Chapter 1379: Just one chance!

Penny was about to get out of the car when Zoren suddenly held her arm. Looking back at him, she heard him say, "I’ll pick you up later. I got you."

Her lips curled into a smile as she nodded. "I’ll let you know if I get off work early."

"Mhm." He hummed, releasing her hand ever so slowly.

With that, Penny closed the door and walked away. Zoren had dropped her off at their usual spot—one block away from the Prime Group. He kept his eyes on her retreating figure before snapping his gaze forward.

"Let’s go," he sighed heavily as their vehicle slowly drove away from the Prime Group.

Penny walked toward the building alone, knowing Mark was probably in the parking lot. After all, he had been following them but had to park in her designated space, so he wasn’t around. Not that this was unusual—it had become a routine they were all used to.

But as she approached the building entrance, her steps slowed, her mind drifting elsewhere.

’Is it really crazy?’she wondered, still mulling over the theory that had been plaguing her mind. ’That jackass... I never actually thought he’d give me this kind of headache.’

"Hi."

A familiar voice reached Penny’s ears, but since she was so lost in thought, it merely faded into the background.

Patricia, hiding behind a nearby car, furrowed her brows. Hugging a folder tightly to her chest, she tiptoed after Penny, keeping her distance.

"Penny?" she called out, feeling a bit like a ninja as she ducked behind obstacles. "Penny!"

On her third attempt, still getting no response, Patricia frowned. Narrowing her eyes, she finally mustered the courage to get closer.

Penny was walking as if she were in a park—slow and unbothered—so Patricia only needed a few quick steps to catch up.

"Penny..." she tried again, stretching her neck to get a better look at Penny’s side profile. "Hello?"

Nothing.

Patricia studied her carefully, wondering if Penny was purposely ignoring her. But after a few moments, she realized Penny wasn’t ignoring her at all—she was simply too deep in thought.

"Ahem!" Patricia cleared her throat loudly, straightening her back as she carefully walked closer.

"Say, Penny, I’ve been thinking about it since you kicked me out of the company without a proper explanation. Although I was hurt and bawled my eyes out, I realized nothing would change if I just cried."

She raised her brows, sneaking a glance at Penny’s face. "Besides, I know you need me. So, even if I’m still upset about how mean you were, I’ll consider it settling my debt. What I’m saying is—"

Patricia trailed off when she noticed people walking toward them from the opposite direction. Without missing a beat, she stepped ahead and dramatically waved her hand.

"Move aside, peasant!" she barked.

The three pedestrians furrowed their brows but instinctively gave way. Patricia, satisfied with her effectiveness, glanced back at Penny—only to find her still lost in thought, her eyes narrowed slightly downward.

Patricia frowned, clicking her tongue. ’Is she really this distracted?’ It didn’t seem possible for someone like Penny to be so oblivious. But then again, she kept walking at the same slow yet steady pace.

"Really?" Patricia muttered, setting her sights ahead. She spotted some small rocks on the pavement and instinctively rushed forward to kick them away—only to remember she was wearing one of her favorite pairs of heels. With a sigh, she bent down, picked up the pebbles, and tossed them aside.

She then stood on the side proudly, expecting some acknowledgment from Penny.

But Penny simply walked past her.

Patricia sighed heavily, staring at her back in disbelief.

"Seriously?! Penny—ugh!" She rolled her eyes before skipping forward to catch up again.

"Did you even hear me? Like I was saying, I forgive you for throwing me out of the company like that," she continued, stepping in front of Penny to force eye contact. "I get it—we don’t like each other, but we’re adults. I mean, would it really be so bad for me to be your lackey? I’ll even apologize to Nina if that’s what you want!"

Still, no reaction.

"Ugh!" Patricia stomped her foot in frustration, then turned her glare toward the approaching pedestrians.

"Hey! This side lane is temporarily closed! Move along!" she snapped.

Then she turned back to Penny. "Can you give me a chance? Just one—"

She abruptly halted, realizing something was blocking their path. She quickly moved to the side, clearing the way.

Throughout their walk, Patricia found herself juggling multiple tasks—clearing obstacles, redirecting Penny so she wouldn’t bump into anything, and pleading for a job.

"Just one chance! I won’t even bother you!" As they neared the entrance, Patricia moved in close, knowing this might be her only opportunity to get inside. "Just look! I even made my own resume! And mind you, I spent day and night making it look pretty!"

Sadly, despite all her efforts, Penny remained silent. Occasionally, she would mumble something to herself, but never in response to Patricia.

"Gosh!" Patricia panicked, hugging her resume tighter as she inched closer. Since Penny was too distracted, she figured she might as well take advantage and slip inside.

But alas, just as they stepped into the building, two men appeared out of nowhere and grabbed her.

"Gosh!" Patricia yelped as her feet lifted off the ground. The guards had her by both arms, dragging her back toward the entrance. "Can’t you see I’m with the big boss?! How dare you—"

"Let her in."

Penny’s voice finally broke through the commotion.

The guards hesitated, glancing between Penny and Patricia.

"She’s applying for a job," Penny continued with a sigh. "Let her be. Just make sure she doesn’t go near my floor or any other restricted areas—only where the interviews are happening."

With that, she turned away and resumed walking.

Patricia’s face slowly brightened, her lips stretching into a victorious grin. "So, she know I’m here all along!"

As the guards set her down, she smirked smugly and raised a brow at them.

"See?" She scoffed, pointing a finger at them. "Once I get hired, I’ll be watching you two closely. And if anyone unwanted sneaks in, I’m going to file a complaint. Just you wait—hmp!"

The guards frowned deeply, but Patricia was already turning her back on them. Her smirk widened as she raised her chin, strutting confidently into the building.

Hard work does pay off.