"Madam, if you have time, we would love to speak to you alone," the second lawyer said, his voice smooth like silk, but laced with caution.
The third one added quickly, sensing her silence, "Or perhaps... we can come back another day."
Inside the room, Penny sat still, her lips curled into a soft smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Her gaze drifted lazily to the men in suits before her, then to Abby and Greg, who lingered at the doorway like unwanted shadows.
They were glaring at her, not openly, but with those tight smiles and stiff expressions that meant only one thing they were already planning how to tame her, as if she were some wild creature they had accidentally set loose.
But it was too late for them.
The Penny they used to know was gone.
"I have time now," Penny said lightly, almost playfully. "Is it about the divorce papers? When will they be ready?"
The three lawyers stiffened.
Just a few moments back, these men had looked at her like she was trash, and now, they were speaking to her like someone of importance.
All three men looked between themselves.
"D... Divorce?" The middle man asked.
"That's not what we meant madam..." He wanted to continue but side-eyed Abby and Greg who were still in the room with them and both people stepped out immediately.
"That girl is getting out of hand." Abby hissed gently, ignoring the maids around walking by. It's the first time they've re-entered this penthouse again since Osvaldo chased them all out.
The place really looked inhabitable. But who cares? It's not like the madman is habitable. The empty house suits him perfectly.
"We should we kick her out?" Greg has never liked Penny, he would be in full support if they kicked her out.
"It's too late now. We've introduced her to the Adkins lawyers. She's now family unless the madman does his mad things again."
"Oh trust me, the madman would do his mad things very soon." Greg smiled.
"You're speaking like you're so sure about it." Abby narrowed her eyes at her husband.
"Oh, I'm sure indeed. I can make him lose control however I want." Greg smiled.
Who do they think is responsible for the death of the other women Osvaldo had married?
Greg had discovered the madman's weakness years back and had used it on all the other women he didn't like who got married to Osvaldo.
Penny had been lucky today, but that didn't mean he would let go of her so easily. One way or another, he would get the girl, and make sure she's gone for good.
"If you can make that madman madder, save it for when it's needed. For now, we need to find a way to convince Penny to give us some of Osvaldo's wealth, else, the world would know about us."
"The lawyers said they wanted to speak to her privately, don't you want to know everything going on?" Greg asked and his wife nodded. If the Adkins lawyers wanted to speak to Penny, it could possibly be about briefing Osvaldo's wealth to her.
They would place her in charge of everything and make her sign the golden contract. They would give her access to everything, and then, they can manipulate Penny to give them everything too.
Abby's heart leaped for joy at the thought. Chris had said the girl was a foolish illiterate and was easy to manipulate. But just now, she had spoken up for herself. Abby couldn't help but wonder if she was really foolish.
"I do. But I'm afraid Penny will no longer trust us blindly, not after everything that happened today. But first, we'll need to speak to Ariana and tell her what is going on. And also prepare for the party."
As they walked away, Abby's eyes followed Barnaby who was headed for his master's bedroom where Penny conversed with the lawyers.
His mistress had told him to relay all of the information to her. She needed to be aware of everything going on. But Barnaby didn't think he could do such a job anymore, he owes his loyalty to his master alone.
Penny's arrival has changed a lot in the family in just two days, and they could already picture a better day ahead with her here. All they have to do is never let her leave.
Back in the room, Penny leaned back slightly on the chair, her eyes cold and sharp as she stared at all three men.
"You said you could change my status anytime, right?" she asked, lips tilted in a lazy smirk. "So why the delay?"
The three men shifted in place, awkwardness swimming in their faces.
"That... came out wrong, Miss Penny," Timothy admitted, scratching his head. "From what we've seen... you're the only person who can calm our master."
They were proud men, but now, they lowered their heads.
They were shocked themselves when they were told the girl had stayed a full night with their master without a scratch. Someone like this was precious to their master.
If the madman hadn't hurt her, then truly, she is important to him.
"Yes, we're so sorry for such a statement. We weren't thinking when we said anything like that." The next person said.
"You still have not convinced me enough," Penny said calmly adjusting her butt on the chair she sat on. Hughes standing beside her.
"My mistress saved the young master from that woman. And yet you threatened her like a criminal. She deserves better." All three men eyed the maid. She was making matters worse rather than helping them out.
Penny is a treasure, one they didn't want to lose.
Penny crossed one leg over the other and said slowly, "If you expect me to waste my life babysitting your mad heir, shouldn't I at least be compensated?"
The lawyers looked at one another.
"What do you want, Miss Penny?" Timothy asked. "We'll do whatever you ask."
"No need to rush," Penny said softly. "I'll ask for it when the time is right. Hughes is my witness. And if you break your word… you'll regret it."
"Very well, Miss Penelope," Timothy bowed slightly. "Let us introduce ourselves properly. I'm Timothy. These are Treadwell and Willy. We are the official lawyers of the Adkins family."
He reached into his bag and pulled out a gold-trimmed envelope.
"Now that you have proven yourself, we would like to move forward with the second phase of the marriage."
Golden letters shimmered under the room's light, catching Penny's eye.
"This is the Adkins Contract," Treadwell said. "It is reserved only for the true spouse of the heir."
"We're sorry we made things difficult," Willy added. "But we had to be sure. This is the only way we can protect our master."
Timothy looked her in the eyes. "There is only one rule, Miss Penny. You are to love and protect him. No matter what. While you are with him, no harm can come to him."