Chapter 1300: Penny’s office a tourist spot

The old Patricia would have tried to ask her family for help to get out of trouble. However, while she hadn’t mastered it yet, she wanted to take accountability. She had always been headstrong, even back then. So even if Cassandra pressed charges against her, she would face it with her chin held high.

Even so, she was concerned about her family.

Since opening her heart, Patricia had realized so much. It had only been a short time since she made it her goal to change for the better, but she was already learning. And she didn’t want to cower again or avoid taking responsibility. Not that she regretted slapping Cassandra—because that woman deserved more slaps.

"I slapped someone... who turns out to be a politician’s granddaughter. Can you make a call and tell them to leave my family and our company out of it?"

"Uh?" Penny blinked several times, staring at the determination in Patricia’s eyes.

"Hello?" Patricia waved a hand. "Penny, did you hear me? Or is this problem bigger than I thought?"

After a second, Penny raised a hand. "Give me a second."

Patricia stared at Penny, wondering what was going on in her mind.

Little did she know, the answer was—nothing. Penny just wanted to take a moment to carefully tuck away the memories of her time with her husband today, storing them safely in her mind. That way, she could remind herself of the shopping trip with him and her brother to make herself happy again.

"Penny," Patricia called after a minute. "Are you okay?"

"Yep." Penny kept her eyes shut and rocked her head slightly. "Just a second. I’m still locking up my happy thoughts so they won’t get corrupted."

After a moment, Penny opened her eyes and set them back on Patricia. Then, she deadpanned, "Really? Patricia, do you think this is a law firm? As far as I remember, this is a security firm, not a law firm or a marriage counseling clinic."

Why did people keep coming to her with problems that had nothing to do with her company?!

Or had someone handed out flyers claiming Prime Group handled everything without her knowing?

"I know!" Patricia sighed in defeat. "But you’re the only person I can come to!"

"Why me?!" Penny gasped. "For your information, I don’t like you. You bullied my sister, Nina. I helped you that night, but I wouldn’t have had to if you weren’t so greedy. So don’t misunderstand, Patricia. My help only extended that far, but that doesn’t mean I forgive you for what you did to Nina—or even Ginnie in the past. They may have forgiven you, but I haven’t."

Patricia pressed her lips into a thin line, clasping her hands in her lap.

"I know that," she whispered, meeting Penny’s sharp gaze. "I know what I did in the past isn’t something easy to forget. I hurt people—deliberately or not. I know that. And even if I try to change now, I can’t erase what I’ve done."

"That’s exactly what Nina kept telling you, Patricia." Penny’s tone grew colder. "But you didn’t just cover your ears—you closed your eyes, too."

The harsh words made Patricia’s heart clench. But they were true. Everything Penny said was a fact.

"So..." Patricia hummed, guarding her heart even as it bled. Putting on a brave front had always been her forte, so she didn’t back down. "The Miller Company won’t be affected?"

Penny arched a brow while Patricia continued.

"I’m not asking you to help me out of this situation. I’m asking if you can prevent it from affecting my family," she added quietly, sincerely. "I did what I did, and I don’t regret slapping a two-faced bitch. But if this ruins my family and everything they worked so hard for... I’d rather get on my knees and beg for forgiveness."

Patricia lowered her head, hiding the remorse in her eyes. "I wasn’t thinking, Penny. I was so consumed by anger that I forgot there are consequences for everything. If I could take it all back, I would’ve swallowed my pride and walked away. But I can’t change the past. I already slapped her. I already hurt Nina more than I should have. The scars I left on the people I love will always be there, and I can’t erase a single one."

"So, please..." she trailed off, lifting her gaze. "I just need your word."

A heavy silence settled between them as they stared at each other. Though Patricia’s expression was firm, the sincerity in her eyes shone brightly. It surprised Penny because this was probably the first time she had ever seen Patricia so genuine. Even as children, Patricia had always been half-hearted.

Penny didn’t like it—because, in a way, it reminded her of herself. If anyone understood how one mistake could harm their loved ones, it was Penny. After all, she had made a mistake once, trusting the wrong person. That mistake had led to her arrest and, in turn, the downfall of the entire Bennet family.

"Power..." Penny sighed, propping her chin against her knuckles. "Why does it always have to be like this, huh?"

One wrong move against someone powerful, and an entire family suffered. The public rarely just punished the culprit—they dragged the innocent along with them.

She nodded at Patricia. "You didn’t have to come here just to ask me that. Don’t forget—the Miller Company carries the same name, but it’s now under me. Your father, Theo Miller, and your family are under my wing. They are my people now. So if anyone tries to drag the Miller Company through the mud, they’ll have to go through me first."

"Does that reassure you?" Penny tilted her head.

Patricia studied Penny’s face, almost flinching at the sudden shift in aura. The change in tone and presence made her nervous. This was surely what a successful woman was in the fierce world of business. And yet, it was reassuring, knowing this woman wasn’t her enemy.

"Thank you," Patricia sighed. "That’s all I needed. Thank you."

Lowering her head, Patricia picked up her bag and rose from her seat. She thanked Penny again before excusing herself and turning to leave. She took five steps away before stopping.

"The person you offended..." Penny’s voice halted Patricia in her tracks. "Who is it? I need to know what’s coming my way."

Patricia glanced back at her and answered innocently, "Her name’s Cassandra. Finn’s ex-fiancée."