Chapter 306: Willing to help

"Sir... you can say ’wow’ because if you could see her, you’d definitely say that."

Zoren raised an eyebrow at Benjamin, then followed his gaze to Penny. Although he couldn’t see what Benjamin was seeing, he could tell how the red dress accentuated her skin. Her lips were painted the same shade of red — very different from the colors she had worn in their previous encounters.

As for Benjamin, who could see all the colors, he almost clapped at how perfectly the dress fit her, as if it were custom-made. She had matched it with a red hair ribbon, making the slight wave in her hair appear like curls.

’So pretty...!’ Benjamin couldn’t help but feel in awe, not even noticing the slight displeasure in her eyes. ’Didn’t the Young Master say his Thursday Girl is healthy? I thought he meant a different kind of healthy, not literally healthy.’

After a moment, Penny stopped several steps away from them. She smiled but cast Benjamin a quick glare. Earlier, when she washed up, there was already a box prepared for her. Inside, everything she needed was complete — though it was all more suited for a party.

It’s so early to look like this!

Even so, Penny decided to wash up because she had slept in her clothes from the previous day. She was grateful for the free dress, but at the same time, it made her look like a pampered young lady whose only purpose in life was to shop like there was no tomorrow.

"Miss Penelope, good morning," Zoren greeted, tipping his head toward the nearby couch. "Breakfast is still being prepared, but if you want anything, there’s some toast."

Penny forced a smile. "Mr. Pierson, I appreciate the offer and for letting me stay over. It seems I was more exhausted than I thought, and I ended up bothering you."

"Not at all. It’s nothing compared to the help you’ve given me so far."

"Still," she said, rocking her head. "Anyway, I still have a lot of things to do, so I’ll go first."

"Are you sure you don’t want to stay for breakfast? I can drive you to your destination."

"It’s fine. My car’s here... I saw it from my room."

Zoren nodded. "Well, I won’t insist anymore."

"Thank you." Penny was eager to leave, not wanting to stay any longer. "Then, I’ll excuse myself first." She paused and cast Benjamin a look. "Mr. Vitt."

"Uh, yes, take care, Miss." Benjamin lowered his head, flinching when her eyes sharpened and glinted. He cleared his throat and diverted his gaze. ’Right. She told me to act normal but also to choose my audience. My boss will get angry at me if I keep arguing with her for no reason, though.’

Seeing that Benjamin was reluctant to look at her, Penny shook her head slightly. She gazed at Zoren one last time and hurried out. Staying meant prolonging her embarrassment, so she was in a rush.

But just as Penny reached the front door, Zoren spoke.

"Right, Miss Penelope, I forgot your phone." He raised the phone, holding it between his thumb and the side of his index finger. "You dropped it last night."

"Oh." Her lips formed a round shape as she went back to retrieve it. As soon as she did, she checked the screen out of habit.

[73 missed calls from First Brother.]

Penny’s eyes widened instantly as she saw the number of missed calls from her first brother. For a second, her heart stopped along with her breathing. All the unnecessary thoughts she had a moment ago were replaced with nervousness.

’I thought he wouldn’t think much of it — darn it!’ Penny forced a smile and quickly moved to leave Zoren. ’I have to drop by his office. Otherwise, he might kill me!’

"Also."

Penny’s quick steps skidded to a halt when Zoren spoke. "What now, Mr. Pierson?" she asked with an awkward laugh. "I’m full, and I don’t think I need to eat breakfast."

"Someone was calling nonstop last night," Zoren casually shared. "I didn’t want to go through your personal stuff. However, I thought it was very important since the person was calling so late... so I answered."

This time, Penny froze. "You did what?"

"I’m sorry," he expressed.

’Oh, my god...’

Zoren nodded. "Them. Yes, it was brief, though."

Them...

Penny could already guess who they were. "And?"

"They sounded... interesting," Zoren carefully chose his words. "They wanted to meet me... that’s what the man named Hugo wanted to say. He said it would be nice if we trained together. He’s very willing to help me."

’Very willing to help you reach heaven early, you mean?’ Penny opened and closed her mouth, torn between laughing or crying.

Who wouldn’t be?

Last night, Penny didn’t come home, and now a man had answered her phone. Just thinking about it gave her a headache.

"Is there anything else you talked about?" she asked curiously. "Like anything... significantly shocking?" — like calling her Penny, was what she meant.

"Nothing."

"I see." Penny clenched her teeth and forced a smile. "Thanks for letting me know, Mr. Pierson."

"You’re welcome," he said, watching her turn her back on him. "Miss Penelope, he also said that he’s expecting you in his office today. Are you headed there now? If so, should I come with you in case you need help?"

Penny shook her head. "There’s no need for that, Mr. Pierson."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." Her smile stretched until her eyes were squinting. "I’m not meeting him in this lifetime, anyway."

Having said that, Penny resumed her steps and walked out the front door. Meanwhile, Zoren kept his eyes on her retreating figure. When she was out of sight, he couldn’t help but speak.

"Benjamin," he called.

"Huh? Ye — yes?"

"About Miss Penelope Bennet," Zoren tilted his head, eyes still on the slightly open door. "Does she look like someone whose beauty would shock the world?"

Deep lines appeared between Benjamin’s brows. "Sir?" he called, only to see his boss smile subtly.

"For some reason, I don’t want to accept losing my sight," Zoren whispered. "I want to see her... clearly."