Chapter 532: I thought you kept him around for laughs

Hugo wasn’t the first person to question Benjamin’s position in Zoren’s life. Others had questioned him in the past, and some even went as far as to humiliate and degrade Benjamin, saying he didn’t deserve the position.

But Benjamin was still working for Zoren even after all of that. He wasn’t there just because Zoren protected him or kept him around, but because, despite the criticism, Benjamin had proven himself to Zoren countless times.

"He may not be as perfect as others who do the same work. He’s grumpy, speaks out of turn, and exaggerates. He’s easily riled up and emotional, too," Zoren continued, voicing the thoughts in Hugo’s mind. "But he’s also a kind person — a good person, who isn’t afraid to take accountability for his mistakes and correct them."

Zoren paused and offered Hugo a smile. "Above all, Benjamin never changed for the worse. Despite working with me for so long and in this environment, he never let it change him. You, of all people, know how our environment can change people, having been to war yourself."

Hugo nodded, pleased with Zoren’s explanation of why he kept Benjamin by his side.

"In other words, you keep him around to keep you grounded, huh?" Hugo muttered, and Zoren nodded slightly. "Yeah, I know how environments can change people."

One could easily say: [While fighting monsters, hope that you don’t become one yourself.]

As someone who had been to war, Hugo had seen how it changes people. He had witnessed the eyes that once shone with life grow dim. He’d seen those who used to be so brave almost succumb to the battles in their minds left by the war. There were many stories of how environments change people.

Although Zoren wasn’t on a literal battlefield, there were some similarities. Instead of guns and grenades, he faced conspiracies and schemes. Worse, he was fighting with his own family. Zoren needed someone like Benjamin to help him avoid becoming like those who had come before him.

"I thought you kept him around for laughs, but it seems I’m the shallow one," Hugo quipped. "I like you."

Zoren smiled in satisfaction but didn’t say anything more. He returned to listening to the voice in his earplugs, continuing his work. As he did so, he noticed his phone light up nearby.

---

[Mama]

"So Penny is married, huh?" Nina said in awe, eating lunch with Allison and Jessa. "I didn’t know she was married."

"None of us did, so don’t take it to heart," Jessa replied. "That sneaky girl... tsk tsk tsk. I haven’t seen her husband. Ali, is he how you described him?"

Allison nodded. "He’s a good man, for sure."

"Penny wouldn’t have married him secretly if he wasn’t," Nina said with a smile. "She always acts like she knows nothing about relationships, but she’s been married all along. That girl... she’s really secretive at times."

"I told you, don’t take it to heart."

"Aunty, I’m not, but I still feel sad that I wasn’t invited to her wedding."

"Even I wasn’t invited, but I’m sure they’ll have a big wedding once everything is settled," Allison reassured her.

Nina studied Allison’s smile before asking, "Mom, are you okay?"

"Do you think she’s okay?" Jessa arched a brow. "I’m not even her mother, but I’m disappointed. Then again, Penny’s always been like this. Sometimes I wonder if she’s... abnormal."

"Aunty, don’t say that," Nina pouted. "I’m sure there’s a reason for it."

"Nina’s right," Allison agreed. "Penny always has a reason for everything. Just let it go."

Jessa crossed her arms. "When she finally has her big wedding, it should be a week-long celebration. Or maybe a month-long one."

Allison and Nina exchanged glances, listening to Jessa’s extravagant ideas for Penny’s wedding. Though they felt some lingering disappointment about learning of Penny’s marriage so late, they were excited for the day when she would have a big wedding.

"After all, her husband is the most important man in Pierson Corporation," Jessa blurted, earning a slap on the arm from Allison. "Oops, sorry."

Allison pressed her lips together and sighed before casting Nina a look. Nina had her brows knitted at what she’d just heard and Allison’s reaction.

"She’s married to Zoren Pierson?" Nina asked, almost dropping her fork. "ThatZoren Pierson?"

Nina hadn’t seen Zoren in person, but she’d heard about him. ’But didn’t Patricia and her mom keep bragging about her relationship with him?’

"Nina, Penny and Zoren are trying to keep this private for now," Allison said awkwardly, as if unsure of what to say. Nina smiled reassuringly and nodded.

"Don’t worry, Mom," Nina chuckled. "I understand. It’s not like I have anyone to tell."

"That’s right," Jessa chimed in, rubbing her arm where Allison had slapped her. "Why are you so strict about this? Being your friend is such a scam! I thought I befriended a saint, but you’re cruel!"

Ignoring Jessa’s comments, Allison smiled at Nina and reached for her hand. "I’m sure Penny would tell you herself if you asked. I just feel like I’m not in a position to discuss their marriage."

"I understand, Mom," Nina said, clasping Allison’s hand and smiling. "And I appreciate how you’ve been protecting my engagement, too."

---

Nina had only come to the restaurant to eat and catch up with Allison and Jessa. But the information lingered in her mind, leaving her confused.

"Everything okay?" a cool, gentle voice beside her snapped her out of her thoughts. "You’ve been zoning out. Is work okay?"

Nina turned to see her dashing fiancé, seated in the backseat with her. "Well, I’ve been working on another project, but the revisions are overwhelming. I have a sensitive client, and she wants everything to be perfect."

"I see," Finn nodded, smiling. "Do you need help?"

"No, it’s fine. I can manage." Nina pursed her lips, keeping her eyes on Finn’s face. "Uh, Finn?"

"Yes?" He tilted his head slightly, curiosity swirling in his eyes.

Her lips parted, but then she closed them again and smiled. "It’s nothing, Finn."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." She reached for his hand and smiled sweetly. "It’s nothing."