Chapter 106
Penelope’s Pov
That contract file was the best gift Penelope had received all year. Hell, maybe in the last five years. She’d been searching for a way to bring Marcus down, to strip him of his power and control over Thorne Dynamics, and Elara had just handed it to her on a platter of gold. Stupid girl.
When they’d gotten back to the penthouse that day, Luca had been practically floating. The man couldn’t stop smiling, and stop talking about how this was finally his chance to get what he deserved. Penelope gave him thirty thousand dollars for his stress and effort in helping her search the apartment, and he’d looked at the cash like it was a million.
He’d thanked her over and over, his gratitude almost embarrassing in its intensity. But Penelope had just smiled and told him there would be more where that came from once they executed the next phase of the
plan.
Luca had been surprisingly useful, actually. And pleasant to be around when he wasn’t drowning himself in alcohol. He looked very good when he was sober and cleaned up. Strong jawline, decent build, eyes that were actually quite striking when they weren’t bloodshot and glazed over.
She’d caught herself wondering what he’d taste like more than once over the past couple of days.
Penelope smiled mischievously at the thought, taking a sip of her champagne as she settled deeper into the plush couch in her living room. She was in her favorite spot, the one by the windows that overlooked the city, wearing silk pajamas and fuzzy slippers because she was alone and could dress however she wanted.
On the TV in front of her, the latest episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta was playing. Penelope loved reality TV, loved watching other people’s drama unfold and how they made a mess of themselves while sipping expensive wine in the comfort of her penthouse. It was one of her guilty pleasures, something she’d never admit to in public but indulged in constantly when alone.
She was mid-sip, watching two of the housewives get into a screaming match at some ridiculous party, when the doorbell rang.
The sound jolted her out of the increasingly unclean thoughts she’d been having about Luca. Thoughts that involved significantly less clothing and significantly more touching than was appropriate for someone his age compared to hers.
“Who’s there?” she called out, setting down her glass and standing up. “I’m coming!”
She walked to the door, not bothering to check the peephole. The building had security, and nobody could get up to the top floor without being cleared first.
When she opened the door, the beauty and scent of Aurora was what greeted her first. The girl looked absolutely stunning, as always. Dressed in a soft pink dress that hugged her curves perfectly, her blonde hair flowing in loose waves, her perfume a mix of vanilla and something floral that probably cost so much, she’s a classy girl so why not.
“Oh, my beautiful princess, come in, come in!” Penelope said warmly, stepping aside and ushering Aurora into the penthouse.
Chapter 106
Aurora smiled and walked inside, her heels clicking against the marble floor. She looked around the space with appreciation, taking in the expensive furniture and art that decorated Penelope’s home.
“I’ve been expecting you,” Penelope continued, closing the door behind them. “I told you to come visit over a week ago. When I didn’t see you, I thought maybe you didn’t want to show up.”
“No, ma’am,” Aurora said, her smile apologetic. “I’ve been busy trying to settle in, really. The guest house is beautiful, and I’ve been organizing my things and getting adjusted to being back in New York.”
“I understand completely,” Penelope said, gesturing for Aurora to sit on the couch. “Thank you for coming now though. I’m so glad we can finally catch up properly.”
Aurora settled onto the couch gracefully, crossing her legs at the ankle in that way wealthy women were taught from childhood.
“What can I offer you?” Penelope asked, already walking toward her bar. “Wine? Champagne? Something stronger?”
“Red wine will do,” Aurora said.
“Alright, red wine coming right up then!”
Penelope pulled out one of her better bottles, a French Bordeaux that had been aging for years. She uncorked it and poured two generous glasses, the dark liquid catching the light beautifully.
As she poured, she started the conversation without turning around. “Tell me, what have you really been up to? I know you’re not here just for business with the Wellington Group. There’s something else going on, isn’t there?”
on,
She walked back to where Aurora was sitting and handed her the wine glass, then settled onto the couch beside her. Close enough that their knees almost touched.
“You know I’ve always liked you better for Marcus,” Penelope said,
Aurora accepted the wine and took a delicate sip. “Thank you, ever since the beginning, really. You were always so supportive of our relationship.”
“Of course I was,” Penelope said, her voice warm. “You were perfect for him, you’re from the right family, understood how our world works, knew how to handle yourself at events and dinners. You were everything Marcus needed in a partner.”
She leaned back against the couch, studying Aurora over the rim of her wine glass. “So you can discuss anything with me, darling. Anything at all. I’m on your side, always have been.”
Aurora’s smile widened slightly, like she’d been waiting for exactly that assurance.
Penelope set her wine glass down on the coffee table and shifted closer, her body angling toward Aurora. “She reached out and ran her hand through Aurora’s hair, the blonde strands soft and silky between her
fingers.
“You’re so beautiful,” Penelope murmured, her hand trailing down from Aurora’s hair to her neck, then lower, across her collarbone. “Marcus was a fool to ever let you go.”
Her fingers traced along the neckline of Aurora’s dress, just barely brushing against the top of her chest.
15:05 Mon, May 11
