He paused at that. For a second, his expression softened. Just a little. Just enough.


    "I told you you weren’t ready," he said, almost like he was disappointed, but not in her. In the fear that kept her hiding. "That’s why we start small."


    He turned his back to her and walked away, giving her space again. The moment felt lighter instantly, like he knew exactly when to pull back.


    "Now, back to affirmations, Penguin," he said without turning. "No moreints." She began to recite again, her voice barely above a whisper. "I am bold. I am confident. I am beautiful."


    She couldn’t believe this was what she was doing right now. When she signed up for this, she’d thought he’d invent some wild scientific form to melt fat instantly. Or maybe a drink that would shrink her waist by dinner.


    But no... Affirmations?


    Osvaldo Adkins, the man she thought was a genius and terrifying recluse, had her standing here, chanting like a nervous girl at summer camp.


    Her mind started drifting again until...


    "I can’t hear you, Penguin," his voice rang out, smooth and teasing.


    <fn0095> Latest content published on find?novel</fn0095>


    Penny startled and quickly repeated louder, "I am bold. I am confident. I am beautiful."


    There we go," he said, finally turning back to look at her.


    "You’re going to say that every single day," he told her, resting one elbow on theb table. "Until you believe it. Until you say it without hiding."


    She looked away, embarrassed. "That might take forever..."


    "We have a year together, Penguin," he said with that small, secret smile that made her stomach flip. "That’s long enough. Don’t you think?" Penny said nothing to him.


    "I am bold. I am confident. I am beautiful." She continued while Osvaldo moved around.


    <strong>####</strong>


    "Don’t tell me you’re still here?" Ariana walked over to the front of the penthouse where Stacey still knelt.


    Her entire body had gone numb. Her knees long past pain, her pridepletely shattered. She had thought it was a bluff when her parents drove off, but they hadn’te back. Not even a call. They’d truly abandoned her, just like that.


    And all because of that fat witch, Penny.


    A sob ripped out of her throat as she saw Ariana approach, and her tears only fell harder.


    "Please help me Ariana." Stacey


    Ariana clenched her fists so tight her nails dug into her palm. Her best friend was crying, humiliated, tossed aside like garbage.


    While Penny was enjoying in the Penthouse, probably asleep now and have forgotten all about Stacey. she dare rest after humiliating their mother?


    After kicking her out of the Adkins mansion like a dog and even gave orders never to let her step foot in again.


    It was unforgivable.


    "I’m going to end that bitch," Ariana whispered through clenched teeth.


    Without hesitation, she marched toward the townhouse door. But before she could get close, a servant blocked her path.


    "You can’t disturb the master at this hour, Miss," he said politely but firmly.


    "Disturb?" Ariana snapped. "My best friend is out there freezing, probably half-dead, and you’re talking about disturbance?"


    "I’m not leaving until I see Penny. Let me in!"


    "If you refuse to leave," the guard said calmly, "I’ll make sure you kneel for the rest of the night with her."


    "Why are you all taking orders from that fat slut?" she spat. "She’s not the realdy of this house, I am! I’m an Adkin. I belong here. She doesn’t."


    The guard didn’t even blink. "We take orders from the master and his wife."


    Ariana’s cheeks turned bright red with rage. Her blood boiled.


    If Penny could marry Osvaldo and rise from trash to treasure, then so could she. She would do it better. She would be the one to truly control this family. And when she did, she’d toss Penny out like yesterday’s garbage.


    "Fine," she hissed. "But mark my words. I’ll be back. And when I return, you’ll be bowing to me." She spun around and stormed back into the main Adkins mansion, her mind racing.


    Since morning they have all beening up with different means of kicking Penny out. Now, Ariana finally got the right idea.


    If she can be Osvaldo’s wife, then that means she’d be in charge of the Adkins family wealth and kick that stupid Penny out.


    She’ll make Penny’s life a living hell and make sure she kills her once and for all.


    "Mother, father, Chris, I have the perfect n on kicking Penny out." Ariana suddenly said as she stepped back into the mansion.


    Gregory who just returned suddenly turned interested. Abby ced her cup back on the table. Chris who had been reading a magazine ced it down to stare at his wife.


    "I thought you said you were going to see how Stacey’s doing?" Chris asked.


    "I did. And that’s why I want Penny out." Ariana said eagerly.


    Well?" Chris asked. "What is it?"


    "I’m going to marry the madman," Ariana said with a wicked smile curling at her lips.