Chapter 1624: The decision’s been made

The trip to Benjamin’s home, where Mint would be staying temporarily, was no less dramatic. Benjamin yapped the entire way, reminding her to take her medicines on time and follow the doctor’s advice.

At times like this, Penny wished Benjamin didn’t have a switch function in his brain and still thought of Zoren as his boss. But then again, even when Benjamin was in "work mode," he was practically the same.

Somehow, the situation reminded Penny of the early days of her relationship with Benjamin.

Fortunately, every beginning has its end.

When they finally reached Benjamin’s home, Mint and Benjamin thanked the couple — Penny and Zoren — before getting off. Mark and the other bodyguards helped unload Mint’s belongings, though there wasn’t much.

"Mint!" Penny called out from the rolled-down window.

Mint stopped and looked back, just in time to see Penny stepping out of the car. The latter approached, glancing at the front door where Benjamin had already walked in, leaving it wide open.

"What?" Mint asked, turning her gaze back to Penny.

"I just thought... I’ve already done my part of our deal," Penny said, her voice steady. "Even so, be careful on yours."

Mint smiled and nodded. "If you’re trying to make sure my cousin won’t be harmed, you don’t need to worry. I’ll talk to him tonight and tell him everything."

"Are you... sure?"

"Mhm." Mint gave a small nod and a casual smile. "My cousin deserves better. And now that I’m out of here, this—" she gestured vaguely "—won’t happen again. I told you, I want this to end as soon as possible."

A brief silence passed between them before Penny nodded.

"Anyway," Penny added, "you might want to look into the Cassandra Smith case. My Second Brother told me he’s watching over her friend. It seems she’s being targeted too."

"I heard. Hugo and I have been keeping in touch."

"Then I guess I don’t need to say anything more."

"You could say you’re falling for me," Mint teased, fluttering her lashes playfully.

Penny’s disgust was immediate.

"Penny, your Second Brother told me you’re only after your husband’s money. Don’t worry. In the future, I’ll be richer than him," Mint added smugly.

"Ugh." Penny rolled her head back, instantly regretting stepping out just to talk.

Meanwhile, Zoren, still inside the car, watched the exchange through the window. He could tell Mint was trying her luck again, but he didn’t flinch. In fact, Zoren was quieter than usual.

Though he was mostly quiet all the time, the folder he had left at home gnawed at him from within.

A few minutes later, Penny got back into the car.

"Sorry. I just had to tell her a few things," she said as she settled into her seat, arching a brow when she noticed him staring. She smiled. "It was just about our deal."

Zoren stared at her silently before nodding—just as the car began to move. Oblivious to the storm building within him, Penny leaned closer.

"Renren, now that everything’s settled, should we..." she trailed off with a hum, considering how to spend their free time.

Lately, she had been preoccupied with the research, and they often came home late. But now that it was over, she realized just how much time she suddenly had.

As she pondered, Zoren kept his eyes on her. Curiosity swirled in them, and now that they were alone, nothing stopped him from asking—

"That incident... the one that left Uncle Haines partially paralyzed," he began, pulling her out of her thoughts. "Why don’t you show me what really happened?"

Penny blinked, her mind trying to catch up with the sudden shift in topic.

In that moment, the air between them turned still and heavy. Angel, sitting in the front passenger seat, quietly raised the partition.

"Hey," Angel tapped the driver, pointing at his ear.

The driver nodded and silently put on his earplugs. Angel did the same, knowing the conversation behind them wasn’t meant for others.

Penny eyed the raised partition, then leaned back slightly from Zoren.

"Why are you suddenly interested?" she asked instead of answering.

"I heard it was... horrific."

"Finn, huh?" Penny shook her head lightly, laughing bitterly. She should’ve expected this when she brought it up to Finn and Nina. Still, she had hoped Zoren wouldn’t ask.

Looking back at her husband, she exhaled. "I don’t want you to relive my pain, that’s all," she said honestly, reaching for his hand and squeezing it. "Renren, your mind... it’s brilliant. They say the heart loves, but for you, even your mind loves me."

"That incident took a part of Uncle Haines’s life. I could’ve prevented it — I should’ve known better," she said softly. "But I didn’t. And I have to live with that."

She shook her head. "I don’t want to say the same thing by showing you that file."

Because she knew — if Zoren saw even one photo from the scene, of the victims or the culprits, it would feel like it had happened to him. She wanted to spare him that kind of devastation.

Above all, she feared what he might do.

Not out of pity for them — never — but because it could put him in a dangerous position.

"I see..." Zoren nodded slowly. "Would you stop me if I decide to look?"

"I advise you not to," she said quietly. "But if you choose to... there’s nothing I can do. I made my choice to shield you. Yours is your own."

Silence stretched between them as they stared at each other, unspoken understanding settling in.

---

Hours later...

Penny lay motionless on the bed, sleeping on her side as usual. Quietly, the door creaked open.

Zoren stepped inside and sat on the edge of the bed, staring at her back. Slowly, he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her temple.

"I’ll be back," he whispered, then stood and left just as silently.

As the door clicked shut behind him, Penny slowly opened her eyes. Her heart felt heavy — she knew he had made his choice.

---

At the same time...

In Zoren’s study, the wind from the slightly open window caused a few pages to flutter. The room was dim, lit only by a desk lamp shining over an open folder.

At its center was a photo — a close-up of a young Penny’s beaten face.