Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress novel Chapter 395

Chapter 395: Didn’t fix the pipe for free

"The moment I chose him over my solitude. I’d rather have him around than keep my solitude."

Hugo studied Penny’s face. Her eyes were still sharp and intimidating, but the slight smile in the mix gave her expression a softer look. He nodded and said, "Then, it seems there’s nothing I should worry about. It looks like my sister knows what she’s gotten into. Still, I want you to be careful. Even though Zoren Pierson is a sickly man, he’s dangerous."

Penny’s eyes snapped to Hugo at the mention of danger. For her brother to call someone dangerous, there had to be a reason.

"A dying person isn’t afraid of death, nor are they afraid of crossing lines," he added quietly but clearly. "Be careful, Penny. Get to know him better. You know I’ll always side with you no matter what. If he’s one of your people, then he’s my person as well."

"It’s a shared responsibility, I know," she finished his thought, repeating a principle from the military. "Understood... sir."

Penny pushed herself away from the desk and saluted her second brother. Hugo held her gaze for a moment before heaving a sigh of relief.

"I’m heading to the station later," he said. "Don’t tell anyone about last night."

"I don’t plan to," she replied, slowly lowering her hand. "Let me know if you need any help."

"I will." With that, Hugo stepped back and marched to the corner to place a book on the shelf.

Penny watched him, then asked, "Second Brother, you didn’t come here and wait all morning just to ask me a question, did you?"

"My little sister didn’t come home last night, and she saw me wrestling with someone. Just the first reason alone is enough to keep me up all night," he answered without looking back at her. "I waited for you because I was worried."

Although that was true, Penny knew something was off about her brother. She had sensed it since she returned to the country, noticing Hugo going out at night more often than usual. At first, she thought it was because he was busy organizing the bachelor party, but now she wasn’t so sure.

"Is my connection to the military being questioned, Second Brother?" she asked directly, her question halted his actions. "Or... am I in danger, and that’s why you’ve taken a break?"

Hugo didn’t react at first, then resumed placing the book back on the shelf. He then turned to face her.

"No," he said. "I’m on vacation. It’s protocol."

"I’m not in trouble?"

"No." He smiled. "If you were, I wouldn’t be the one investigating. We’re family. Conflict of interest. I’ll be biased for sure."

Penny nodded in understanding. "Very well. If you say so, I trust you."

"And that guy..." He raised his brows. "... are you two official now?"

"Official?" Penny blinked as Hugo tilted his head slightly.

"Penny?" he called, curious. "Don’t tell me you don’t know?"

"No, I mean... I assumed I was in a mutual relationship," she remarked, searching for the right words. "But we haven’t actually talked about it."

’My god,’ she thought, gasping mentally. ’Even Nina has self-control, but I don’t! How does she do it!? That girl is more amazing than I thought.’