With her objective achieved, Penelope planned to take the first ferry back to the city that afternoon.
Theodore, however, wouldn't finish his work until the last ferry of the day.
“I can wait for you,” she offered, though it was purely for show.
“That works,” he replied, taking her at her word.
“…” Penelope cleared her throat. “Actually, I shouldn’t disturb you, Mr. Stapleton. I should get back and start preparing the proposal.”
He shot her a sideways glance. “If you’re only going to treat me as a client, then don’t barge in while I’m changing again. I might have to call the police.”
Her eyes darted playfully. “And what if I’m treating you as my husband?”
“Then please try to exercise some self-control.”
“…” Did he think she was some kind of predator?
Theodore finished buttoning his shirt and turned to leave. At the door, he paused. “Oh, and don’t forget to take your medicine.”
After he left, Penelope pouted for a moment before a wave of pure elation sent her diving onto the bed. She rolled around several times, then quickly called Nathan to share the news.
“Ms. Laurier, you actually got Mr. Stapleton to budge? Do you have any idea how difficult that is? Even the chairman has been getting the cold shoulder from him.”
“Really? I would have thought that as his son, Theodore would give Mr. Johnson some consideration.”
“Mr. Stapleton is strictly professional. He never mixes business with personal matters.”
“I see.”
So, it really was her five-minute pitch that had won him over, not because she had taken advantage of her status as his fiancée.
She filled Nathan in on how the project department should support her efforts. She would remain behind the scenes for now but would maintain close communication to work with the team.
Seeing that it was almost time, Penelope grabbed her bag and headed downstairs.
As she passed the swimming pool, she saw the con artist being escorted out by two police officers. The woman was still protesting loudly.


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