The sharp crack of the slap echoed through the hall.
The guests who were being escorted out all turned to witness the scene.
"Penelope, how dare you hit my mother!"
Yvonne rushed forward, only to be met with a firm slap from Penelope as well.
"You knew everything your mother was doing. You probably even helped her!"
"You hit me... you..."
"You should be glad all I did was slap you both!"
Yvonne lunged at Penelope like a madwoman, but Donald's roar stopped her.
"That's enough! You're acting just like your mother!"
Yvonne's eyes turned red as she stared at Donald in disbelief.
"Dad, you're defending her!"
Donald took a deep breath, ignoring Yvonne and turning his attention to Penelope.
"Penelope, please, will you come home with me? There's so much I need to tell you."
"No," Penelope said flatly. "Your home is not my home. It never was, it isn't now, and it never will be."
With that, she ignored Donald's pleading gaze and turned decisively to leave.
She hadn't gone far when she heard Yvonne's exaggerated laughter behind her.
Did getting slapped drive her crazy?
After taking Professor Lee home, Penelope and Timothy went to visit their mother's grave.
She didn't need to go online to know that the day's events had caused a massive stir. Her mother would once again be at the center of a public firestorm.


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