Chapter 499: Piersons meets Bennets

Standing in front of the mirror, dressed in an elegant yet simple white dress, Penny’s lips curled into a smile. Slowly, a hand appeared on her shoulder—Allison, gazing at her daughter’s reflection from behind.

"It’s not even the wedding yet, and you’re already so stunning, my baby," Allison said, pressing her lips together as her eyes began to sting. "I can’t believe you’re... a woman now."

Penny turned to face her mother, who had been helping her prepare. She gently held Allison’s hand, fluttering her eyelashes tenderly. Penny didn’t say anything, sensing her mother was on the verge of tears.

Allison sniffled, stroking the side of Penny’s head. "If things get hard, just come home, okay?"

Penny nodded with a smile.

"You’re so pretty." Allison wiped the corner of her eyes, and Penny leaned in for an embrace. As she felt her daughter’s warmth, Allison pressed her lips tighter, another wave of tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

"Mama," Penny whispered, resting her chin on Allison’s shoulder, "I’ll visit with Renren and stay over. I’ll be here so often you won’t even feel like I’ve moved out. We’ll come so much that you and Dad will beg me to go back to my husband’s home."

She teased, tapping Allison’s back, just like she used to when consoling her.

"So, don’t cry so much," Penny added with a pout. "Renren is a good man, and he’ll take care of me."

"I know he is." Allison forced out a whimper, rubbing Penny’s back. She then clasped Penny’s shoulders, gently pushing her back to take a good look at her. Despite the tears in her eyes, she smiled brightly.

She cupped Penny’s slightly plump cheek, nodding. "So, you should take care of him too, okay?"

"Mhm." Penny hummed, her eyes squinting as her smile widened. "I’ll be just like you, Mom."

"Huh?"

"I’ll take care of him, just like how you take care of all of us."

Allison’s eyes softened. Though this contradicted the words Penny had said during that particular emotional outburst, it moved Allison to tears once again.

Knock, knock.

Both women turned as the door creaked open, revealing Butler Jen.

"Madam, Miss Penny," he called politely, smiling as though he didn’t notice Allison’s tears. "The Piersons have arrived."

Penny and Allison exchanged a glance before Penny reached out to wipe her mother’s tears. They chuckled together without a word, and then Allison took Penny’s hand.

"Shall we go?" Allison asked, managing her emotions.

"Mhm." Penny gently moved from holding her mother’s hand to linking her arm. "I’m ready."

With a nod of understanding, the two made their way downstairs, where Penny’s husband and his family were waiting. As they went down the stairs, they immediately spotted Charles and Haines in formal suits, with Atlas, Hugo, and Slater in smart casual attire. In front of them stood Zoren, Butler Hubert, and Old Mrs. Pierson.

When they sensed Penny’s presence, all eyes turned toward her.

Haines, Old Mrs. Pierson, Butler Hubert, Hugo, and Zoren were all on the "smiling team." Their faces light up at the sight of Penny with Allison. She looked like a princess, her hair styled in a fishtail braid, her light makeup accentuating her naturally elegant features, and her simple white dress completing the look.

She wasn’t wearing her wedding gown yet, but they all agreed she would look stunning in it.

"Oh, my goodness! My child!" Old Mrs. Pierson clapped her hands in front of her lips, resting her cane between her palms. "How gorgeous!"

She could already imagine what her great-grandchildren might look like. Old Mrs. Pierson hoped they’d inherit Penny’s looks.

"Wow..." Hugo murmured in awe. "She looks like an angel." — Though maybe not if she were drunk.

Zoren simply smiled, his heart racing at her presence. He couldn’t see clearly like the others, but he already knew the beauty everyone was admiring.

Meanwhile, Charles discreetly dabbed at his eyes with a handkerchief. It was just a family meeting, but he couldn’t help feeling emotional.

"My princess is truly stunning," he muttered to himself, silently adding, ’No man will ever deserve her.’

Haines arched a brow, noticing Charles wiping away his tears. He chuckled to himself. ’Why am I surprised?’

Atlas, on the other hand, cast a judgmental glance at his father. He didn’t feel particularly emotional. After all, Penny would still visit; she wasn’t always home anyway. Most days, she was at work or out and about before coming home. Sometimes, they barely saw each other even when living under the same roof.

’It’s not like they won’t see her again,’ Atlas thought. ’She’s only an hour away.’

Still, he kept his thoughts to himself. No need to become the most hated person in the room.

"Goodness..." Slater grumbled, pouting. "Why did she dress like that? This is not okay. She’s too pretty. He might not give her back."

Atlas glanced at Slater, amused by his mutterings. ’Does he think she’s like an item you can return?’He wrinkled his nose before turning his attention to Hugo.

’Why is he smiling so much?’ Atlas wondered. ’Is he planning to move in with her?’

After all, Hugo was basically homeless, relying on their parents for shelter. Atlas was wise enough to keep his thoughts to himself. Otherwise, his guess would become his reality, and he would definitely become the most hated man in the room.

By then, Penny and Allison had reached the entryway where everyone was gathered. Penny smiled warmly at them before Allison let go of her arm.

"Old Madam Pierson?" Allison called, stepping toward Old Mrs. Pierson. "I’m Allison Bennet, Penelope’s mother."

"Oh! So you’re the reason Penelope is so beautiful!"

Allison chuckled. "How about we go inside? Let me help you."

"Madam Bennet, please don’t trouble yourself—" Butler Hubert intercepted but stopped when Allison gave him a welcoming smile.

"It’s no trouble at all." Allison then turned to Old Mrs. Pierson. "Shall we, Old Madam Pierson?"

Old Mrs. Pierson laughed and took Allison’s arm for assistance. As they headed inside, the others exchanged glances before following suit.

Meanwhile, Penny jumped in front of Zoren, grinning. "Guess what I’m wearing."

"White," he laughed. "I’m not blind... though I do wish I could see you clearly."

Penny bit her lip as she stepped closer to him. "Even if you can’t, it feels like I’m the only one you can see, so it’s okay," she teased with a giggle, though it was true. It was strange that despite his vision problems, he made her feel like she was the only one in his world.

It was flattering.

"Shall we?" Zoren offered his hand, smiling as Penny took it without hesitation. His eyes softened as he gently but securely wrapped his fingers around hers.

And just like that, they followed the family inside with their hands intertwined.