Initially, Penny’s approach was carefree and light, making it easy for others to think she had no idea just how serious the situation was. But now, every word out of her mouth was unfiltered, direct, and unfaltering.
"I’m sorry," Penny said, pulling her arm free from the woman holding her. "I’m not saying your decision is good, nor am I saying mine is righteous. There’s no right or wrong here. However, just as I respect your choice to honor what Aunt Mildred might want, I’ll do what I feel is right. No hard feelings. Please don’t stop me."
With that, the smile disappeared from Penny’s face. She scanned the people in the kitchen, huffed, holding their gazes, and then slowly turned to leave.
Each of her steps seemed to echo in everyone’s ears. They kept their gaze fixed on her back, their lips down turned and their eyes filled with countless unspoken words.
Although their main impression of Penny was that she was blissfully clueless and reckless, they envied her carefree nature. Even when Mildred scolded her nonstop, she never showed signs of negativity. She would frown and complain a bit, but never in a way that made them think she held a grudge or took things personally.
"Are you really this naive?" asked the same woman, Ashley, who had been trying to stop Penny from leaving. She took a deep breath, watching as Penny looked back at her. "Divorce... it’s not an easy thing. You can’t just marry into the Pierson Family and leave like that. There will be repercussions. Do you understand that?"
Penny pressed her lips together, assessing their expressions before she smiled. "Of course."
"Do you really understand that?" the woman repeated, this time emphasizing each syllable. "It’s not going to be easy, and your husband might not be able to protect you. It’s not going to be all rainbows and sunshine. In fact, it’s going to be very bad for you—I mean that in every sense of the word. This could be the worst decision of your life."
"Mhm," Penny responded with a short hum and a slight nod. "Don’t worry. It’s not going to be bad for me."
"Penny, don’t make light of this, okay?" the young woman in her group exclaimed in frustration. "No one here is daring enough to do this because we all understand we’re doomed if we do! Do you even understand that?! All of us come from good families with solid reputations, but even then, we’re afraid of making mistakes that could affect our families too!"
"In other words, even if you come from a respected family, it’ll still be a problem. There’s a good chance you won’t return to the life you had before marrying into this family," the man (the same one who had lied to his mother) added, raising his voice. "It’s not all rainbows and butterflies; it’s not that easy. If it is, then those who want out would’ve done it a long time ago."
The depressed guy and the others all nodded at Penny, making sure she understood. "Knowing all this, do you still want to go on with this ridiculous plan of yours?"
"Mhm," Penny answered quickly, as if she didn’t need a second to reconsider. She grinned widely, pleased that everyone seemed very attentive. "Don’t worry. I understand everything perfectly well."
Yet their expressions showed they were far from convinced.
"I have a very fierce father who would shoot down anyone who made me cry—whoever it is. He once told my husband he doesn’t care if he’s a demigod; he’d kill him if he made me cry." Penny raised a finger, thinking this would be enough to win their cooperation. "Second, I have an older brother who’s like a robot. Even if the entire Pierson Corporation came knocking at his office, he’d kick them out if they came without an appointment. He’s a good businessman too, so he knows how to play politics."
Hoping that was convincing, Penny cleared her throat and added, "My second brother is a high-ranking military officer. I don’t like to brag about my big brothers’ achievements, but they can protect me. I also have a third brother, and he’s really popular—he’s a celebrity. His career has nothing to do with this, but he’s scary and very fearless when he wants to."
Everyone narrowed their eyes, finding her claims hard to believe. Although it was possible for her to have three successful brothers, it seemed a bit too convenient. Then again, her carefree attitude might make sense if she’d grown up around those kinds of men.
"So, I’ll be fine!" Penny grinned. "Even so, I don’t think I’d be kicked out of the family because my husband is stubborn. I told you—he’d do anything I ask, even if it means getting the moon, except divorce. Hehe."
"Just a moment ago, you said you’d divorce him, and now you’re sure he won’t divorce you," Ashley sighed heavily, shaking her head. After another sigh, she glanced at Penny and then looked around at everyone. "I’m with her."
Everyone raised their brows, looking at the second in command of the kitchen. She offered a meek smile and shrugged.
"It’s not like we’re making a great sacrifice, but honestly, she’s quite annoying," she said, casting Penny a casual look. "Getting rid of her so I wouldn’t have to deal with her next time sounds tempting."
Penny smiled happily, seemingly unfazed by the woman’s remarks.
"Well, she is annoying, and I’ve never seen anyone rile up Aunt Mildred like she does," another person chimed in, smiling. "It’ll be hell for all of us if she stays in the family."
"I don’t want to be stuck with her, even if it’s just once a year."
One by one, they all agreed with the second in command, expressing how they didn’t want Penny to be around next year. Even so, their faces showed only subtle, honest smiles.
"So?" Ashley, the second in command, tilted her head, her eyes on Penny. "Shall we continue with the planning? Let’s make it quick. Aunt Mildred’s been out of here for almost ten minutes now."
Penny grinned, walking back to join them. "Of course! I have an idea!"