"How did this happen?"


    "It''s nothing. I got clumsy and some of the hot water sshed on my hand," Anneliese exined as she squeezed a lighthearted smile on her face.


    Penelope saw right through her. "You still have to treat it properly."


    Then, she turned to the chauffeur and ordered, "Walter, take her to the burns and trauma unit to get it checked out."


    So, he quickly set the gift bags aside and said to Anneliese, "Mrs. Fullbuster, shall we?"


    Anneliese instinctively shot a nervous look at Nishay when he addressed her as "Mrs. Fullbuster."


    To her surprise, Nishay didn''t even flinch. It seemed that Penelope and Derek''s arrival had settled her somehow, as she didn''t get agitated.


    Instead, she even nodded at Anneliese and said, "You should''ve told me that you''re hurt. You should go and get it treated."


    Unfortunately, Anneliese only grew more anxious in the face of Nishay''s odd calm. If anything, she wanted to stay right here to prevent them from arguing.


    Penelope knew what she was worried about. So, she gave her a reassuring smile and patted her arm gently.


    "Go on, it''s fine. We only want to have a quick chat with your grandmother. You have nothing to worry about. You''re a pretty girl. Yet, look at you now, wasting your looks with that frown on your face."


    She even reached out to pinch Anneliese''s cheek lightly, teasing her.


    Anneliese flushed with embarrassment. She cupped her jaw and thought to herself, My chin does feel sharper... Maybe I really have lost weight.


    It was only to be expected since she had been running herself ragged as she cared for Nishay and prepared herself for thepetition. She hadn''t had any time to rx for quite some time now.


    She didn''t even have time to process her trauma after getting abducted because Nishay found out about her and Jonathan.


    She was on the verge of a meltdown, but she''d been able to keep standing strong.


    Yet, she found herself feeling the burdens weighing her down as she met Penelope''s warm and motherly gaze.


    Honestly, she hadn''t realized that Penelope, of all people, would be the first to notice the chink in her armor. She also never expected that Penelope would offer such gentlefort.


    A sense of warmth surged through her veins. She was so dazed with it that she didn''t even realize when her feet had taken her away from the ward. It was strange, but she trusted Penelope.


    Penelope was kind, wise, and steady. She would never be the source of tension between two families. In fact, she might even be able to mend things.


    "I''ll get this burn treated, then."


    After Anneliese left with the chauffeur, Penelope finally turned to Nishay with a gentle smile on her face.


    "We''re Jonathan''s grandparents. We should''ve visited you years ago, but... we couldn''t. I apologize for being so rude anding here unannounced."


    Penelope had been abroad when the ude family was struck with tragedy. At the time, Derek himself was also overwhelmed with Fullbuster Group affairs.


    Back then Fu Sheng and Elizabeth were the ones who had been by Jonathan''s side in Baytree. They''d been the ones apanying him until the end of the funeral, when Derek and Penelope had been away.


    us


    Nishay''s face turned cold as she forced out the words, spitting, "The Fullbuster family is a prestigious household. People as lowly as could never dream of such honor. You didn''t show yourselves back then, so there''s no need for any of that now.


    "I appreciate the thought, but please take your gifts and leave."


    Derek frowned. He rarely experienced such a cold reception after climbing up to the top. He was just about to respond when Penelope subtly nudged him to keep his mouth shut.


    Before they came here, she''d repeatedly warned him, If you get worked up, just think about our future great-grandchildren. Don''t you dare speak unless absolutely necessary. We''re here to help Jonathan, not make things worse.


    So, Derek pursed his lips and forced himself to stay silent.


    Penelope promptly took the lead as she started, "What happened back then was a tragedy. My husband and I deeply regret not being there and are profoundly grateful for everything you did.


    "We should have gone to Baytree ourselves to offer our condolences. However, my mother was stuck abroad and critically ill while Derek had been busy chasing the sharks away from thepany.


    "Regardless, it is undeniably our fault for not affording the ude family the most basic respect. However, perhaps our rtionship as future inws is a chance for our families to make amends."


    Her words were sincere and respectful. It genuinely sounded like she meant every word from her lips.


    s, Nishay wasn''t buying any of it as she cut her off, "Please stop. Old Mrs. Fullbuster, my family is of humble stock. We could never dream of bing inws with the Fullbuster family.


    "Also, Anne has already promised me she would divorce your grandson. So, all talk of being inws should end here."


    Derek could no longer restrain himself as he barked coldly, "She wants a divorce?"


    His expression darkened, and it was clear for all to see that he was immensely offended.


    Nishay knew what he was thinking. He felt snubbed.


    Of course, he did. In his eyes, the ud family''s end might be tragic, but it also meant that it was their fate to die.


    Derek was a wealthy man who had power right at his fingertips. So, why would he ever care about their pains and hurts?