Rebirth: We Split Ways.. novel Chapter 70

"Brother, believe me, it's this jinxed aura around me and Mom causing all of this," Danna said anxiously, her face red with urgency.

Just as Melissa was about to stand up and speak, her eyes blurred, and she fainted. Danna quickly caught her before she could fall.

Penelope was well-acquainted with this theatrical ploy. She curled the corners of her lips into a disdainful smile, her voice carrying a touch of righteousness, "Indeed, I'm the one who did it."

Not wishing to engage further with these individuals, she pivoted to head back towards the lounge. However, Dominic stood firmly, blocking her path at the doorway.

Penelope's brows furrowed slightly as he took a deliberate step backward, increasing the distance between them. With a chilling tone, he commanded, "Move aside."

Dominic observed the semi-conscious Melissa and Danna, feeling conflicted once again.

"How long will you keep being angry?" he asked.

Dominic narrowed his eyes slightly, voice chilling, "You think I have a reason to be angry?"

Penelope found his comment amusing, "Why would I be angry?"

"You attacked them because you still resent being mistreated in the Archer family, right?"

"You're delusional," Penelope shook her head dismissively. "Why would I waste my time on people I find repulsive?"

"Why did you attack me then?" Danna shouted, supporting the now semi-conscious Melissa.

"If you're so eager to pick a fight, like persistent flies, why shouldn't I oblige?" Penelope retorted.

"Look after your kin and stop making a spectacle of yourself," Penelope's gaze was piercing as he shot a cold glance at Dominic. "If they continue this nonsense, it won't merely be a splash of toilet water to wipe off makeup next time."

Dominic's gaze met Penelope’s, his stance unwavering.

"Is this how you talk to your spouse?" he asked coldly.

"Sorry, I used up all my kind words before the divorce," Penelope said, lowering his head with a smirk. His gaze was filled with disdain and mockery when he lifted it again. "If you're looking for sweet talk, perhaps you should seek out Miss Mendez."

"Brother, she's insulting you! Teach her a lesson!" Danna urged.

"Dominic... give her a slap and let Mom release her pent-up anger..." Melissa snapped back to reality. Feeling somewhat better, she believed that feigning vulnerability might push her son into intervening, so she intensified her act, trying to make it seem even more convincing.

"You all can make a scene if you want! After all, I'm not the one acting shamefully," Penelope declared, opting not to return to the lounge and instead walking away with arms crossed.

"Bastard! Come back! We have things to settle!"

Andrew found himself in a tense face-off with Dominic. Spotting Penelope's departure, Andrew quickly pursued, calling out, "Goddess, where are you headed? Let me accompany you!"

Dominic watched as the two figures walked away, their backs to him, and a swirl of complex emotions washed over him. Their resolute postures seemed to resonate with a profound sense of loneliness.

...

Penelope left the exhibition aimlessly, not noticing Andrew silently trailing behind.

The cool night air cleared her mind somewhat.

She had experienced firsthand the pain inflicted by the Archer family, and though she had no words for them, the scars remained.

Standing on a bridge, watching the traffic flow below, she turned to find Andrew standing calmly behind her, holding a handkerchief.