Empire 43

Chapter 43 

Eugene’s words sounded genuine flawless, even. Yet to Jacklyn, they rang hollow. 

The manufacturer? Since when did he need to handle that? Any mid–level manager at Lloyd Group could take care of it. 

She looked up, her expression unreadable. “Fine.” 

Guilt tightened in Eugene’s chest. He knew he’d have to let Jacklyn down. Still, she only needed to hold on a little longer. Once Penelope’s baby arrived, it would all be over. 

He pulled Jacklyn closer and murmured, “Jackie, I promise this is the last business trip. I won’t go anywhere again after this, okay?” 

Jacklyn figured she’d acted long enough. It was time to bring it to a close. 

She leaned into his hug and answered quietly, “Okay.” 

Early the next morning, Eugene went to the Stinson residence. 

Penelope lit up and flung her arms around him. “Gene, you’re here!” 

“Get in the car,” he muttered, frowning as he loaded the suitcases one by one. 

After saying goodbye to George and Rebecca, they left for the airport. 

As the car disappeared into the distance, Rebecca burst into happy tears. “This is perfect. Eugene will definitely marry Penelope now.” 

The fact that Eugene had taken time out of his busy schedule was proof enough of how important Penelope was to him. 

But George, ever the cunning and far–sighted one, grew serious. “Eugene might be willing, but let’s not forget Jacklyn is still Mrs. Lloyd. Knowing her, she won’t step aside without a fight.” 

His words snapped Rebecca back to reality. Her expression turned cold, and a ruthless gleam flashed in her eyes. If she refuses to step aside, we’ll just have to move her ourselves.” 

Meanwhile, Eugene brought Penelope to Felora. 

“It’s so beautiful here!” Penelope exclaimed, taking in the stunning scenery around them. 

Eugene’s face stayed unreadable. “I booked the whole island. You can have it to yourself.” 

Penelope’s grin stretched wide. She immediately pulled out her phone and called Amanda, dying to share the 

news. 

“Amanda, guess what? Gene rented out an entire island so I could unwind. Honestly, I feel like the luckiest woman alive right now.” 

Amanda’s eyes sparkled. “Eugene’s practically worshipping you, Penelope! At this rate, I might as well start calling you Mrs. Lloyd. Don’t forget about me when you’re rolling in luxury, okay? Promise you’ll hook me up later.” 

Penelope was floating with giddy excitement, acting like Eugene was her husband. She laughed and said, “Don’t 

+20 BONUS 

worry I’ll remember you.” 

She ended the call, but it left her unsatisfied. It wasn’t enough that Amanda knew. She wanted everyone to know. Penelope took a few scenic shots, paused for selfies, then sorted through them until she had the nine best shots to post. 

The caption under her post read, “This is love.” 

With the post finally up, she walked into the guesthouse, practically buzzing with satisfaction. 

In a panic, Eugene charged over to her. ‘Penelope, what the hell are you doing? Delete that post now! What if Jackie sees it?” 

Everything would be over if Jacklyn found out. 

Penelope’s expression dropped, tears springing up instantly. The sudden change in his reaction was too much. Penelope’s expression dropped, tears springting u 

This time, Eugene wasn’t playing along. He 

ford any slipups 

when it came to Jacklyn 

“Either you take it down now, or I’m putting you on the first flight back to Cyrelia!” he snapped. 

Only then did Penelope realize he wasn’t messing around. 

Fine. I’ll delete it.” 

She deleted that Instagram post against her will, resentment boiling in her chest. Everything had been fine a moment ago, but now, Eugene had completely turned on her. 

This was all Jacklyn’s fault! 

After Amanda, who was still in Cyrelia, heard Penelope’s complaints, she remembered how unbearable Jacklyn had been the last time they met. Jaw clenched, she stormed out without a second thought. 

Jacklyn had barely left the yoga studio when Amanda intercepted her, putting on a show of surprise. “Jacklyn, you’re still in Cyrelia?” 

Jacklyn looked up, thrown by the odd question. “Where else would I be?” 

Amanda’s satisfaction grew when she saw that Jacklyn clearly didn’t have a clue. “Eugene took Penelope abroad. I thought you’d be tagging along. Guess you got left behind, huh?” 

Jacklyn just shrugged. “And?” 

Her indifference made Amanda feel like she’d swung at nothing. Any wife would be furious if her husband jetted off with another woman. She figured Jacklyn was just pretending not to care. 

She wasn’t backing off. If anything, she dug in harder. “Penelope just called me. Eugene booked an entire private island just to pamper her.” 

Her gaze challenged Jacklyn, sharp and unyielding. “And here you are, sweating it out in some yoga studio. Pretty pathetic, don’t you think?” 

Jacklyn didn’t react. Smirking, she asked, “What’s your problem? Are you jealous? Want to try your luck as a side piece?” 

Furious, Amanda stomped her foot. “Jacklyn, you’re insufferable!” 

Jacklyn just scoffed and walked off without another word. 

Amanda watched her go, jaw tight. “Just wait. Penelope’s going to toss you out like trash one day!” 

Jacklyn’s expression went cold in an instant. That was exactly what she wanted.