Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress novel Chapter 265

265 splinter in my throat. 

“See you at lunch” a 

Benjamin’s heart thudded upon hearing Penny’s remark. That sounded more like a threat–hadn’t she said she would stay away?! He opened his mouth to call her out, but at the same time, came into view. 

He furrowed his brows as he watched Dean approach the strange woman. 

Dean glanced at Benjamin briefly before stopping in front of Penny. 

“Why are you here?” Penny frowned, only to receive a smile from Dean. 

“I was worried. 

“Oh.” She nodded and nonchalantly strutted off. 

Dean 

Dean sighed faintly, glancing back at the deadly glare Benjamin was throwing in his direction. He returned it with a smile before following Penny. 

In the elevator, Penny stood motionless beside him. 

“Don’t follow me next time,” she said after a full minute of silence. “You know how much I hate 

that.” 

Dean cast her a sidelong glance. “I can’t help it. Sometimes following you helps, doesn’t it?” 

Penny didn’t answer but finally gave him a sharp look. “Still with that?” 

“Penny, I told you to stay away from him.” 

“Why?” 

“Because he’s dangerous.” 

“No.” Penny shook her head once. “That’s not the reason.” 

Dean’s jaw tightened as he held her sharp gaze, which she reserved only for him. “Because I’m Jealous,” he breathed out. “We’re not together, and I don’t mind if we will never be. But, Penny, date anyone else, but not him.” 

“Why?” She blinked, her expression unchanged. 

“He’s my enemy,” he answered quietly but solemnly. 

Penny ran her tongue across her inner check while studying his eyes. She nodded and huffed. 

“I said don’t worry,” she clicked her tongue and looked away. “I’m not trying to get his attention. because I’m interested in him. I just need something from him.” 

“What is it?” 

She paused before replying, “None of your concern.” 

“Penny.” 

“Dean. Penny took a deep breath and faced him squarely, looking him straight in the eye. “I will 

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265 splinter in my throat. 

never forget how you saved me and Uncle Haines from that incident. But that doesn’t mean you get a say in everything I do.” 

She stepped closer, narrowing the distance between them, her eyes even sharper and more intimidating. 

“I’m not interested in your family drama. I have my own to deal with. I gave you my word, and I’ll keep it,” she stressed, her tone decisive and cold. “Whatever I need from Zoren Pierson is none of your concern, but rest assured, I won’t sell you out to him.” 

“Do you understand?‘ she asked, raising her brows and humming. 

Dean assessed the look in her eyes before he nodded. “If you say so,” he raised a hand in surrender. “Then I trust you.” 

“Good” 

With that, Penny stepped back and faced the elevator door. When the lift reached the ground floor, she quickly stepped out without sparing Dean another second of her time. 

Dean tried to follow her but stopped in his tracks. Watching her retreating figure, a shallow breath slipped past his nostrils. 

[FLASHBACK] 

Penny’s head throbbed painfully, causing her eyes to flicker beneath her eyelids. She instinctively touched her head before slowly opening her eyes. The brightness of the room made her squint until her vision adjusted to the light. 

“Penny…” 

Despite the confusion in her mind, Penny turned to the side of the hospital bed. 

There, leaning on the edge of the bed, was a pair of worried eyes. The corners of his eyes were red, and a thin layer of tears made them shine. The dark circles under his eyes were evident, and he looked like he hadn’t slept for days or had a proper shower. 

“Dean?” she called, her brows furrowing. 

“Penny, you’re finally awake!” Dean smiled in relief, pressing a button to call the hospital staff. “God… I thought… you… thank God.” 

Penny’s already furrowed brows creased even more before a painful headache struck her again. Along with the pain came a flood of memories from before she woke up in this bed. Her mouth fell open, and her heart began to race. 

The last memory she had was of Wild standing by the entrance of the abandoned warehouse. 

“My Uncle Haines-” 

Dean clasped her hand and nodded reassuringly. “Uncle Haines is fine.” 

“Huh?” 

“Penny” He pressed his line together and forced a smile as he sighed “Uncle Haines is fine He 

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