The Year I Was the Other Woman To Myself novel Chapter 76

Rebecca sighed softly. “Alright. When the department head arrives, we have to make sure she doesn’t get a word in.”

“If she dares to approach our table, I’ll put her in her place! A fired employee trying to meddle in company affairs—it’s disgraceful, utterly shameless!”

“Penelope didn’t used to be like this.”

“I never liked her, but at least I could tolerate her before. Now she’s just become cruel, selfish, and disrespectful. I’m going to make sure Zebulon divorces her and kicks her out of this family for good.”

“I’ll… I’ll try talking to her later.”

“Hmph. A leopard can’t change its spots. It’s useless.”

The waiter brought Penelope her coffee and pastries, courtesy of the gift certificate. She sipped her coffee and watched their two-woman show. It was far more entertaining than any comedy club.

“What is she looking at? The nerve!”

“Let’s not let her distract us. The department head should be here soon.”

They stretched their necks, watching the door expectantly. But they waited, and waited, and waited. The woman never came. In fact, not a single female customer entered the cafe.

“Do you think she’s not coming?” Mrs. Sullivan said, growing impatient.

Rebecca sighed. “It’s possible.”

“We don’t even know what she looks like.”

“To be a project lead, she must be older, with a powerful presence. We should be able to spot her right away.”

“Let’s just wait a little longer.”

“Fine. If not today, we can always come back tomorrow.”

“I’m not coming back. I’ve been sitting here so long my back is killing me.”

“Here, let me rub it for you.”

Penelope took a bite of a scone and nearly choked on a laugh.

Rebecca was massaging Mrs. Sullivan’s shoulders. Mrs. Sullivan would point, and Rebecca would dutifully knead the spot. But Rebecca was pregnant; bending over and applying pressure was clearly taking a toll on her.

“Put some muscle into it! Did you not eat breakfast?”

They continued to crane their necks toward the door, completely unaware that the “department head” they were waiting for had already finished her coffee and left.

Back at KINY Group, Penelope’s fears were confirmed. Construction on the Zenith Shopping Street office building was set to begin.

“Ms. Laurier, getting Zenith Group to accommodate us was always a long shot. We should probably give up and find another solution,” Nathan said with a sigh.

But Penelope wasn’t one to give up easily. After a moment of thought, she said, “I’m going to Kestrel Rock. I have to get my ‘five minutes’ with Theodore before they break ground.”

Regardless of the outcome, she had to try.

Nathan nodded. “Alright. I’ll find out which hotel Mr. Stapleton is staying at and book you a room there.”

“Perfect.”

Back home, Penelope packed a small bag, planning to leave for Kestrel Rock first thing in the morning.

Rebecca must have had dinner with the Sullivans, because she returned late. When she got back, she also started packing a suitcase. It looked like she was going on a trip too.

Could she also be going to Kestrel Rock?