Page 10 of Plus-Size Bride Forced By the Bratva
“Hi, Penelope,” I greeted her, my lips curling into a genuine grin.
“Ravyn,” she called softly, a little shocked to see me. “I wasn’t expecting you today.” She stepped out of the way, clearing my path.
I walked inside, heels clicking against the fine marble floor. “Well, I was bored at home, so I decided to stop by.”
Penelope closed the door behind us. “That’s quite thoughtful of you, Ravyn.”
I turned around and faced her, watching the mild sympathy playing in her gaze.
“Your father sees your efforts,” she added. “He might not say it, but he appreciates it.”
I flashed her a faint smile.
Penelope was the only member of the domestic staff who stayed behind, determined to help the family through these difficult times. She had always been like a mother to me since I was little. Penelope played a major role in shaping the woman I’d become.
If loyalty were a person, it would be her. She had my love and respect—my father’s as well.
She drew closer and took my hand, her green eyes boring into mine. “How are you holding up, child?” she asked, her voice soft and tender.
I paused, feeling the weight of my heavy heart. “I’m fine,” came my response. “It’s Dad that I’m worried about.”
She squeezed against my fingers. “He’s worried about you, too.”
“Then why doesn’t he tell me anything, Penelope?” I asked her, a glint of frustration lacing my tone. “He’s always avoiding my questions, and all I wanna do is help.”
“I know.” She beamed at me. “He knows that, too. It’s just—you know your father. He’s a tough nut to crack.”
“He’s too proud to let me help.”
“And you’re too stubborn to back down,” she teased, her smile still in place.
“I wonder who I got that from.” My eyes crinkled at the corners as a smile crept onto my lips.
“You’re right. He’s as stubborn as a mule.”
I laughed softly, and she did the same, the sound easing the heaviness from my chest.
“Where is he anyway?” I asked.
“In his study,” she answered, nodding in that direction. “He’s been in there all morning.”
“God, I hope things haven’t spiraled out of control,” I murmured under my breath, fingers rubbing my eyes. “I’m gonna go check on him now.”
She gave me a final nod and a smile, and I walked away, praying that the situation hadn’t moved from bad to worse.
Each step toward the study sharpened the muffled voice seeping through the door. His tone was low but laced withurgency. And although I couldn’t quite make out what he was saying, two words stood out. Liquidation. Bankruptcy.
My heart skipped a beat, and after a moment of hesitation, I finally knocked on the door. His voice fell silent immediately. What followed was a whisper.
I knocked again.
“One minute, Penelope!” he barked.
“Dad, it’s me!”
Silence.
A few seconds later, the door opened slightly, revealing the dimly lit study. He walked back to his desk, his fingers combing through his dirty blond hair.
