The Year I Was the Other Woman To Myself novel Chapter 121

Penelope didn’t reply. Knowing Mrs. Winters, she wouldn’t have to wait long for her to show up in person.

After leaving the bridal shop, they went to check out wedding venues.

The location was Orenth’s most famous estate, but the moment the car stopped, Mrs. Sullivan’s face soured.

“Are you trying to bankrupt us with this wedding?” she snapped. “Do you have any idea how much it costs to host an event here? Who do you think you are to deserve something like this?”

Penelope arched an eyebrow. “You’ll find out soon enough whether I deserve it or not. For now, I’m just going to have a look. Don’t worry, it won’t cost your family a single penny.”

With that, she stepped out of the car and walked toward the grand entrance.

“Hmph, just watch,” Mrs. Sullivan muttered. “I bet she won’t even make it past the front gate. Who does she think she is? Without the Sullivan family, she’s nothing.”

But as she was in the middle of her tirade, the gates swung open for Penelope, and a butler stepped out to greet her warmly.

“What… are they all blind?” Mrs. Sullivan sputtered. “They let her try on a six-hundred-thousand-dollar dress, and now they’re letting her tour a venue that costs at least a million to book? Is she wearing a mask of gold? Can’t they see how broke she is?”

Despite her insults, when the Sullivans tried to follow, they were stopped at the gate. They were only allowed in after Penelope told the staff they were with her.

Mrs. Sullivan’s face darkened, and Zebulon and Rebecca looked equally grim.

Penelope, however, loved the place and booked it on the spot, discussing a few of her ideas with the manager.

“Our wedding planner will be in touch with you to coordinate the details,” the manager said.

“Perfect.”

Seeing them chatting so amiably, Mrs. Sullivan immediately interjected. “This place isn’t all that impressive. It’s far too large; we don’t have that many friends and relatives. And what’s with that lake out back? That’s a safety hazard for any children attending. Not to mention, it’s so far from the city—a complete inconvenience for travel. And…”

“Ma’am, are you planning on hosting your wedding here?” the manager asked politely.

Mrs. Sullivan scoffed. “Why else would we be here? Of course, we are! What a stupid question.”

“Well, to marry into the Stapleton family, her background must be extraordinary,” Mrs. Sullivan mused, then shot a condescending look at Penelope. “You hear that? That’s the kind of person who gets married here. You should take a good, long look in the mirror before you get any ideas.”

Penelope raised an eyebrow. “So the Stapletons can host their wedding here, but the Sullivans can’t?”

Mrs. Sullivan laughed. “You can’t get under my skin with that. It’s a simple fact that we’re no match for the Stapletons. No one in Orenth is.”

“Is that so?” Penelope said thoughtfully. “It must be nice being the Stapletons’ daughter-in-law, then.”

“Hah! As if that has anything to do with you.”

That evening, Zebulon insisted Penelope have dinner with the Sullivans. Rebecca, of course, was also present. Penelope knew this meal came with strings attached, and sure enough, the moment she sat down, Mr. Sullivan began.

“I’m getting old, and my energy isn’t what it used to be. I was thinking of retiring after we finalize the KINY Group project.” He paused, his eyes fixed on Penelope. “No matter what’s happened between us, family is family. The company will eventually fall to you and Zebulon.”

...