Chapter 276: Chunchun’s birthday

[From: Mr. Pierson]

Sometimes two heads are better than one. Should we meet today to discuss this problem and perhaps resolve it quickly? It would be better than exchanging messages. After all, this matter is now also my problem.]

For a moment, silence filled the CEO’s office as Benjamin and Zoren stared quietly at the phone.

"Sir..." Benjamin’s eyes lit up as he turned to Zoren. "Miss Penelope is willing to help!"

A broad smile stretched across his face, and hope clearly shone in his eyes.

"Sir, this is good news!" Benjamin took a step closer, excited. "If we can get her to play along or help with the planning, we might resolve this quickly! After all, if Miss Penelope is the one to explain your separation, the chairwoman will believe it."

Zoren reconsidered and nodded. "Fair enough, but not today."

"Sir..." Benjamin felt like tearing his hair out. "Why?!"

"Thursday today."

Benjamin almost choked as he remembered Zoren’s fixed Thursday plans in the afternoon to evening. As he tried to mend his broken heart and hoped Penny would understand, he heard Zoren’s voice.

"I’m sorry, I can’t today. I have an important appointment."

Sent!

*

*

[From: Mr. Pierson]

I’m sorry, I can’t today. I have an important appointment.]

Penny dropped her phone and buried her face in her palms.

"Fine," she huffed. "It’s okay, Penny. This is nothing. He’s a busy man, and important meetings that he can’t reschedule happen."

As a businesswoman herself, Penny knew this better than anyone. After all, she had canceled many plans and minor appointments in the past for more important matters.

Penny snapped her eyes up and looked at herself in the mirror. "I guess I’m... panicking a little too much. If he’s calm, there’s no need for me to worry, right?" She nodded at herself and smiled, gently slapping her cheeks until they turned a little red.

"Well, I offered. No need to panic. It’s just a piece of paper — nothing’s changed." She winked at herself.

It wasn’t like Penny had to get a divorce immediately. The only reason she was in a hurry initially was that she didn’t know Zoren Pierson personally. But now, she knew a lot more about him: his life, his position, where he lived, and his illness.

If she wanted more, she could just read more of the files he sent.

So, there was no hurry... for now.

With Penny managing to recompose herself, she smiled beautifully and was ready to start her day.

*

*

*

[MAMA]

"Thank you, and come again!" Penny joyfully bid the customer goodbye, making Allison chuckle and shake her head. Turning to her mother behind the counter, Penny giggled and jumped over to where Allison was.

"Penny, you don’t have to bid all the customers so enthusiastically. You’re making them a little embarrassed," Allison gently scolded with a chuckle. "But we appreciate your help today. If not for you, Jessa would be breathing fire."

Penny laughed, leaning her arms against the counter. "No worries, Mom." Her eyes drifted to the door from the kitchen to the counter, where she saw Jessa walking out, taking off her hat. "Looking good, Aunt!"

"Oy, Penny, not today. I know I’m perfect, but I’m tired." Jessa slumped in the chair behind the counter, exhaustion written across her face. "You should eat first before you go home."

"Aunt, I’m alright!" Penny grinned as she began taking off her apron around her waist. "I already ate, so I’m heading back home."

"You’re not going to go home with us?" Allison asked, only to see her daughter shake her head.

"Today is Chunchun’s birthday," Penny grinned. "I’ll pick up the present I bought for her and then celebrate with her."

"Aww." Allison’s eyes softened. "Should we celebrate?"

Penny darted her eyes between her aunt and mom. "It’s okay. We can do it next time — on everyone’s day off."

"You throw a party for your cat?" Jessa scoffed. "What a waste of money."

"Jessi, you’re not a pet lover, so you won’t understand." Allison cast Jessa a quick look. "But you have to come when we decide."

"No."

"Thank you."

Jessa rolled her eyes, while Allison faced Penny with a smile. "Let’s talk about it later or tomorrow at breakfast."

"Okay, Mom."

"Take care on your way home, okay? And tell your dad not to wait for me. Your aunt and I will have some wine first."

Penny pouted as she looked at the women across from her. "Next time, I’ll buy you guys wine, but I have to drink it with you," she joked, making Allison chuckle. "Okay. Gotta go now!"

With that, Penny skipped away and left.

*

*

As planned, Penny picked up the customized present she had for Chunchun and went straight home. Chunchun was already old, so Penny wanted to pour all her love and appreciation into her while she was still with her.

Waiting at the front door, as always, was Butler Jen, holding Chunchun in his arms.

"Welcome back, Miss Penny," he greeted, passing Chunchun to her.

"Thank you, Butler Jen..." Penny trailed off as she sniffed her cat. "She smells..."

Butler Jen’s smile widened. "I took her to the salon because I thought it would be nice for her to have a pamper day on her special day."

"Aww..." Penny’s heart warmed as she gazed affectionately at her cat. "Chunchun, look at you. Butler Jen pampers you too, huh?"

"Haha." Butler Jen watched Penny carry Chunchun like a child, following her to the living area. When Penny sat down on the couch to open the gift she had for Chunchun, Butler Jen glanced at it.

It was a cat collar, but instead of a bell as its pendant, the design was one side of a heart.

"Chunchun, look!" Penny excitedly took out another small box from the paper bag, quickly showing the contents to her cat. "It’s the other half of the heart! One for you, and the other half is mine!"

Butler Jen’s eyes softened upon seeing the keychain. She truly loves Chunchun and takes care of her. He didn’t want to imagine how hurt she had been when her other pets passed while she was abroad.

"Miss Penny, Second Master Hugo told me to prepare dinner so we could have a small celebration for Chunchun," he spoke when he thought it was the right time. "They’re already on the way home, as far as I know. Second Master only went out to pick up the cake, after all."

"Oh." Her lips formed an O-shape in surprise before she smiled. "Okay, but I’ll have to take Chunchun somewhere first."

"Where, Miss Penny?"

Penny’s smile broadened. "To the place where I first met her."