Penny found the situation amusing as she held onto Blanche's leash.She turned to Caleb. "Caleb, could you unload the stuff from the car? I’m going to walk Blanche with Liam. He’s been cooped up in the car and probably needs some air."Caleb nodded and turned, then began unloading items from the car.Both Penny and Caleb ignored Khloe, making her presence seem superfluous.Khloe’s body swayed, but she managed not to fall.As Penny was about to walk away holding the leash, Blanche bumped into Khloe with his robust body.As she was frail from the start, Khloe staggered back a few steps from the impact.Penny was somewhat speechless. Even though Blanche was Khloe’s pet for a while, he was unexpectedly discourteous.Reflecting on Blanche’s character, she realized he probably saw everyone except Caleb as mere servants.Khloe clenched her hand into a fist, striving to maintain composure. They were all staying at this villa for a few days, and she knew there would be other opportunit
Unable to contain himself any longer, Caleb grabbed Winston's collar in frustration.Winston explained with a resigned tone, "Before you guys arrived, everyone already drew room numbers, and only these two were left. Do you think I arranged this on purpose? Besides, you can let Penny sleep in the same room as you."Caleb paused, realizing he had momentarily blanked out and forgotten this option.He released Winston's collar, deciding not to let Penny stay in his room. Instead, he would move and share a room with her, keeping a greater distance from Khloe.After her shower, Penny came out to find Caleb packing for tomorrow's mountain trek.The so-called hike was not just around the villa. The villa was merely a place for everyone to rest and have fun. The next morning, they would actually head up the mountain.Caleb had prepared the bags based on his past experience. Plus, this could be considered the first date since the two of them got together.Penny lay on the bed. When she t
Khloe's face stiffened for a moment. Then, she pursed her lips, her fingernails almost digging into her palms.Someone suggested starting the barbecue preparation and having a few drinks later. They should relax a little before setting off at six in the morning.This suggestion managed to ease the awkward atmosphere at the scene.Penny also walked over to Caleb.She felt Khloe's gaze on her. It was filled with darkness, jealousy, and terror.Penny found it strange that Khloe, already blessed with the best lineage in the world, still seemed discontent.Outside, the helpers had already begun setting up the barbecue grills. Usually, these wealthy young people did not indulge in such casual fare, but a youthful outdoor cookout naturally called for a more down-to-earth approach.Penny was feeling a bit uneasy in her stomach that evening and had Caleb reiterate the precautions for the journey. Then, she stayed inside, not joining in the outdoor activity.If she did not go, Caleb woul
Khloe approached the group of people arm-in-arm with Ethan.Ethan was a known prodigy. He was a significant figure in Americana's business world, and many families present were eager to collaborate with the Strausses.These young people, accustomed to a life of intrigue and resource exchange, knew whom to befriend. Therefore, they promptly engaged in conversation with the two Strausses.Khloe smiled sweetly in response to everyone. She was the first to answer when someone inquired if Ethan had a girlfriend."My brother is a workaholic. He's never thought about settling down. Besides, whoever wants to be my sister-in-law has to pass my test first," she joked, looking at Ethan."Right, Brother? Only a sister-in-law I approve of can catch your eye."Ethan was aloof in demeanor, but he affectionately ruffled her hair."You're always up to mischief," he chided gently.Khloe stuck out her tongue playfully, her gaze shifting to Penny.She wondered how Penny would react to seeing her
"Who taught you to say such things?"Ethan's expression darkened, and his gaze turned cold. "Khlo, don't start picking up bad habits from Sean."Khloe pouted, feeling wronged. She continued to shake his arm.Ethan was a gentleman. He had always disliked watching women fight over petty jealousies. He devoted himself to work, showing responsibility only toward the Strausses' kin.In his eyes, Khloe was just spoiled but not malicious. She was just a child who wanted the world to revolve around her, which was not wrong considering her youth."Ethan, I was wrong."She bit her lip, obediently quiet now. She knew Ethan disliked such behavior.Ethan still occasionally glanced at Penny.By this time, Penny had walked to a distant viewing platform. They were high up in the mountains, so the place offered a majestic night view.It was as if the Milky Way had scattered across the earth. It was her first time seeing Imperial City from this perspective.As she sat on a stone bench, Caleb r
Penny was uninterested in watching Khloe's little performance. She merely quietly finished the food on her plate.Caleb, too, did not look at the opposite side but rested his cheek on one hand. He smiled as he watched Penny. It seemed as if watching her eat was an amusing activity.When Penny was about to eat more after finishing half of her portion, he gently pressed her hand with his fingertips."It’s seafood. Don’t eat too much or you might get a stomach ache," he cautioned her.Reluctantly, she put the food down.Caleb calmly took a wet wipe from nearby. As he held her hand, he meticulously wiped each of her fingers as if they were delicate works of art.He was so engrossed in the task that he did not notice the attention they were attracting from everyone around.Penny was equally captivated, unaware of the strange atmosphere developing.After a while, Liam spoke up."Caleb, Winston said Finn called you, but you didn't answer. He wants you to call him back."When Winston
Caleb's hand paused. He was genuinely amazed at this woman's audacity.Meanwhile, outside in the hall, Penny stiffened as she listened to the voice on the phone.The caller was Grandpa Fergerson, who was currently missing."Penpen." The voice on the other end hesitated before breaking into a cough."Grandpa Fergerson?"Penny thought she was hallucinating and urgently responded, "Where are you right now? Caleb has been searching for you.""Penpen, let's meet tomorrow night. Don't tell Caleb."Tomorrow night? By that time, they would already be in the mountains, spending the night there. This implied that Sir Fergerson was nearby but unwilling to show himself.With many questions in her mind, Penny heard him say, "There are some things I want to ask you alone, so Caleb must not know."After saying this, he started to cough heavily again.Sir Fergerson was already frail when he left, and he probably did not have much time left."Grandpa, I'll ask Caleb to track this signal's
Wind was at a loss for words as Khloe smiled at him, the fragrance of her hair filling his nostrils.As he was about to get lost in her gaze, he heard her say, "I can't wait any longer, Wind. During this trip, I want you to kill Penny."Khloe's face was cold. Her lips curved in a sinister smile as she cupped his face with her hands."You said you could be the knife in my hand."Killing Penny during the hike meant risking discovery by Caleb at any moment.If Caleb paid even a little attention, he would know who was behind it.This meant Khloe was asking Wind to risk his life to take Penny's."Can you do it, Wind?"Wind lowered his gaze, his braid falling over his shoulder. He looked up at her."I can, Ms. Khloe.""Good. Tomorrow night, keep an eye on Penny. The moment she's out of Cally's sight, make your move. Make sure she dies, Wind. You know, I can't stand playing with her anymore. My illness might worsen if this continues. You don't want anything to happen to me, right?"