"Respect your decision," said Adam briskly over the phone. "Call me if you need anything. I'm always here."
"Thank you."
As soon as Penelope ended the call with Adam, Megan leaned in, her voice filled with concern. "Sweetie, what's your plan? That green tea is infuriating!"
"Tomorrow night, my brother is taking me to a banquet hosted by the Seattle Chamber of Commerce. Every influential family in Seattle will be there. I intend to expose that green tea for what she truly is."
Megan cheered her on, "That's the spirit! Show them who's the boss!"
---
On the night of the banquet,
The hall was elegant and charming, illuminated by dazzling lights. The guests mingled, their conversations filling the air with excitement.
Penelope arrived fashionably late, wearing an exquisite diamond-encrusted gown accentuating her flawless figure. Her radiant presence was magnetic, making it hard for anyone to look away.
Her makeup radiated a dreamy allure, yet it carried a sharpness that exuded a commanding presence.
As soon as she appeared, the women engrossed in the scandalous headlines couldn't help but start whispering among themselves.
Meanwhile, Danna, holding a champagne glass, was surrounded by her entourage, all wearing expressions of curiosity and mockery. "Danna, is this Penelope, the same woman from the headlines? The one who was with your brother?"
"Yeah, just look at those photos; she does have a striking resemblance and looks quite attractive."
"Honestly! Do you really think someone like her is suitable to be my sister-in-law?" Danna scoffed, rolling her eyes dismissively. "My brother and her? That's ancient history!"
On the other side, Penelope’s gaze scanned the area for Danna, a gentle smile gracing the corners of his lips as he moved steadily toward her.
"Once, she ran a humble shop. She interfered with my brother and Kyla’s relationship, insisting on becoming part of our family. No matter how audacious she was, we couldn't eliminate her."
Her voice resonated sharply as she pointed arrogantly at Penelope's face, declaring, "You useless woman, unable to bear children, how dare you criticize my son? Kyla can give me grandchildren, what can you possibly offer?"
Before she could continue her tirade, Dominic’s stern voice cut in, "Enough!"
Realizing the scene was drawing unwanted attention, Melissa begrudgingly fell silent.
From a distance, Dominic overheard the harsh words from Danna and Melissa. Penelope remained unfazed while the insults were piercing, seemingly accustomed to such confrontations.
However, beyond the familial drama, Dominic was more concerned about the underlying truths.
Suppressing his mounting anxiety, he confronted Penelope, "Is it true? Did you serve the Archer family for three years?"
Penelope’s gaze, peeking from beneath her long lashes, met Dominic’s. With a sly smirk, she replied, "Since when did you start doubting your mother and sister? Why ask me now?"

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