Chapter 1305: My husband knows me best.

When the officers left, Penny and Nina stayed in the house. Penny had come all the way here on her motorbike, but considering what Nina had just gone through, she couldn’t have her back-ride to Skyline Plaza. So, Penny made a quick phone call to arrange for a pickup.

While they waited, the two of them remained in the courtyard.

"I don’t want to go inside," Nina said, clutching the hem of Penny’s clothes. "I’m scared, Penny."

"I know." Penny nodded, taking Nina’s hand. "I know."

Nina pursed her lips and lowered her head. Her shoulders still trembled as she closed her eyes, trying to steady her breathing. Just moments ago, everything had been normal — she had walked around her home, taken a shower, and gone about her evening. But then she opened that gift.

If she had known what was inside, she would have thrown it away without looking.

"My husband says he’s on his way to pick us up," Penny muttered. "But I’m sure there are some things you need to bring, right?"

Nina pressed her lips tighter, looking at Penny’s reassuring expression.

"I’ll get them for you," Penny offered. "You don’t have to come inside. Just tell me where to find them."

"But... I don’t want to be alone."

Penny let out a slow breath before shrugging. "Then, let’s wait for him first."

"Thank you," Nina whispered.

Penny scooted closer, wrapping an arm around Nina’s shoulder and pulling her into a comforting embrace. Finally feeling safe, Nina rested her head on Penny’s shoulder, and this time, the tears came.

Earlier, the fear had been too overwhelming for her to cry. Now, knowing she was safe, the emotions spilled over.

"I don’t know who could do this?" Nina whimpered, her voice shaking just like her entire body. "And why would they do such a thing? Penny... I know I wasn’t good before, but... I’m trying. I’m really trying my best even if sometimes I feel like my best isn’t good enough."

"I know," Penny whispered, gently patting Nina’s back and resting her chin on top of her sister’s head. As she held Nina close, Penny exhaled deeply, blaming herself. The only reason she had rushed over—before even receiving a call from Nina—was that her men had reported the incident to her.

But Penny felt responsible. She had instructed her men to protect Nina, but their sole focus had been on her presence. They had been stationed where Nina was, only instructed to step in if necessary. Penny hadn’t considered that someone might break in while Nina wasn’t home.

’Who...’ Penny wondered, her thoughts churning. ’Who dared do this?’

Could it have been that woman who claimed to be Nina’s biological mother? If so, why? That woman supposedly wanted to be in Nina’s life. Doing something like this was the opposite of that goal.

Unless... it wasn’t her?

Penny furrowed her brows, her mind drifting while she comforted Nina. Then who would do this?

---

It didn’t take long for Zoren and his five escort cars to flood the narrow street of the neighborhood. As soon as they arrived, he jumped out and made a beeline for Penny.

"I’m fine," Penny chuckled as he scanned her face, but then she motioned toward Nina. "But she’s not."

"I’m fine," Nina corrected, forcing a small smile. "I’m sorry to bother you, Zoren."

Zoren shook his head. "My wife’s family affairs are never a bother," he said, noting how pale Nina looked. "You should get inside the car. You too, Penny. Let’s get out of here."

"I just need to grab some of Nina’s things," Penny said with a smile. "Stay with her for a moment."

"I’ll get them for you."

"It’s okay." Penny shook her head, but before she could take a step, Zoren grabbed her hand.

"Renren."

"I’m coming with you." He signaled to Mark. "Stay with Nina. Penny and I will just grab a few things."

Nina hesitated. "I think it’s fine. I don’t need anything urgent. My phone is here, and I can just buy whatever else I need at the convenience store."

"You’d buy your design deadline?" Penny asked, making Nina choke. "Nina, it’s fine. I’ll grab your papers and laptop, then we can go. Don’t worry."

Hesitation flickered in Nina’s eyes, but she didn’t argue further. She simply watched as Penny and Zoren disappeared into the house.

---

"Are you really just going to get her stuff?" Zoren asked as they climbed the stairs. "You could’ve asked Mark or the others to do it."

Penny glanced back at him and shrugged. "Then why didn’t you suggest that earlier?"

"I could tell you wanted to go in yourself."

Penny giggled. "My husband knows me best."

Zoren smiled proudly, following his wife up to the second floor. The house wasn’t large, but it was cozy and well-kept. Despite the rough neighborhood, Nina had made the place feel like home.

The second floor had only three doors close together—one leading to the bathroom. It took just a few steps to reach each room. When Penny reached the door closest to the stairs, her eyes immediately fell on the smeared blood on the floor.

Zoren, walking up behind her, noticed it as well.

Silence settled between them as they stared at the small room, imagining Nina’s horror when she had opened that present.

"Who do you think did it?" Zoren asked, his gaze shifting from the floor to Penny.

Penny exhaled through her nose and shook her head. "I have no idea. But one thing’s for sure—whoever it was should pray I never find out. Because if I do, they’ll regret it a hundredfold."

With those words, Penny stepped inside and grabbed some tissues. The real reason she had insisted on coming in wasn’t just to collect Nina’s things.

It was to clean up this mess.

The police had taken away the disturbing gift, but they hadn’t bothered to wipe away the traces it left behind. Penny refused to let Nina return to this house—after finally mustering up the courage—only to be faced with the remnants of this nightmare.