Chapter 817

Since Theodore had invited Heath on this trip, the Haynes siblings were given guest rooms at the villa.

However, Penelope highly suspected that the person who enthusiastically agreed to the beach trip and sent those flirty emojis was actually Heather. Her ulterior motives regarding Theodore couldn't have been more obvious.

"Julian, why are you always so mad? Fine, I'll share a bite of my cake with you. Don't be mad anymore."

Hubert and Julian were walking ahead. Hubert tried to offer a spoonful of cake as a peace offering, but Julian turned his head away in disgust.

"Where did you get that cake?"

"That lady gave it to me. She made it herself. It's really good."

Julian's eyes narrowed dangerously. "You just eat anything a stranger gives you?"

"But it's delicious."

"Aren't you afraid it's poisoned?"

"Why would she poison me?"

Julian took a deep breath. "Let me ask you this. Is her cake better, or is The Divine Crumb's cake better?"

"The Divine Crumb, obviously."

"Do you think Mom can't afford to buy you cake from The Divine Crumb?"

"No way, Mom is super rich."

"Exactly! So what's so special about this cake? She's not even half as good as a real pastry chef!"

Hubert scratched his head in utter confusion. "Julian, what are you even talking about?"

Julian rolled his eyes. "Just eat your stupid cake!"

Penelope walked behind the two boys, fuming silently. Theodore knew she was angry, but he made no attempt to explain himself. He just walked behind her, his gaze lowered in deep thought.

The Haynes siblings followed the family into the villa.

Theodore headed upstairs to change out of his wet clothes, and Heather immediately tried to follow him up the stairs.

Julian stepped in front of the staircase, blocking her path. "Where do you think you're going? You want to watch my dad change?"

Heather forced a laugh. "You have quite an imagination, kid. I just wanted to ask your dad to lend some dry clothes to my brother since his are soaking wet."

"Did your mouth stop working?"

"Huh?"

"When you're a guest in someone else's house, shouldn't you ask the owner before wandering around?"

Heather obviously knew exactly who Julian meant by 'owner'. She offered a patronizing smile. "That's exactly why I'm going up to ask Mr. Stapleton. He's the owner here, isn't he?"

"He's the man of the house. My mom is the lady of the house."

"But..." Heather turned to look at Penelope, a challenging spark in her eyes. "I heard that the two of you are divorced, and you never remarried. So technically, Ms Lauter isn't the Tady of the house, and she certainly isn't Mr. Stapleton's wife. Right?"

Penelope narrowed her eyes. "You clearly did your homework on my family."

"I did."

Penelope walked over, pinning Heather with a glacial stare.

"Even if we aren't legally married right now, we are in a relationship. Do you really think throwing yourself at him like this is a good look?"

"Are you calling me a homewrecker?" Heather scoffed. "I don't care. Call me whatever you want. I will use whatever means necessary to get what I want. Including men."

"A homewrecker?" Penelope let out a dark laugh. "To be a homewrecker, Theodore actually has to look at you. If he cant even stand the sight of you, you aren't even qualified for the title."

With that mic drop, Penelope started walking up the stairs.

After taking two steps, she glanced back over her shoulder. Heather was glaring at her with pure venom.

Penelope flashed a radiant smile. "You wanted to borrow some clothes, right? Sure. You have my permission."

Then, she continued up the stairs.

Heather tried to follow her again, but Julian firmly blocked the way.

"My mom said you have her permission to borrow clothes. You can wait down here."

Heather ground her teeth in silent

fury. She had assumed all kids were as easy to manipulate as Hubert, but Julian was turning out to be a massive roadblock. Still, she refused to admit defeat.