal

with a client?"

Timothy didn't reply, but he thought the same thing.

When the call connected, Penelope's eyes lit up. "Hi, honey! Good evening."

Norton cringed. So she was dealing with Theodore.

Theodore's sleepy voice came through the phone. "What's up?"

"I miss you so much."

"Mm-hmm."

"I miss you so much I can't sleep."

"

"Mm-hmm."

"Don't you miss me?"

"Stop beating around the bush. If you have something to say, just say it."

Penelope giggled. "It's nothing major."

"Then I'm hanging up."

"I beat up Louis from Monolith Builders!"

Penelope blinked. "So, it's not a big deal, right?"

"Are you hurt?" His voice had turned sharp.

"Of course not. But he might need a few stitches in his head."