Chapter 29: It’s okay, papa!

Allison had always been a frail person. Hence, Charles often stayed by her side throughout all of her pregnancies. So, seeing her so pale and weak, Penny was worried.

With the book in her arms, Penny made her way to her parents’ room. She just wanted to check, or perhaps, to ask Butler Jen about Allison’s condition to ease her worry. She didn’t want to disturb Allison’s rest.

"Sir, what happened with your meeting with Mrs. Jessa Cortez?" Butler Jen asked worriedly.

Charles sighed as he glanced back at the door behind him. "Not good."

Butler Jen quickly deduced what happened with only those two words.

Jessa was the one who raised Penny all these years. Butler Jen also heard that the woman exploited Penny at a very young age, exposing her to gambling and all sorts of stuff. Just by that, one could already paint what kind of woman Jessa was.

Fortunately, Penny grew up into a brilliant and well-behaved child despite her environment.

On the other hand, Charles and Allison were Penny’s real parents. The two were still trying to build a bond with their long-lost daughter.

Thinking about this, Butler Jen felt regretful. He could already imagine the argument and tricky situation the couple were facing after meeting Jessa.

"Butler Jen, if the kids come later and ask about their mother, please tell them she’s just resting." Charles smiled weakly. "I don’t want to worry them, especially Atlas is trying to concentrate on his exam."

Butler Jen understood. "I’ll reassure them."

"Thank you."

Just as the words of gratitude flew out of Charles’s mouth, he caught a big figure from his peripheral. When he turned, his gaze fell on Penny’s round eyes.

"Papa, did you meet Aunt Jessa? Did she harass Mom? Is that why Mom doesn’t feel well?" Her face carried a look of worry and curiosity. Her voice was soft and innocent.

Charles bit his tongue while Butler Jen pressed his lips tight. They were so worried about Allison that they didn’t notice the big and round figure on their side.

"Penny, it’s alright." Charles squatted down and smiled brightly. "Your mom will be alright. She’s just exhausted from the long drive."

Long drive? They were only out for an hour and if she deduced the distance, wherever they met shouldn’t be that far.

Penny momentarily pondered.

In her first life, when Jessa happily sent her away, she was quiet for a while. But with a gambling addiction, Jessa quickly started harassing her parents for more money by threatening to take Nina away.

But then, suddenly, Jessa stopped only to start harassing Penny for money. She would go as far as to go to Penny’s school and make a scene, making it hard for her to have friends with such a problematic auntie. The twins also managed to get into the same school, adding to the terror of her school life.

Therefore, if there was someone who could understand Allison’s and Charles’s stress, that would be Penny.

"Daddy, what does my auntie want?" she asked, her round eyes were still adorable, but they also exuded seriousness.

Charles was momentarily taken aback. He and Butler Jen intuitively looked at each other before they set their eyes back to Penny.

"Penny, it’s fine." Charles forced a smile. "You don’t have to worry..."

He paused because his daughter frowned for trying to divert the subject. He couldn’t help but be reminded of Haines’s words. According to Haines, Penny "disliked" being treated like a child. Right now, Penny was asking him a question and her deep eyes showed she wanted an answer and not comforting words.

Charles felt defeated. "Your Auntie wants to see you," he said because that was part of Jessa’s condition.

If Charles allowed Penny to meet Jessa, that might appease her. However, that also felt like he was using Penny for Nina. Recalling Jessa’s words, Charles couldn’t help but feel sour and remorseful.

To keep Nina, he had to use Penny by making her meet the very person who exploited her. How was he different from Jessa?

"But I will not allow that." Charles quickly asserted, regretting that the thought had even crossed his mind. What kind of father would he be if he let his daughter face her abuser? "Jessa will not come close —"

"Then I will see her," Penny spoke up with determination.

"Penny, you don’t need to."

"But I want to," set her straight.

Jessa was like a worm who could only retain her memories under a certain condition. Penny had to remind Jessa how she was trained and she could only do that if she met her. Penny also missed the twins and wanted to know how Yuri was doing.

Seeing that Charles was reluctant, Penny stretched her lips.

"Papa, don’t worry! Aunt Jessa is very kind to me and never hurt me!" To coax him more, she took a step and wrapped her healthy little arms around his neck. "It’s okay, Papa. Don’t be scared. I am Charles Bennet’s daughter, so I will be fine."

Charles’s expression cracked as his heart clenched. His eyes stung upon hearing her sweet words. He felt like crying with her little hands patting her back.

Butler Jen was once again impressed but also moved at the same time.

What a sweet child.

Charles and Allison had been doing their best to create a bond with their daughter. Although the familial flow of emotions was enough for the couple to love their kid, they — especially Charles — have always been worried about what Penny thought of them.

"Fine." Charles carefully hugged his daughter back. This was the first time he hugged her because he was being mindful. He didn’t want to scare her. Hence, he was surprised at how soft and fluffy she was. She also smelled sweet and milky. Her scent was very soothing.

When they parted, he added, "But I can only allow this if an adult comes with you." He was about to volunteer when Penny pointed at Butler Jen.

"Then can Butler Jen come with me?"

"Ah? Butler Jen?"

"Butler Jen will accompany me to the vet on Wednesday. I can meet my aunt and my cousins then."

Butler Jen nodded. "Sir, I’ll look after Miss Penny, so don’t worry."

Charles darted his eyes between the two and smiled. He was now reminded of the mouse she wanted. He had to get it for her as soon as possible!

"Okay." He patted his girl’s head lovingly. "I’ll arrange it."