Chapter 764: Be careful of the martriarch

"I’ll surely keep that in mind."

Belle studied Penny’s side profile as the latter looked in the direction where Karina had headed. A shallow breath slipped past Belle’s nostrils as she thought that Penny needed to know more about the family. After all, Penny had mentioned this was her first time here, and she came without her husband’s knowledge.

Like Karina, Belle assumed Penny’s husband was from a distant branch of the family that wasn’t much involved in the internal affairs of the main branch and the first two branches. However, they still had the privilege of attending family gatherings.

"Penny," Belle called, waiting for Penny to turn her attention back to her. "I... don’t want to offend you, but I think it’s best if you go home."

"Huh?"

Belle smiled subtly and apologetically. "I know you’re very enthusiastic about attending tonight’s event, but I’m sorry to tell you this—the Pierson Family gathering isn’t as good as it seems."

"..." Penny blinked innocently, staring at Belle with a slight tilt of her head.

"You met Karina, right?" Belle asked, and Penny nodded. "Well, Karina is part of the second branch of the family."

Penny still didn’t answer, keeping her clueless look. Seeing this unchanged expression slightly upset Belle, as she had hoped Penny would understand without having to spell everything out. But why was she surprised? Penny looked clueless, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if her husband kept her in the dark.

"Fine." Belle cleared her throat and looked straight into Penny’s eyes. "I’ll be blunt with you, but I want you to know I’m not trying to scare you away, alright?"

"Is it really better if I’m not here?" Penny finally asked, out of pure curiosity.

A wry smile crept onto Belle’s face. "If I’m going to answer that personally, I’d love to chat more with you. However, yes."

"Why is that?"

"Penny, the Pierson Family gathering is more like a meeting to weigh each other’s power and alliances within the family. It might sound complicated, but during this meeting, anything can happen. But that’s beside the point," Belle sighed again. "The main point is, the main branch and the two first branches are here."

"Well, isn’t it only natural for them to be here?"

"It is, but then again, you don’t want to get caught in the crossfire," Belle explained. "Especially since the head of the family and the second branch have always been at odds. Karina is from the second branch, but unlike her father, she has a calmer relationship with the head of the family."

"They get along?"

Belle couldn’t help but let out a short laugh. "I can’t say that with full confidence, but it’s not as bad. Getting along with this family is a rare occurrence. After all, they’re all after something or at someone."

Belle assessed the look on Penny’s face again, waiting for any sign that Penny understood her point. However, nothing changed in Penny’s expression, even though she was nodding.

"Trust me, Penny," Belle added under her breath. "It’s the reason I chose to stay away... and decided that I do not want to be here anymore. The only reason I am here is for that."

"Oh... that’s the unfinished business." Penny’s mouth formed an O-shape again. "Going to cut ties with them completely?"

"Yes."

"But is it safe to tell this to me now?"

The smile on Belle’s face cracked. "It’s not a secret when everyone surely knows why I’m here."

There were words Belle had held back from telling Penny, but they were just what Jenny and Karina had said. Her husband used to run a thriving business that didn’t operate the way other Pierson Family members did to get what they wanted.

Her husband was a good man and fair; he led his people with a heart. However, it was a shame that he married Belle, because now, his life was spiraling out of control because of her family.

"If I want to keep my marriage — even if my husband thinks I shouldn’t do anything — I have to," was all she could say bitterly, knowing that if she kept resisting, she would lose her husband completely. "Running into them could be a good thing, but if it’s not, then it’s just not a bad thing. It would be the worst thing that could happen to you and your family."

Belle casually reached for Penny’s hand, squeezing it. "Do you understand what I’m saying?"

"Well, I guess...? But I can’t leave now." Not that Penny was planning to.

"Penny, if you can’t leave this place now, just stay away from people’s radar," she added. "It’s better that way, especially since you’re very pretty. Some people here don’t like it when someone else is prettier than them."

"Is that why they were picking on you?"

"Huh?"

"Sister Belle, you’re so pretty, you know?" Penny casually commented. "If that is the reason they were picking on you, then they’re so petty."

Belle chuckled helplessly, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "It’s nothing like that, Penny. Karina and I... our feud goes way back. Anyway, later, once we get in, whatever you see and hear, just let it go."

"What would I see and hear?" Penny cocked her head to the side. "Would there be a fight?"

That would be entertaining, as long as that didn’t involve Zoren.

"A fight is an exaggeration," Belle shrugged. "Just listen to me. It’s for your own good."

"Okay."

"Thank you." After that, Belle resumed putting on her heels while Penny quietly watched her.

"Sister Belle, can I ask you something?"

"Yes?"

"Why are you telling me all of this?" Penny asked, watching as Belle looked back at her. "We’ve just met, and even though we enjoy talking to each other, I think what you’re saying is quite heavy to even mention."

Belle glanced up for a bit and thought about it before she smiled. "To be honest? I don’t know. But if I had to guess, it’s probably because I would say those words to myself before."

"Oh." Penny nodded while Belle resumed securing her heels. But just before she could say something, Belle spoke again.

"Also, you have to be careful of one more person," she said, pausing to finish what she was doing and face Penny. "I heard the head of the family is bringing along his wife. It’s also her first time, so we have to be careful. After all, we don’t know what kind of person she is, and I’m afraid she won’t like it if someone else outshines her."

Her smile stretched. "You’re very pretty as well, Penny."

"You think she’s that petty?" Penny’s face deadpanned as she watched Belle shrug.

"Hopefully not, but I don’t have high hopes. That position is too high for both of us, so yeah. It’s best to be cautious."

’Is she... flattering me or insulting me at the same time?’Penny scrunched her nose but quickly got over it and smiled at Belle. "Sister Belle, don’t worry. If something goes wrong, I got you!"

"Oh, Penny, you don’t have to," Belle chuckled helplessly. "I appreciate it, but... it’s okay. I’d rather you stay away from me when something goes wrong."

Because at the end of the day, Belle already knew what was coming for her, and she didn’t want to drag this innocent and lovely woman into it. It wasn’t like Penny could help or do anything about it.