Chapter 7

Penelope's heart pounded, and she felt a lump of fear rise in her throat.

She clutched her chest with both hands, curling up and desperately reaching for a tile beside her to use as a shield.

"Stay back! Don't come any closer! Get away from me!"

The men ignored her and kept advancing, each with a sleazy grin.

"Sweetheart, you might as well enjoy yourself before you die. Don't move. We'll be gentle."

"You're so beautiful, with a great body. We're the lucky ones here."

As they closed in, the tile in Penelope's hand dug painfully into her palm.

Her whole body trembled, and she desperately wished for someone, anyone, to come and save her.

Never had she wanted Kelvin by her side more than at this moment.

"Don't come any closer! If you do, I'll kill myself right here!"

Penelope pressed the tile against her own neck, her body shaking with fear, the air around her thick with a nauseating tension.

Audrey burst into laughter at her actions.

"Go ahead and die, then I won't have to do it myself! But Penelope, do you really have the guts to kill yourself?"

Penelope's face was ashen, her eyes slowly filling with despair.

She couldn't die yet.

Her parents were still waiting for her.

Her strength gave out, and the tile clattered to the ground. A tear slipped down her cheek.

Just as the men were about to reach her, the door was suddenly kicked open.

"Stop!"

Kelvin stood in the doorway, shouting as he quickly approached.

Penelope looked up at him, her tense body relaxing instantly, overwhelmed with relief and sobbing.

"Kelvin, you finally came."

Kelvin extended his hand, his eyes filled with barely controlled rage.

She belonged to him, and if she were to die, it would be by his hand alone.

"Can you stand?"

Penelope shook her head, looking disheveled with tears and sweat mixing on her face, her hair clinging to her skin.

She tried to grab his hand, but her legs were too weak to support her.

Kelvin sighed and took her hand, pulling her up and draping his coat over her shoulders.

Penelope finally felt a semblance of safety.

Her body continued to tremble from fear, and she clutched the coat tightly, whispering, "Thank you."

"Penelope, this is what happens when you step out of my protection."

Kelvin's tone was harsh, filled with a stern warning.

Penelope lowered her head, a silent tear falling.

Kelvin wanted to punish her, but he didn't want anyone else to do it.

No wonder he hadn't come to save her immediately; it was his way of punishing her for trying to escape.

Audrey stepped forward quickly.

"Kelvin, it's her fault. She dared to throw water on me. Look at my dress! I just wanted to teach her a small lesson, and she didn't even get hurt."

Audrey tried to find a good excuse for herself.

But when she looked down at her dress, she lost her momentum.

Her dress had long since dried.

Kelvin, annoyed by Audrey's attempt to get close, pushed her away.

"A lesson? Audrey, have you forgotten your place?"

Audrey, humiliated, still refused to give up.

She stomped her foot, tears welling up.

"Kelvin, why are you defending her? I'm your fiancée! Why?"

"Why? Because she's my wife. If you call it a small lesson, then how about I give you the same lesson?"

Audrey's face went pale. Why? Why did Kelvin acknowledge Penelope as his wife? Penelope was nothing compared to her!

"Kelvin, how can you say that?"

Audrey bit her lip, looking hurt, and pointed angrily at Penelope.

"Did she say something to you? I'm from the Jones family, and Mrs. Andrews agreed to this!"

"The Jones family means nothing, and neither does Lily!"

Kelvin's cold gaze was like a knife, making everyone shiver.

"Kelvin."

"Audrey, I should teach you a lesson on behalf of your father. You're grounded for a month, and as for Lily..."

Kelvin paused, "Tell her she's not getting her allowance this year."

Audrey's lips trembled, and she looked up in disbelief, "Kelvin, you can't do this!"

"Oh? Do you really want the Jones family to disappear from here?"

Audrey's hand dropped, no longer resisting, but her eyes were filled with hatred as she glared at Penelope, as if she were the cause of all this.

Kelvin dragged Penelope out. He didn't care if he hurt her in the process.

Once they were in the car, Kelvin tossed a blanket at her. The warmth of the car slowly eased her fear. Penelope's anxiety began to fade.

She looked down at the blood on her palm and handed the coat back to him.

"Sorry, I got your coat dirty."

"Apologizing now? Isn't it a bit late?"

Penelope didn't respond, but she knew in her heart. If it weren't for Kelvin, she wouldn't be in such a miserable state. She wouldn't be targeted.

The atmosphere in the car grew cold again. Kelvin was dissatisfied with her reaction. He grabbed her wrist, pressing on her wound.

"Penelope, remember, only I can torment you."

Penelope's face paled from the pain, sweat beading on her forehead. She had had enough of this life. She couldn't control her emotions any longer and looked up, gritting her teeth.

"You're too much. Isn't all this because of you? Why do I have to suffer?"

"Why?" Kelvin laughed coldly, pulling her closer by her wrist. There was no love in their eyes, only endless coldness.

"Because you owe me, Penelope. Your Cooper family owes me!"

Penelope knew that no matter how much she explained, it wouldn't matter. Kelvin only believed what he wanted to believe. He didn't want to find out the truth; he just wanted revenge.

Penelope's eyes reddened, her hands clenching into fists. She suddenly wanted to release all her pent-up frustration and pain.

In a sudden move, Penelope bit down hard on Kelvin's arm, her teeth sinking into his flesh. Kelvin didn't show any emotion, only frowning slightly at first, letting Penelope vent.

When she was done, Kelvin looked at the bite mark on his arm and shook his hand, his voice cold, "Are you done?"

Penelope met his gaze, finally snapping back to reality, her body shivering. Now she was truly afraid, shrinking back and curling up, her head lowered in silence.

"Want to die?" Kelvin's smile was like a snake's, his hand reaching out. His hand wrapped around Penelope's neck, gently caressing. Her neck was so delicate that a slight squeeze could easily crush it.

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