The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 410

It worked like a charm.

Kyle immediately gave in and obediently followed her inside.

Penelope was absolutely delighted to meet him.

"Look at this handsome young man. You are just too charming for your own good!"

Unused to such effusive praise, Kyle blushed and looked down shyly.

He carefully set the gifts they had brought down on the floor.

Besides the cake and flowers, there was a massive, heavy box.

Penelope lightly scolded her.

"I just asked you to come over for dinner. Why did you bring so much stuff?"

"It's your birthday," Jocelyn smiled warmly. "I couldn't exactly show up empty-handed."

Penelope shot her a knowing look. "Did Julian remind you?"

"Yes."

"That boy," Penelope chuckled. "I should have warned him not to say anything to you."

Jocelyn laughed.

"Penelope, I promise you're going to love this gift."

"Oh? What is it?" she asked, her curiosity instantly piqued.

Jocelyn stepped forward and carefully unboxed the present herself.

Penelope froze. A few seconds later, she lit up with the unbridled joy of a little kid.

"Is this... is this really..."

"Yep," Jocelyn smiled. "It's a replica of the robot dog that was featured on TV last New Year's Eve. I had some free time, so I built a custom model. I added some extra programming, so it actually has a lot more features."

Penelope was absolutely floored.

"You built this?"

"I did. I wasn't sure what to get you, but I figured this would be perfect. Whenever you're home alone and bored, it can keep you company and entertain you."

Jocelyn then pulled out a folded piece of paper.

"I wrote up a quick user manual for it. It has its limitations, but just think of it as a fun new toy."

Penelope reached out to touch the sleek metal chassis with absolute reverence, then hollered toward the kitchen.

Glancing back, Jocelyn noticed Kyle standing rigidly at attention like a soldier on duty.

Penelope laughed softly.

"Why is this poor boy so nervous? Come here, sit down. Make yourself at home."

Kyle finally pulled out a chair at the dining table and sat down.

But his posture remained flawlessly stiff.

Jocelyn felt a sudden pang of sympathy for him.

She genuinely wondered if the kid even knew what the word "fun" meant.

Penelope noticed Jocelyn glancing toward the front door.

"Julian said he'd be here by seven. He always keeps his promises, so don't worry. He'll be here."

Jocelyn hesitated, offering an awkward, flustered smile.

"I wasn't..."

"Oh, right," Penelope suddenly interjected. "I saw all the news about the Lowells. It's crazy how fast everything spiraled out of control. I heard Eleanor's funeral is tomorrow."

"Since Quentin and I used to have some dealings with them, we should technically go pay our respects. Will you be going?"