Chapter 14 - Penelope Comes to the Gate
Penelope arrived at Blake’s residence after midnight.
She wore dark glasses despite the darkness.
Her wedding ring was gone.
Security stopped her at the gate.
She refused to leave.
“I need to speak to my sister.”
Evelyn watched the camera feed from inside.
Blake stood beside her.
“You don’t owe her access.”
“I know.”
Evelyn went to the gate anyway, accompanied by Daniel.
Penelope’s perfect bridal confidence had disappeared.
Her hair was tied back carelessly.
Her voice shook with anger.
“Jonathan left.”
Evelyn said nothing.
“The Mercers suspended every contract with Dad.”
“They’re protecting themselves.”
“You did this.”
“Dad pushed me into a fountain.”
“You released the video.”
“He did it in front of two hundred people.”
Penelope gripped the bars.
“You always ruin everything.”
Evelyn almost laughed.
“My shoulder still carries the mark of Dad’s hand, and you think you’re the victim.”
Penelope’s face twisted.
“You stole Blake from me.”
“He never belonged to you.”
“He should have chosen me.”
“Why?”
“Because I understand his world.”
Evelyn looked at her sister.
“No. You understand status. Blake understands loyalty.”
Penelope began crying.
For one second, she looked like the little sister Evelyn once protected.
Then she whispered, “You have no idea what Dad will do if the company collapses.”
“What has he done?”
Penelope looked toward Daniel.
“I won’t talk in front of him.”
Evelyn did not move closer.
“Then leave.”
Penelope panicked.
“There’s a ledger.”
Evelyn froze.
“What ledger?”
“Dad kept records off the company system. Payments, officials, inspectors, everyone.”
“Where?”
Penelope wiped her face.
“In the estate wine cellar.”
“Why are you telling me?”
“Because he said if he falls, he’ll blame me.”
Penelope had not come to confess.
She had come to trade evidence for protection.
Evelyn asked one final question.
“Did you know Dad planned to shove me?”
“No.”
“Did you help him humiliate me?”
Penelope looked away.
May you like
That was answer enough.
👉 Penelope revealed the ledger to save herself, but Richard had already discovered it was missing.
