Rebirth: We Split Ways.. novel Chapter 71

Andrew was no longer the carefree man from before; instead, he offered a gentle smile. "Looks like you don't need the handkerchief after all."

Penelope maintained a stern expression. "Of course not. I haven't shed a tear."

"I thought you might be as teary-eyed as you were last time. I even brought two handkerchiefs just in case," Andrew said, pulling out another handkerchief, a playful glint in his eyes. "See? Always prepared."

Recalling the night on the Dubai rooftop when she had cried in front of her 'enemy,' Penelope felt a rare moment of unease. "You must be mistaken," she retorted.

Andrew didn't argue but nodded. "Perhaps I am."

He gazed upon Penelope's discontented expression, reflecting that the last time tears streamed down her face, they must have been shed for Dominic...

"Do you want me to teach him a lesson?" Andrew asked, his eyes unusually intense as he clenched his fists. "I'm ready to act on your behalf."

"Want me to give him a good beating?" Andrew inquired, his eyes unusually serious as he clenched his fists playfully. "I'm at your command."

"He's your friend. It'd be enough if you didn't take his side," Penelope said, raising an eyebrow skeptically.

Andrew thumped his chest, causing himself to cough. "I can't just stand by. I'm a beacon of justice! Just because he's my brother doesn't mean I'll side with him."

His gaze on Penelope was filled with a knightly devotion to a queen.

Penelope’s beauty was prickly, though sharp, and he willingly served.

Andrew's earnestness bordered on comical, and Penelope couldn't help but laugh. "You're quite the storyteller."

"If you're willing to listen," he replied.

As Andrew stepped closer and stood beside her.

"You sly one," Penelope remarked about Andrew, but a smile graced his face this time.

Today, having him on her side felt a hundred times better than having Dominic unquestioningly support her.

Looking into his enchanting eyes, he didn't seem so detestable anymore.

"Why did you leave so suddenly? Megan was asking about you," Carla inquired.

"The Archer family was causing a scene. I didn't want to deal with it," Penelope replied nonchalantly.

"I've secured the 'Tears of the Ocean' in the safe," Carla informed her.

"Good," she replied belatedly.

Valuing a billion, she had almost forgotten. Carla chuckled on the other end, admiring Penelope's nonchalance.

"By the way, I'm heading to Lynnwood, where your third brother is. Want me to pass along any messages for you?" Penelope playfully teased Carla once more.

"You're boring. I'm hanging up," Carla responded, ending the call.

The sound of 'beep' echoed, causing Penelope to cover her mouth in amusement. This time, she was determined to bring Jack back to Seattle so the two could confront each other face-to-face.