Chapter 68

Zebulon's attitude shifted instantly. If they could get advice from a giant in the world of architecture, their design was sure to be approved.

"Penelope should have told me sooner. I would have loved to visit you as well, Mrs. Reed."

Rebecca, though mortified, was also desperate for Hannah to look at her design. After all, besides being a world-class architect, she was Mrs. Reed.

Hannah smiled. "I had already agreed to help Penelope, but after all this drama, I'm exhausted. Let's just forget about it."

With that, she stood up, gave Penelope a nod, and walked out with her husband.

The three of them stood there, stunned. They knew their antics had thoroughly offended Mrs. Reed. Worse, if Mr. Reed was angry, their partnership could be dead in the water.

"Penelope, go talk to Mr. Reed for us! Tell him not to let this affect our companies' partnership!" Zebulon urged frantically.

"Yes, hurry up and go!" Mrs. Sullivan added.

"Penelope, even if you're angry, you need to think about the bigger picture," Rebecca said, her voice strained.

Penelope was torn between fury and amusement. What kind of twisted logic did these three operate on? They could say such shameless things and genuinely believe they were entitled to her help.

She lifted the wine glass, swirling the red liquid. She was about to take a sip to cool her temper but remembered Theodore's strange condition: no alcohol tonight.

Even though he wasn't here to see it, a promise was a promise. So, on the principle of not letting good wine go to waste, she stood up and flung its contents squarely in Zebulon's face.

"Penelope!" he roared.

"What was it you called me earlier?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Zebulon's jaw tightened. He had called her a name, a nasty one.

"A 'bitch,' wasn't it?" Penelope's lips twisted into a smirk. "Here, you can have it back. It suits you better."

With that, she turned and strode away.

Asking Hannah to look at the Stone Group design had been a lie, of

course. She wasn't that magnanimous. She had asked, Hannan to review, the

proposal ne

was preparing for Zenith Group's shopping district, hoping for

guidance on a few sticking points.

Leaving the lounge, she saw

Theodore still seated at the head table. Aman was bent over, speaking to him respectfully while line of others, including Mr. Sullivan, waited for their turn.

He saw her and frantically waved her over. Penelope pretended not to notice,

returned to her seat, and began to eat. She was starving; she hadn't eaten a thing all day.

The table was laden with a

magnificent feast. Penelope took a bite of braised pork belly-rich and savory, melting in her mouth. She ried a king crab leg the meat was firm, sweet, and refreshing. She ate

a piece of steamed taro and... started to choke. Content

Mr. Jackson Sr. quickly ladled a bowl of mushroom soup, but instead of handing it

to Penelope, he passed it to Theodore.

Theodore frowned but placed the bowl in front of her.

Penelope, flattered and flustered, hiccuped a few times as she looked at him.

"This hotel is owned by Zenith Group."

"Huh?" What did that mean?

"If you like the food so much, you can come every day. There's no need to choke yourself."

His comment was so bizarre it took her a moment to process it. This is my family's hotel. If you eat here every day, you'll increase our revenue.

So even the heir had to hustle for sales.

"What are you staring at? Drink your soup."

Musing on the heir's work ethic, Penelope picked up the bowl. As she did, she noticed Mr. Sullivan had somehow made his way behind Theodore and was staring at her in disbelief.