[Bennet Mansion]
Clack...
Penny dropped her hand to her side, her phone still gripped tightly. Her brows furrowed slightly as she stood motionless after the brief phone call with Hugo.
"..."
Walking back to her room, she quickly spotted Zoren.
He had just co out of the bathroom after a quick night shower, towel in hand as he dried his hair. The mont his eyes landed on his wife, concern flashed across his face.
"Sothing wrong?" he asked, approaching her quickly. Zoren rested his hands on her shoulders, lowering his head to et her gaze. "You look a little pale."
Penny slowly looked up and t his eyes. "Renren..."
"What is it?" Panic began to creep into Zoren’s chest at the tone of her voice.
"Second Brother and Mint might’ve found sothing out about the baby swap," she whispered, making his brows rise. "I need to catch Nina’s mother to confirm it, but..."
"I got it." Before she could even finish, Zoren nodded. "I’ll ask my n to track her down."
Penny pressed her lips into a thin line, appreciation swelling in her chest. After all, she was already juggling the task of concocting an antidote on top of running her own company. She might’ve been strategic most of the ti, but she was only human.
She slowly slipped her arms around his torso, hugging him tightly. Resting her head on his chest, she let out a heavy sigh.
"It feels nice..." she whispered, eyes closed, her energy slowly draining. "...to be understood even before I say it."
A subtle smile ford on his lips, and he hugged her back gently. "I’m glad you’re asking for help."
---
The next day...
Kiara stood in front of the mirror, her eyes burning with quiet determination. She slapped both her cheeks lightly and nodded to herself after a sharp huff.
"Do your best today," she told herself, forcing a smile. "Another day, another reason to be grateful—and to cling to hope."
Thanks to Stephen Bennet’s advice the day before, she had managed to snap out of her spiraling emotions. Yesterday had felt like nothing but a long, exhausting failure. He wasn’t the person she expected would lift her spirits, but even if Stephen didn’t help her directly, his words alone had kept her going.
"It’s going to be fine," she murmured, nodding to her reflection. "Everything’s going to be fine."
After repeating those words, she finally pushed herself away from the sink and stepped into the warehouse’s production floor, where the core operations of the company were underway.
"Need help, guys?" she called out with a cheerful tone, already jogging toward the production line.
"Miss Kiara, why don’t you take it easy today?" a middle-aged man said the mont she started lifting boxes. "I heard you had a fever yesterday!"
"Are you sure you’re fit to be working today?" another chid in. "Don’t push yourself! What if your fever cos back?"
"We’ve got this, Miss Kiara. Please, don’t overdo it."
Kiara smiled brightly at the growing wave of concern. "I’m fine, guys. I already took so dicine, and honestly, I’ll feel even worse if I just sit around doing nothing."
But what followed was a chorus of complaints—complaints full of genuine worry.
Her company was still small, and it lacked a lot, especially in terms of manpower. That’s why she often helped out in the production area. Still, today felt different. The workers kept insisting it wasn’t necessary.
It didn’t stop her, but it definitely ward her heart.
It reminded her there were still so many good people in the world. And that she couldn’t afford to fall, because if she did, all these people would be affected.
Her company might be modest, but it was full of kindhearted people and a genuinely uplifting environnt. That had been her goal from the start.
As Kiara continued helping, another staff mber approached her from the office.
"Miss Kiara," the young woman called, prompting Kiara to look up. She offered a small smile before saying softly, "CEO Bennet is here again."
Instead of reacting the way she usually did, Kiara just raised her brows.
"I see," she said with a nod. "Take him to my office. I’ll be there in a bit—just need to finish up here."
"Yes, Miss Ki."
With that, the staff mber walked off to greet Stephen while Kiara stayed behind for another five minutes. She knew her presence wouldn’t make a huge difference, but every little bit helped.
"You guys okay here for now?" she asked, loud enough for everyone to hear. "I’ll be back soon."
"Miss Kiara, don’t co back!"
"Just rest!"
"That’s right! Don’t you trust us? We’ll et the deadlines and deliveries just fine!"
Kiara chuckled. "I know you guys will."
She turned and waved over her shoulder without looking back. "I’ll be back."
As she walked off, several workers frowned. It wasn’t that they didn’t appreciate her help—they did. But Kiara was the hardest-working person they had ever known. And that concern—that maybe she was pushing herself too far—was beginning to grow.
"What are you all staring at?!" one of the older workers barked—a bulky middle-aged man with a commanding voice. Everyone turned to him instantly. "If you’re that worried about her, then work ten tis harder! We’ve got loads of delayed deliveries!"
Not everyone was thrilled with his comnt, especially since it wasn’t their fault. So of the custor service staff had overpromised, taking on bulk orders beyond their actual capacity.
Still, no one said a word. They just quietly went back to work, hoping to catch up.
---
anwhile, in Kiara’s office, Stephen was already seated when she walked in.
"CEO Bennet," she greeted, earning a glance from him. "You’re early today."
Stephen huffed lightly as he watched her approach. But even before she sat down, Kiara already had a sense of what he was going to say.
"Miss Kiara, I made a few calls last night," Stephen began, his expression grim. "I won’t beat around the bush. So of them turned it down. Said it was too complex."
Kiara pressed her lips together and nodded, forcing a small smile. "I understand, CEO Bennet."
"But... a few did agree to take it on," he added, though his tone wasn’t exactly hopeful. "However, they’re asking for an upfront paynt. I’m not doubting your finances, but even I wouldn’t accept their terms. It’s a rip-off."
Stephen frowned, clearly frustrated with how little his network had accomplished. "I’m sorry."
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