Empire 41

Chapter 41 

Eugene left the bid award meeting, his face twisted with anger. 

Kacey Strade, his secretary, stepped toward him to speak, but he cut her off before she could get a word out, “We had that project in the bag, and then Robertson Group blindsided us at the last damn second. Find out how the hell this happened.” 

Kacey hesitated, her nerves showing. “Mr. Lloyd, I just found out the developer already agreed to our terms. But this morning, Robertson Group sent them a new proposal, which is 5% cheaper and with a faster turnaround.” 

That 5% was all it took to beat Lloyd Group, not a penny more or less. There was no way this was a coincidence. It was a deliberate move. 

Eugene’s fists clenched, his veins standing out as he spat, Useless! What the hell am I paying you for? Someone leaked our numbers. Find out who!” 

“Right away.” Kacey gave a shaky nod. 

Eugene’s expression went cold, his stare terrifying. “Liam, if you want to play dirty, let’s play!” 

He drove straight back to Lloyd Group. 

The moment he sat down, he growled, “From now on, no matter the cost, we take every project tied to Robertson Group.” 

Kacey hesitated before speaking cautiously, “Mr. Lloyd, Robertson Group has deep pockets. If we go after everything, we could take heavy losses. Maybe you should reconsider.” 

Eugene’s temper flared again. He shot to his feet. “Just do as I say! Now get out!” 

Kacey ducked her head and hurried out like she couldn’t leave fast enough. 

“Gene.” 

Penelope pushed the door open and glided over, her voice sugary sweet. “The weather’s perfect for shopping today. Come with me?” 

Frowning, Eugene tossed her a card. “Go alone. I’m busy.” 

She put on a wounded tone. “Gene, the baby needs his father’s love to grow up happy and healthy.” 

Eugene wasn’t fooled and just brushed her off. “I’ll spend time with you when I have time.” 

Penelope wasn’t the kind of person to take no for an answer 

A thought popped into her head. Keeping her voice gentle, she said, “You know, with all these pregnancy hormones, my emotions have been all over the place. My doctor even warned me how bad it is for the baby if I don’t start feeling better soon.” 

A hint of sympathy crossed Eugene’s face. 

Seizing the moment, Penelope continued, “What I need is a little escape, somewhere to unwind. Will you take me? 

Eugene hesitated, his brow creasing as he thought about it. Finally, he gave in. 

Delighted, Penelope flashed him a bright smile and kissed his cheek. “You’re the best, Gene!” 

1/3 

+20 BONUS 

Jacklyn drifted through the mall alone, her eyes catching on a baby store. Maybe if was some kind of maternal instinct, but before she knew it, she was walking inside. 

The second she stepped in, she heard a familiar voice–Penelope and her best friend, Amanda. 

Amanda was holding up a tiny outfit. “Penelope, look at how cute this is! It’d be perfect for your son.” 

Jacklyn’s eyebrow went up. How could she be sure it was going to be a son? 

Watching them flip through baby clothes with way too much enthusiasm, Jacklyn decided to bail. She wouldn’t have to think about them if she couldn’t see them. 

“Jackie! What a coincidence!” 

Jacklyn froze mid–step. Her peaceful day was officially ruined. 

Penelope had one hand on Amanda’s arm and the other on her hip. She wasn’t even three months along, but she was carrying herself like she already had a full baby bump. 

She strolled over, teasing, “Jackie, what are you doing in a baby store? This is a place for pregnant women, you know.” 

Then, she deliberately arched her back, sticking her stomach out like she was parading some trophy. 

Jacklyn looked her over with a smirk. “You’ve put on weight. Do you still think he wants you?” 

Penelope looked down at her fuller figure, teeth grinding in annoyance. 

Amanda gave her hand a comforting squeeze before tossing Jacklyn a dismissive glance. “That’s just because Eugene treats her like a queen. It shows how much he loves her and their kid.” 

Why was Penelope still Eugene’s dirty little secret if he really loved her? 

Jacklyn held back a scoff. 

Penelope refused to back down. She pulled out a card and lifted her chin defiantly. “Jackie, is there anything here you’d like? I’d be happy to get it for you.” 

Then, faking a sudden realization, she gasped and turned to Amanda. “Oh, Amanda, how dumb of me! Jackie’s never even had a baby. Nothing in this store would fit her, right?” 

Amanda cracked up. “All these years married and still no baby, Jackie? What’s your excuse?” 

Penelope laughed, loud and unapologetic, her face lit up with pure gloating. 

Jacklyn couldn’t have cared less, but she knew the card in Penelope’s hand was Eugene’s. 

With a sneer, she called the bank. “Hi, I need to deactivate the card ending in 5542.” 

Penelope’s victorious look crumpled. She stormed up to Jacklyn, demanding, “What makes you think you can just deactivate my card?” 

Jacklyn kept her tone even. “It’s shared marital assets. I don’t need your permission. Take it up with Eugene if you’ve got a problem.” 

Penelope’s jaw clenched, her whole body trembling with helpless rage. With no legal claim, she had no power over Jacklyn. Even Amanda, who had been so smug earlier, stayed silent beside Penelope, her face thunderous. 

Their confrontation was just loud enough to reach every comer of the shop. 

2/3 

Chapter 41 

+201 

BONUS 

One of the clerks whispered, “Can you believe this homewrecker, parading herself in front of the wife? Karma’s sweet, isn’t it?” 

The quiet taunts burned in Penelope’s cars. Humiliation flushed her cheeks as she grabbed Arnanda’s arm and 

took off. 

She couldn’t handle Jacklyn alone, but she’d get someone who could.