Chapter 1118: It’s not that I don’t want to, but I can’t.

The second time Penny announced their presence, Finn and Zoren turned in their direction. The intimidating looks on their faces quickly faded, replaced by smiles. However, that wasn’t enough to stop Penny from asking.

All they said was that they were talking about some serious business.

Penny wouldn’t buy that. She knew her husband well, and she knew he wouldn’t carry that kind of look on his face if it was just about the Pierson Corporation. That was Zoren’s playground, after all. Even so, she let it pass since it was morning and Nina was there.

She didn’t want to ruin the trip.

Still, it lingered in her mind.

After breakfast, Zoren excused himself to take Renny and Chunchun for a quick walk. Meanwhile, Penny stayed behind with Finn and Nina since they were still their guests. However, when Lily, Ginnie, and Max arrived minutes later, Penny excused herself.

Standing outside in the huge backyard of the castle, Penny looked around. Zoren was out of sight.

"I wonder where he took Blacky," she murmured, sighing faintly as she recalled the look on her husband’s face earlier. "Why would he wear that kind of look?"

Others might not notice because Zoren was great at concealing his emotions with a poker face. But as his wife, she knew him.

"Got a minute?" While she was mulling over what could’ve put Zoren in a terrible mood, Finn’s voice came from behind her. When she looked back, he was approaching as he said, "You might be wondering why his mood fell so much."

"What did you tell him?" she asked without beating around the bush, facing him squarely. "Spill it."

"I told him something about the past."

Penny narrowed her eyes. "You told him something about the past?" she repeated. "Does that mean whatever this is, is something you kept from me?"

"I’m sorry."

"Finn Davis, you came to me for help," she stressed, not pleased at the fact that Finn had kept more things from her than she had asked. "If you want trust, you learn how to give it despite the uncertainty. You don’t hold my hand and then go behind my back to run your mouth."

Despite her aggressive tone, Finn remained calm as a lake. He knew she wouldn’t be happy with it, but at the same time, he needed to take extra precautions.

"I trust you, Penelope. That’s why I had to keep it from you until I’m sure of something," Finn clarified calmly, knowing every word that came out of his mouth might backfire. Still, he didn’t back down despite the calmness of his voice. "My life depends on you, and if there’s one person I wish to win from the bottom of my heart, it’s you."

Penny raised an eyebrow at him, studying the determined look on his face. "What did you tell him?"

"His mother might be alive."

"What?"

"In our past life, she’s alive, Penny. But somehow, she’s not in this lifetime," Finn remarked seriously. "The people around us changed for better or for worse because we interfered. You and I both know that even the tiniest decision — whether it’s stopping someone from choking or helping them avoid an embarrassing situation — causes a domino effect. It changes a person or the story of their lives."

Finn paused, letting her absorb that reminder. "But you and I are not connected to Zoren Pierson or the Pierson family in a way that would alter his story. Not even Jonathan. That’s why I didn’t tell you immediately; I was suspicious of him."

"I confirmed this morning that he’s not hiding anything," he continued. "That means it could be that woman. If not her, then someone else around him changed the course of their lives."

Silence followed his words as neither of them spoke. Penny kept her eyes slightly downcast, unblinking. Now that Finn had explained his discussion with Zoren earlier, she understood why Zoren had reacted the way he did.

"So, since we’re sure it’s not Renren, it’s either that woman or someone close to him?" she whispered, lifting her eyes to meet his. "You’re saying someone around him is like us?"

"It’s a possibility." He nodded. "Who it is, I don’t know. Had I known this phenomenon would happen to me, I would’ve looked into his private life more. But his life was kept highly private back then. So, I only know a few things about him and those around him."

"Are you sure of this, Finn?"

"I bet my life, I am." Another shallow breath escaped him as he lowered his head. "I didn’t mean to keep this from you, but like I said, I’m your ally. You trust him, so I need to make sure you’re telling our plans to the right person. After all, not only did I give you my trust, but my loyalty as well."

"I trust him and he’s the right person," Penny stressed. "I’m no fool, Finn Davis. I would’ve seen through him the first time I laid eyes on him."

Finn shook his head. "I know, but at the same time, we only have two eyes. Penelope, sometimes watching from the sidelines gives you a better look at the bigger picture. I’m not saying you’re blinded. All I’m saying is, even if you hate me for it, I’d make sure you succeed."

"I’m not telling you to be suspicious of your husband or see him as an enemy. Trust him all you want," he added. "I’m simply stating what’s in the best interest of this alliance. For you and I to survive. I’m just as desperate... no, I’m even more desperate to live now than you think."

Another moment of silence filled the air around them as they stared at each other. After another minute of silence, Finn took a step back and lowered his head.

"I’m not planning to ruin the day, but I’ve been waiting for quite some time now and I don’t think I can wait any longer," he explained with a tinge of apology. "I’ll tell Nina and the others that you’re waiting for your husband."

Having said that, he turned his back on her and walked away. However, after a few steps, he stopped when Penny spoke again.

"Finn," she called, watching him look back at her. "What was he like in the past for you to be so hesitant to trust him?"

Finn kept his lips in a thin line, eyes holding hers. "It’s not that I don’t want to, but I can’t. Everything I would say might sound like slander. That’s why I’m sparing you the details. I just know what he’s capable of."

"He scares me, Penelope," he confessed. "Clearly, he’s changed, but I can never forget the Zoren Pierson I remember."