The Year I Was the Other Woman To Myself novel Chapter 61

The Sullivans, completely ignored, could only swallow their pride and head inside, their faces dark.

An attendant led them to a table somewhere in the middle. After they sat down, they noticed that nearly everyone in the room was looking in the same direction.

Their gazes were fixed on the head table, at a man seated right next to Mr. Jackson Sr. He was dressed in a sharp black suit, and though they could only see his back, he exuded a commanding presence that set him apart from everyone else.

“That must be him—the Stapleton heir,” Mr. Sullivan said, his eyes gleaming.

Zebulon nodded. “It has to be.”

At a Jackson family banquet, to be seated beside the patriarch himself, in a position more honored than any other guest—who else could it be?

“He just returned from overseas, and the Stapletons immediately pushed him into top management. The message is clear,” Mr. Sullivan instructed Zebulon. “We’ve never had a connection with their family before, but with new leadership, they’ll be looking to build their network. You should use Michael to get an introduction.”

Zebulon scoffed. “He’s probably just another trust-fund kid with no real talent.”

“If he is, that’s even better for us. All you have to do is get on his good side and party with him.”

“But Michael and I weren’t close in high school. I doubt he’d…”

Before Zebulon could finish, Michael appeared at the entrance, a brilliant smile on his face as he ushered Penelope inside.

Mrs. Sullivan sniffed contemptuously. “Everyone must think she’s still with Stone Group and only let her in out of respect for us! I told you not to let her handle the company’s major projects. It makes people think she’s the decision-maker and overlooks you and your father!”

Mr. Sullivan’s expression hardened, clearly agreeing with his wife.

“And Penelope,” Rebecca added, struggling to contain her fury. “Doesn’t she know her place? Even if others are mistaken, she shouldn’t be. The nerve of her, showing up like this. How are we supposed to show our faces?”

That was only part of her anger. The other part was that she had dressed to the nines, while Penelope looked like she’d thrown on a simple dress and a touch of makeup. Yet, the moment Penelope entered, she captured everyone’s attention. It was as if a spotlight followed only her, illuminating a beauty so radiant and captivating it seemed almost unreal.

Penelope spotted Theodore at the head table immediately. As she was wondering how to approach him, Michael led her straight over. Before she could process what was happening, he gently nudged her into the seat right beside Theodore.

Theodore pressed his lips together for a moment, then gave a slight nod.

“My, my, she’s a pretty one.”

“She’ll do.”

Penelope had no idea what they were whispering about, but the old man’s gaze on her grew even warmer.

“A pleasure to meet you, sir. I’m Penelope,” she said, half-rising to shake his hand.

The patriarch grasped her hand warmly, his expression full of affection. “So, what’s the rush? Is there a baby on the way?”

“Excuse me?”

Theodore cleared his throat. The old man’s ‘rush’ was referring to their whirlwind marriage.