The Year I Was the Other Woman To Myself novel Chapter 263

Penelope couldn't speak, but she could certainly act.

She grabbed Michael and landed two sharp kicks.

On the drive back to the city, Michael was delirious with fever, but he was still defiant.

"Just you wait until I'm better! I'm going to challenge you to a duel!"

Penelope ignored him, instead making a video call to Mr. Johnson.

Neither she nor Theodore had returned last night, and she figured the old man hadn't slept a wink.

Mr. Johnson answered quickly. Penelope smiled and waved at him before turning the camera to Theodore.

"Oh, son, are you hurt? What happened? Is it serious? Where are you now?"

"It's nothing, don't overthink it," Theodore said with a frown.

"Something must have happened. Tell your father."

"Alright, that's enough. I'm hanging up."

Theodore pushed the phone away, clearly unwilling to say another word.

Penelope sighed. Theodore had always been like this with his father, and she didn't know why.

Fearing the old man would be upset, she quickly turned the camera back to herself, but Mr. Johnson was beaming.

"As long as everyone is safe, nothing else is a big deal."

Penelope smiled and nodded, giving him a thumbs-up.

"Penelope, why aren't you saying anything?"

Penelope pointed to her throat, indicating that she had lost her voice.

"You must have been worried sick. Come back quickly! I have an old family remedy. I guarantee you'll drink one bowl and your voice will be good as new."

Penelope's eyes lit up. That would be wonderful. The last thing she wanted was to sound like this at her wedding.

Theodore chimed in from the side, "I'd advise you not to trust any of his so-called remedies."

Wasn't it trustworthy?

Fine by her. She would give them a surprise they'd never forget.

When she got home, Penelope immediately sensed something was wrong. A window on the west side of the first floor was open—a window she rarely used. There were footprints on the floor.

Had there been a break-in?

Penelope rushed upstairs to check for any missing valuables. After a quick scan, she realized a painting was gone.

It was her mother's painting, the one she had bought years ago and treasured ever since.

She quickly pulled up the security footage, rewinding until she found the thief.

She watched as the man climbed through the window, ran straight upstairs, and rummaged around until he found the painting. A triumphant smile spread across his face.

Penelope’s fists clenched. Without a moment's hesitation, she headed for the Sullivan house.

"Penelope, what are you doing here? Hey, what are you—"

Sensing trouble from her demeanor, Luna instinctively tried to block her path but was roughly pushed aside.

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