Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress novel Chapter 265

Chapter 265: splinter in my throat.

"See you at lunch."

Benjamin’s heart thudded upon hearing Penny’s remark. That sounded more like a threat—hadn’t she said she would stay away?! He opened his mouth to call her out, but at the same time, Dean came into view.

He furrowed his brows as he watched Dean approach the strange woman.

Dean glanced at Benjamin briefly before stopping in front of Penny.

"Why are you here?" Penny frowned, only to receive a smile from Dean.

"I was worried."

"Oh." She nodded and nonchalantly strutted off.

Dean sighed faintly, glancing back at the deadly glare Benjamin was throwing in his direction. He returned it with a smile before following Penny.

In the elevator, Penny stood motionless beside him.

"Don’t follow me next time," she said after a full minute of silence. "You know how much I hate that."

Dean cast her a sidelong glance. "I can’t help it. Sometimes following you helps, doesn’t it?"

Penny didn’t answer but finally gave him a sharp look. "Still with that?"

"Penny, I told you to stay away from him."

"Why?"

"Because he’s dangerous."

"No." Penny shook her head once. "That’s not the reason."

Dean’s jaw tightened as he held her sharp gaze, which she reserved only for him. "Because I’m jealous," he breathed out. "We’re not together, and I don’t mind if we will never be. But, Penny, date anyone else, but not him."

"Why?" She blinked, her expression unchanged.

"He’s my enemy," he answered quietly but solemnly.

Penny ran her tongue across her inner cheek while studying his eyes. She nodded and huffed.

"I said don’t worry," she clicked her tongue and looked away. "I’m not trying to get his attention because I’m interested in him. I just need something from him."

"What is it?"

She paused before replying, "None of your concern."

"Penny."

"Dean." Penny took a deep breath and faced him squarely, looking him straight in the eye. "I will never forget how you saved me and Uncle Haines from that incident. But that doesn’t mean you get a say in everything I do."

She stepped closer, narrowing the distance between them, her eyes even sharper and more intimidating.

"I’m not interested in your family drama. I have my own to deal with. I gave you my word, and I’ll keep it," she stressed, her tone decisive and cold. "Whatever I need from Zoren Pierson is none of your concern, but rest assured, I won’t sell you out to him."

"Do you understand?" she asked, raising her brows and humming.

Dean assessed the look in her eyes before he nodded. "If you say so," he raised a hand in surrender. "Then I trust you."

[FLASHBACK]