Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress novel Chapter 450

Chapter 450: A memory he’d pay a fortune to forget

Meanwhile, in a small, private café located in the heart of the city, Atlas sat in a cozy seat, waiting for Zoren. It was too late for breakfast but too early for lunch. However, Atlas couldn’t wait or delay this meeting any longer.

He had told Benjamin that he would call Zoren and invite him for lunch. But calling Zoren today had never been in his plans—until he woke up underneath the bed. He was worried. _{fгeewёbnoѵel.cσm}

’The only good thing I’m a little grateful for is that she shoved me under the bed this time,’ he thought, unable to enjoy the aroma of the coffee hovering in front of him. ’Compared to five years ago, I’m relieved it was just under the bed.’

Thinking about what happened five years ago, his face twisted with disgust, and he nearly jumped from his seat in an attempt to shrug off the intense shame that came with the memory.

*****

Five years ago...

"What are we celebrating?" she asked, watching him approach her desk from behind it.

Atlas placed a bottle of wine on the desk, smiling. "If I don’t come to see you, I’m afraid I’ll never see you again." He then glanced around her small office. "Your office isn’t bad."

"Compared to your corner office, I’m sure it is."

"But I didn’t have to start from scratch," he replied meaningfully. "Not that I’m saying it was easy."

Penny pressed her lips together as her tense shoulders relaxed. She hadn’t been getting enough sleep or proper rest since her company was just starting out. She knew if she wanted to reach her goals, extra work was necessary. So, seeing Atlas arrive with a bottle of wine made her feel like relaxing for a moment with her brother.

"It’s been a while since I’ve seen you," she pointed out, leaning back in her chair as Atlas moved to a corner where there were glasses, coffee, and a coffee machine—everything she needed to stay awake.

"I know," Atlas replied indifferently, searching for wine glasses. "I told you I was coming, didn’t I?"

"You did?"

Atlas picked up a coffee cup and turned to face her again. "You even replied to my email."

"What did I say?"

"That you’d get back to me in three business days," he shrugged, now standing across from her. "You don’t keep wine glasses in your office?"

"Why would I keep wine glasses in the office—for what?"

Atlas chuckled. "They come in handy," he quipped. "Though I don’t use wine glasses in my office because I prepare whiskey."

"First Brother, are you slowly becoming a drunkard?"

"I’m close, but Sven’s antics and my determination to keep him in my shadow stop me from spiraling in that direction."

Penny chuckled as she watched her brother coolly pour wine into coffee cups. It had been a while since Atlas started working at Global Prime Logistics under Charles’s guidance. After all, Charles was preparing to retire and pass the reins to Atlas.

Charles had worked hard during his tenure, taking the family business to new heights. He had done so because their father wanted to retire early and focus on Allison—something Charles had been saying for a long time.

"Here’s yours." Atlas slid the coffee cup to her and picked up his. "Cheers?"