Chapter 3

A few days later, the Lawson Group hosted its annual anniversary gala.

This was a major event on the Lawson family's calendar every single year, one attended by company shareholders, extended family, and every employee in the firm.

Although it was meant to be a corporate celebration, this year's venue had been decorated with an unusually intimate touch.

Soft pink roses, cascading white drapes, and countless floating balloons gave the entire room the romantic ambiance of an engagement party.

Taking in the scene, Penelope felt a wave of unease wash over her. Something felt deeply wrong.

Across the room, Adrian moved seamlessly through the crowd, chatting with guests while Moira walked closely by his side.

Adrian was the picture of a perfect gentleman, attending to Moira with utmost care.

Ever since that fateful night, the two had officially made things public. Now, at such a high-profile event, he held her hand tightly, as if announcing to the entire world that Moira was the only woman he truly loved.

He fetched fruit for her, invited her to dance, and draped his own jacket over her shoulders the moment he worried she might feel cold.

Not wanting to get in their way, Penelope turned to step outside for some fresh air. Just as she moved, the host announced that the company's vice chairwoman—her mother—was about to take the stage.

Penelope stopped in her tracks, watching her mother step up to the podium amidst warm applause and expectant gazes.

"Good evening, everyone. Thank you so much for joining us tonight to celebrate the anniversary of the Lawson Group.

"We hosted tonight's celebration for two reasons. First, to express my gratitude to the President of the Lawson Group—my adopted son, Adrian—for managing the company so brilliantly and leading its rapid expansion. Second, the Lawson family would like to take this opportunity to make a major announcement."

At that, her mother's smile widened. She glanced lovingly toward Penelope and Adrian.

"As many of you know, my late husband always saw Adrian as his rightful successor—and his chosen son-in-law."

Hearing those words, Penelope's heart plummeted.

It hit her all at once: despite everything she had said, her mother had never taken her words seriously. She was still dead set on forcing the two of them together.

Her mother had deliberately chosen this grand occasion to use the family empire and the eyes of the public to corner Adrian into submission.

As panic seized her, Penelope suddenly felt a cold presence beside her. Adrian leaned in, his expression dark and mocking. "So this is what you meant by 'never interfering with me and Moira'? You really know how to lie, don't you?”

Penelope's mind went completely blank. Horrifying memories of the torture she had endured in her past life overlapped with the icy, menacing glare Adrian was giving her right now.

She knew with absolute certainty that if her mother finished that sentence, everything would be ruined all over again.

Just as her mother opened her mouth to announce their engagement, Penelope lost all control and bolted up onto the stage.

She snatched the microphone right out of her mother's hand and took a deep, shaky breath.

"I apologize for the interruption, everyone.

"I know what my mother was about to say. But since this major announcement involves me, I believe it's best if I deliver it myself."

The crowd looked up at her with fond, expectant smiles. Only Adrian stared back with cold, sharp scrutiny, waiting to see what kind of game she was playing.

Down in the audience, Moira's face drained of color. She had never been blind to the implicit connection between Adrian and Penelope over the years, but because the two had always acted like brother and sister—and because Adrian had never shown Penelope an ounce of romantic affection—she had chosen to look the other way.

However, if Penelope announced their engagement in front of everyone tonight, Moira would no longer be able to pretend.

Tears welled up in Moira's eyes as she looked at Adrian, as if preparing to turn around and walk away forever the second she heard the answer.

The bright stage lights stung Penelope's eyes. She blinked, scanning the room before speaking every single word with absolute conviction.

"What I want to announce tonight is this—

"I, Penelope Lawson, have only ever seen Adrian as my brother. Therefore, the engagement arranged by my late father is officially null and void! He and I will never, ever be together!"