Chapter 1464: A taste of power

The next day...

Teddy perked up when he saw Penny walking past their office with Yugi, heading to her own. His mouth parted before he pressed his lips together again, settling back into his seat to continue working. Today, they had arrived early because of the competition later. He knew the day would be hectic, as they were all expected to accompany Penny to the event.

As a result, they had some light tasks to do while waiting.

Meanwhile, as soon as Penny reached her office, she slowed down and turned toward the reception area.

"Good morning!" Patricia popped up from behind the counter, smiling from ear to ear.

"Hah..." Penny tilted her head. "You really like that place, huh?"

"No one’s using it, and I need to concentrate. People distract me."

Penny let out a shallow laugh while Yugi chuckled.

"Don’t play solitaire," was all Penny said as she resumed her steps, while Yugi lingered for a moment.

"Miss Miller, you’re the only person I know who actually loses ten times in a row in solitaire," Yugi teased. "Practice at home."

Patricia frowned deeply as she watched Yugi follow Penny into her office. "Tch. I’m not playing it anymore! I’m working!" Just as those words left her mouth, Mark came walking from a different direction.

He arched a brow at her as Patricia raised her chin.

"What?" she asked.

"That’s my seat."

"What?" she frowned, looking back at the swivel chair she was using. "Why are you using this chair?"

"Go away."

"No! This is my post now—" She gasped as Mark walked closer and dragged the chair away. "Hah!"

Patricia placed a hand across her chest, glaring at Mark. This man, who was practically Penny’s shadow, was always around, yet often went unnoticed. But today, he was making his claim over a chair!

---

"Penny, the competition is going to last all day," Yugi said as soon as they stepped into her office. "So you can just come in as scheduled."

"I know," Penny replied, sauntering toward her desk. "That’s why I’m here."

Yugi leaned on the side of her desk. "Are you sure that’s all we’re giving them? It looks pretty easy. Where’s the fun in that?"

"Who said it’s not going to be fun?" Penny arched a brow as she sat down, the corner of her mouth curling into a smirk. "It’s going to be interesting, for sure. And after tonight, even if the people who already caught your eye don’t join our team, it’s fine. This event will cement Prime Group’s name in the industry."

"You talk as if it hasn’t happened yet."

"Haha." Penny chuckled. "Our company is growing fast, but many others in the industry still have stronger reputations and deeper ties. The only thing that can break those ties is a necessity—something only we can provide."

Yugi rocked his head and shrugged. "Well, you’re the boss. Your calls made this company what it is today." He then grinned proudly. "So, are you taking your secretaries today?"

"I have a lot of distinguished guests, and I don’t want to burden you too much," she said. "Those four are reliable in their own way. To be honest, my workload has been lighter since they started. If anything, my output has increased."

"Even Patricia?"

Penny paused. "She feeds me and she’s starting to be very creative with it too, so yes—even her."

"Haha!" Yugi laughed, unable to deny it. Since stepping back from his assistance duties, he had felt a noticeable weight lift from his shoulders. And Penny had been focusing on what truly mattered, wasting no time.

At the same time, Penny reached for her telecom. "Send Teddy to my office," she said, then gave Yugi a knowing look. "It’s good Patricia took that spot. She’ll make a great task coordinator."

"And lunch delivery girl too," Yugi chuckled. Just a few seconds later, there was a knock on the door.

"See?" Penny smirked. "So efficient."

Both turned toward the door as Penny called out, "Come in." The door opened slowly.

"Miss Penny, you called for me?" Teddy asked as he closed the door behind him and stopped a few steps from her desk. He couldn’t help but glance between Penny, seated behind her desk, and Yugi, casually leaning on it.

One could easily see how close the two were.

"Yes." Penny picked something out of a drawer and placed it in front of her.

Teddy quickly closed the distance and picked it up.

"This is going to be our next project after the event," she said without hesitation. "I want you to review this and scout which company is best suited to work with us."

Teddy’s brows rose in surprise. For a moment, he didn’t answer. Could he do it? Of course, he could. But this also meant his first real assignment as her secretary. He hadn’t expected it so soon.

Yugi smirked at his reaction while Penny leaned her arms on the desk.

"Can you do it?" she asked. "If not, I’ll hand it over to Hayley."

"No, I mean—of course I can!" Teddy replied quickly. "I’ll send you a list of eligible companies..."

He trailed off when Yugi suddenly stifled a laugh.

"Yes, Sir?"

"Penny is asking you to take the lead," Yugi clarified. "She’s not just asking for a list — she wants a presentation outlining how this project will move forward. This is your first real task at Prime Group. Whether it goes through or not depends on how well you execute it."

"Send me the presentation in a week," Penny added. "Can you handle it?"

"Yes." Teddy breathed out, his eyes glimmering with determination. "I’ll get started right away."

"Good."

With that, Teddy gave a respectful nod and turned around. But then—

"Teddy," Penny called, making him pause and glance back at her. "I’m giving you a taste of power. Don’t disappoint me. And by that, I mean... kick that pervert right in the balls. Show them that Penelope Bennet’s people are not to be trifled with."

Teddy stiffened. In that instant, he knew exactly who she was referring to. Slowly, he turned to see Yugi chuckling and giving him an approving nod.

She knew... even that?

Was she stalking him? Or was it just a coincidence? Either way, Teddy couldn’t help but smile in defeat and nod.

"I won’t disappoint, Boss," he said with quiet resolve. "Thank you."

As soon as Teddy left, Penny cast Yugi a smug look.

"See? Stalking isn’t all that bad."