The car sped forward, closer, closer, just moments from impact…
In that split second, Penelope’s sanity returned. She slammed on the brakes with all her might. The car screeched to a halt just inches from Chasel. Another second, and he would have been sent flying.
This is insane. Everyone is insane. I’m losing control.
Penelope gripped the steering wheel, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She couldn’t throw her life away for a group of worthless degenerates. She had to stay calm. She had to.
Chasel stood before her car, his face bruised and swollen, but his smile was one of triumph.
Penelope took another deep breath, pushed open the door, and stormed over to him, kicking him to the ground. “Chasel, don’t be a fool. You can’t threaten me.”
“Can’t I?” Chasel’s eyes darted around. “Then I guess I’ll just have to start spreading those rumors.”
“Do you have any idea what the consequences will be?”
Chasel got up, patting the hood of her car. “I’m not even afraid to die. Why would I be afraid of the consequences?”
“All for two million dollars?”
“If you give me two million, too… no, you’re much richer than Ward, so the price goes up. Ten million. Give me ten million, and I’ll shut my mouth and disappear. I won’t cause you any more trouble.”
Penelope’s lip curled into a sneer. If she paid him, it would only confirm that his disgusting lies held power over her. He would come back again and again, demanding more. It would never end.
“I won’t give you a single cent.”
“As I mentioned before, we were planning a party to celebrate the new partnership between the Stone Group and the Zenith Group,” Mrs. Sullivan said, gliding over to her with a triumphant smile.
Penelope gritted her teeth. “So you really think I’m going to help you?”
“Of course you will,” Mrs. Sullivan said, her face glowing with the satisfaction of having Penelope exactly where she wanted her. “After all, you wouldn’t want to lose your status as Mrs. Stapleton over some ugly old scandals, would you?”
Penelope’s fists clenched at her sides. She had been wrong. The Sullivans were just as vile and shameless as Chasel.
Just then, Ward emerged, holding two glasses of wine. He offered one to Penelope.
“Penelope, a toast,” he said smoothly. “To our successful partnership.”

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