Chapter 5 Says Who
1358 Words
"Not interested in you?" Tyron chuckled. "Says who?"
He suddenly leaned in, and Penelope looked at him, puzzled. "What are you up to?"
Tyron's gaze was unwavering as he spoke, "I need a girlfriend to help me get into the Narsson family at will."
He couldn't get into his own family at will? Penelope's instincts told her that Tyron's relationship with the Narsson family wasn't as straightforward as it seemed. He needed her help to get in? She was curious about what kind of person Tyron really was.
As she thought about Nelia's tragic accident earlier that day, Penelope's resolve hardened. She was determined to get revenge. "Fine," she said, "But in exchange, you need to help me with something."
In the darkness, Tyron grinned. "Deal."
Tyron had thought she might take some time to consider it, but she agreed so quickly. This woman was certainly interesting.
Penelope, afraid he might back out, quickly asked, "How are you going to help me?"
Tyron smiled. "Don't worry. I have my ways."
He didn't want to say more? Fine. She'd find out eventually.
Tyron drove her downstairs and left in his car.
*****
Back at her apartment, Penelope finished her shower and lay down. Nelia's words kept her determined. Howard was her mother's murderer, and she had to investigate the truth as quickly as possible. But the investigation wouldn't be easy...
While she was lost in thought, her phone buzzed with a message from Tyron.
Tyron: Starting tomorrow, I'll have someone help you find the truth about your mother's death and gather evidence.
Tomorrow? Penelope stared at the text, surprised by how quickly it was all happening.
Penelope: Okay.
*****
The next day, Penelope sent out resumes to several job boards. Tyron had promised to help, but she couldn't just wait around. She needed to regain everything that was hers and take revenge for her mother!
However, after several HR departments called and found out that she had a two-year gap in her work history and a criminal record, all of the leads fizzled out.
Just then, Tyron texted her to meet at a nearby café at eight o'clock.
When she arrived, Tyron looked at her leisurely. "Did you go job hunting today?"
Penelope nodded. "I did, but I was rejected everywhere because of my criminal record."
"I can offer you a job," Tyron said, pushing a contract toward her. "This is the agreement."
"You mean I'll work for your company? Is this your way of showing sincerity in our partnership?"
Penelope flipped open the contract. It seemed pretty standard. But helping her gather evidence and finding her a job when she was at rock bottom? Was Tyron really such a philanthropist? It was hard to believe that he was doing all this with no ulterior motive. Penelope thought it might be time to test him.
Otherwise, she might end up getting tricked by this possibly scheming man.
She stood up, walked over to Tyron, placed a hand on his shoulder, and spoke in a low voice.
"I've read the contract. But Tyron, I think you should be honest with your business partners, don't you? You know everything about me, but I don't know much about you."
She continued, "The contract and all the evidence you're looking for—you're a businessman, and businessmen don't do things for nothing, right? I don't believe you enjoy charity work."
*****
Seeing her so sharp, Tyron couldn't help but smile and decided not to hide the truth anymore.
"My mom died. Bruce—my dad—was responsible. I need to figure out what really happened back then. Before that, I need a marriage to meet the requirements for stock acquisition. I don't trust any of the women outside of you... you've just come out of prison and have nothing. You're the only one I can trust."
Penelope could see the seriousness in his eyes as he mentioned his mother. He didn't look like he was lying.
So, he wanted to dive deeply into the Narsson family and investigate his mother's death?
Penelope smiled knowingly. "Looks like I made the right choice."
Tyron's expression turned cold. "You have to keep today's business a secret, or you'll be in danger."
Knowing this information was a bargaining chip for him against her.
Penelope couldn't help but sneer. "Don't worry. I won't put myself in danger before I take down those who hurt me. After years in prison, I may not know much, but basic self-defense is something I can handle."
Tyron's expression remained impassive. "I'm talking about if anyone finds out about my intentions, I'll become your worst nightmare. Do you understand?"
Tyron almost laughed at her inwardly. Didn't she understand the hidden meaning in his words?
Penelope's smile faded, and her eyes turned cold. "You'd better hope for the best."
*****
Tyron reminded her, "Be on time for work tomorrow. And... I heard your family villa was taken by Sandy and Howard. Is that true?"
"Yeah. They claim my mom signed a transfer agreement. Ridiculous! My mom would never do something like that!" Penelope said angrily.
"Take my people with you," Tyron said. "Kick them out of the villa first, and we'll discuss the rest later."
Penelope nodded. "Yes, they need to be kicked out! They can't stay there. My mother can't die in vain. I must get revenge for her!"
Once the house was reclaimed, she'd deal with that scumbag Howard.
She'd slap him hard. And Sandy, too. She couldn't wait to give Sandy a piece of her mind.
"I can help you get the house back, but the condition is... you need to be my girlfriend on paper, and when necessary, marry me," Tyron said.
Tyron smirked faintly. If he didn't bind this woman with a marriage or a contract, he was worried she'd run away halfway. He couldn't let that happen.
Helping her was one thing, but if she turned on him, it would take time to investigate his mother's death. Marriage, however, was more secure. It could be a guarantee.
If she ran away, he had plenty of ways to deal with her.
"Fine," Penelope said, not knowing what was going on in his mind. She smiled. "Let's hope we work well together."
*****
At the Stein Villa, the sound of curses filled the air.
"That b***h Penelope! How dare she cause a scene at the banquet? Howard should've dealt with her back then! Not killing her was already letting her off easy!" Erica said viciously.
Sandy tried to calm her down. "Don't worry. I'll make sure she pays."
At that moment, Penelope entered the living room, her voice cold. "Oh, really?"
Seeing her, Sandy immediately flew into a rage. "Penelope! How dare you show up? You heartless b***h!"
Penelope walked over to the sofa and stood firm. "Sandy, why shouldn't I show up? After all, I didn't steal someone else's property. Also... weren't you planning to deal with me? How would you do that if I didn't show up? Isn't that right, you old hag?"
Sandy stormed up to Penelope, raising her hand to slap her. But Penelope was faster. In an instant, she dodged to the side and slapped Sandy twice across the face.
Sandy, stunned, covered her face, and Penelope's hand stung from the force. It felt so satisfying.
She decided that every time she saw Sandy from now on, she'd slap her a few times to vent.
*****
Sandy tried to lunge at Penelope again, but Penelope signaled to Tyron's bodyguards, who immediately stepped forward to protect her.
Penelope crossed her arms, watching Sandy with a challenging gaze.
Sandy knew she couldn't compete with the bodyguards, so she looked at Penelope in frustration.
Erica shouted angrily at the bodyguards. "You're just in time! She's ruining my reputation! Get that b***h out of here!"
Erica glared at Penelope, but the bodyguards didn't move.
"What are you doing? Are you deaf? Get that b***h out of this house immediately! Don't you want your job anymore?!!"
Penelope's cold eyes met hers. "These bodyguards are here to protect me, not you, Ms. Narsson. Just face it and stop bossing around."
- Writer
