Chapter 52

Penelope knew better than anyone what Rebecca was capable of—or rather, what she wasn't.

"Put the word out," she told Nathan. "Let's see what other firms come knocking."

Before she had even left the building, Stone Group representatives began bombarding Nathan's phone with calls. He ignored every one. By the time she reached the parking garage, Zebulon's car screeched to a halt across from hers.

He jumped out of the driver's side, Rebecca from the passenger's. He looked frantic; she looked utterly lost.

"Dad trusted you with this project, and you blew it!" Zebulon yelled at her.

Rebecca's eyes welled with tears. "I was confident in my design. I don't understand why they're not happy with it. Maybe they're just being difficult?"

"They're already looking for a new design firm! Does that sound like they're being 'difficult'?"

Rebecca flinched and fell silent. They rushed into the building, completely oblivious to Penelope's presence.

A smirk played on Penelope's lips. She left KINY Group and went to her favorite coffee shop. She had been too busy with work to properly enjoy a cup of coffee before, but now she had both the time and the perfect mood for it. The thought of the three Sullivans and Rebecca running around in a panic made her smile.

She spent a leisurely afternoon at the café. Just as she was about to leave, Zebulon called.

"Penelope, I don't care where you are. Get home now. It's an emergency!" "Home? Where's that?"

"This isn't the time to be difficult. Just come back!"

"I don't have time, no matter where 'home' is."

"What do you mean you don't have time? What could you possibly be busy with?"

"I'm planning a vacation."

She could hear Zebulon's ragged breathing on the other end of the line, so furious he was momentarily speechless.

"Penelope... I'm begging you."

Since he was begging her to come watch the show, she supposed she could oblige.

"Fine. Come and get me."

An hour later, Penelope walked into

'é

the Sullivan family home with Zebulon. The first thing she heard was a loud crash. In the living room, Rebecca stood trembling while Mr. Sullivan, incandescent with rage, smashed a vase on the floor.

"You useless fool! You're going to ruin Stone Group!"

Rebecca was pale with fear, opening her mouth to speak but closing it again, too

terrified to say anything in the face of his fury.

"What is wrong with you? The family

is in crisis, and you couldn't be bothered to come home?" Mrs. Sullivan, who had been hovering outside the living room, rounded on

Penelope the moment she saw hér.

"I thought you told me not to come back," Penelope retorted, raising an eyebrow.

"You-!"

"You still seem angry. I wouldn't want to upset you further. I'll just leave."

"Don't go!" Mrs. Sullivan grabbed her arm, forcing a smile. "Penelope, dear, you know I wasn't really angry with you. Let's just forget what happened. I'm not holding a grudge."

"How generous of you. But I'm not so forgiving. I hold grudges," Penelope said, turning to leave again.

"I was wrong!" Mrs. Sullivan said through gritted teeth. "I shouldn't have yelled at you that day, and shouldn't have kicked you out. I was wrong, so please just don't be angry anymore, alright?"

"I'm still a little upset."

"Penelope, I promise I'll make it up to you, but right now, you have to help the company solve this crisis!"

Zebulon pushed Penelope into the living room. When Rebecca saw her, a flash of pure hatred crossed her face. Mr. Sullivan looked equally uncomfortable, clearing his throat and adjusting his glasses.

Penelope couldn't help but feel a surge of delight. Weren't they the happy family just last night? Not so happy now, are we?