Chapter 183

Just as Penelope was about to storm off, Evelyn quickly intervened. "Let's talk this through rationally. There's no need for dramatics."

Evelyn had worked too hard to break free from her adoptive family's toxic influence. She wouldn't let Walter and Beverly Simmons drag her back into their messy world.

No matter how much resentment they harbored, they held no power over her anymore. She was fiercely protective of her newfound peace.

Penelope smirked arrogantly as she accelerated the car.

Soon, the towering Whitmore Corporation headquarters came into view. Evelyn hadn't expected their destination to be here.

Parking smoothly, Penelope announced smugly, "This must be your first time here, Evelyn? Consider this your personal tour."

"When you were the Whitmore heiress, you never bothered visiting. But I'll generously show you around now. Don't thank me!"

Evelyn studied Penelope with detached amusement. "There's something I've been curious about."

Penelope tilted her chin up haughtily. "Ask away."

"How do you maintain that delusional sense of superiority?" Evelyn quipped.

Penelope's face flushed with anger. "What did you just say?"

"The way you talk, one would think you're the CEO," Evelyn retorted sarcastically.

Penelope stomped her foot in frustration, but remembering she needed Evelyn's cooperation for the meeting with Nathaniel, she swallowed her pride.

"Enough nonsense. Follow me."

Evelyn remained silent as they entered the elevator.

The executive floor exuded luxury befitting a corporate empire. Evelyn noted Nathaniel's usual impeccable taste.

Penelope marched straight to the secretary pool. "Where's Nathaniel?"

"Mr. Whitmore is in a meeting," a secretary replied politely. "You may wait in the guest lounge if you'd like."

"I'll wait in his office," Penelope insisted.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Whitmore, but unauthorized access to Mr. Whitmore's office is strictly prohibited."

Penelope turned away, visibly embarrassed.

Evelyn hadn't expected Nathaniel's security protocols to be this strict. Even family members received no special treatment.

"Told you," Evelyn murmured with a knowing smile.

Penelope bristled. "Stop looking so smug! Nathaniel has always been a stickler for rules. It's not like you were ever important enough to know that."

They proceeded to the conference room in tense silence.

To their surprise, Victoria Sinclair was already there.

The atmosphere grew palpably awkward as the three women exchanged glances.

Victoria's eyes narrowed suspiciously at seeing Evelyn with Penelope. "Penelope, why are you with her?"

Had Penelope switched alliances?

Evelyn was equally surprised by Victoria's presence. Apparently, neither woman held special privileges with Nathaniel.

Some things never changed - Nathaniel remained a workaholic through and through.

Penelope rushed to explain, "Victoria, don't misunderstand! I brought Evelyn to help with my credit card situation."

Victoria recalled how Nathaniel had frozen Penelope's cards after the Cassandra Blake incident. She hadn't expected Penelope to cave so quickly - what a weakling!

Putting on a sisterly smile, Victoria cooed, "Penelope darling, I've told you before - if you need money, just ask me."

"But Victoria, I can't keep relying on you," Penelope protested weakly.

"Nonsense! We're practically sisters now." Victoria produced her platinum card with visible reluctance. "Take this. Buy whatever you want."

Though it pained her, Victoria knew securing Penelope's loyalty required sacrifices.

Touched, Penelope accepted the card. "Thank you, Victoria. Or should I say... sister?"