Chapter 323 Going to the Back Mountain Right After Returning Home
In a flash, four years had slipped away, and Brandon realized he hadn't done much for Penelope.
Penelope and Brandon barely talked, and it was always through Ruby within four years.
Whenever he asked if she needed help, Penelope would brush it off, saying everything was fine.
She always turned him down.
"Brandon, you've already helped me a lot. I can't keep asking for more."
"What about Lucy?" Brandon asked, "Her illness is serious and can't be ignored!"
"I..."
Brandon made a firm decision. "Alright, it's settled. First, take Lucy for a check-up. If there are more issues, let me know, and I'll help."
He was aware of Penelope's strong sense of pride, surely feeling distressed at present, especially with Lucy's deteriorating condition, fearing her mental stability might collapse.
So, Brandon said, "Think of it as a loan. You can pay me back slowly. This is for Lucy. You don't want her to suffer, right?"
"Penelope, I've never met Lucy, but I've seen her photos. She's adorable and smart. We have to do everything to help her!"
"Everything is for Lucy, got it?"
After comforting Penelope, Brandon hung up.
Ruby added, "Penelope, now isn't the time for pride. Lucy's health is what matters most."
"I know, I just feel so useless."
"You've done great; you're just too kind," Ruby said, patting her shoulder. "Those design drawings you made are valuable! You could sell them for more, but you only sell to Mr. Wright."
"Mr. Wright has been kind to me, and I thought I didn't need much money."
Then Lucy was diagnosed with leukemia.
Ben's salary and commission were good, way above the average in a small city.
Penelope could make thirty thousand dollars a year easily.
But expenses were high.
Tuition for two kids, extra classes, food, clothes, and Ruby's salary.
Penelope paid for everything.
Since leaving LA, Penelope thought money was enough as long as it covered the basics.
Now she realized how naive that was.
In critical times, money was life, dignity, and a way to extend life!
LA.
The King Manor.
As soon as the car stopped, Madison eagerly ran up and opened the door.
"Mr. Davis, you're back."
Kelvin glanced at her.
"I made some dishes; they're still hot, waiting for you," Madison said, "You must not have eaten well on your trip! Home-cooked meals are better than outside food."
She wanted to hold Kelvin's hand but was afraid he'd get mad, so she just walked beside him.
Kelvin spoke lightly, "You cut your hair?"
"Yes," Madison said joyfully, "You noticed? Does it look good?"
She had styled her hair just like Penelope's, even getting the length right.
Madison now looked even more like Penelope.
Kelvin quietly observed her.
Through her, he was really seeing someone else.
Madison was aware, as was Kelvin himself, and the butler and servants knew it too.
But no one said a word.
"Eat by yourself," Kelvin said, turning away.
"Huh? Mr. Davis, where are you going? I worked hard on this meal."
"Don't follow me!"
Madison stopped.
She planned to win Kelvin over with small, daily gestures—cooking, ironing, organizing.
Step by step, she thought she'd get into his life.
But Kelvin still didn't pay her much attention.
Watching him leave, Madison was furious. "Where's he going? Just got home and not even coming inside!"
"The back hill," the butler replied.
"What?" Madison asked, "Why's he going there right away? Is there some treasure? He doesn't even need to eat!"
"There is a treasure of Mr. Davis on the back hill."
Madison was stunned. "I'll go take a look."
The bodyguard stopped her. "Mr. Davis commanded you can't follow."
"I'll just look," Madison said, "I won't go up the hill!"
"The back hill is a restricted area of the King Manor, heavily guarded. No one enters without Mr. Davis's permission!"
"So mysterious."
Madison snorted and headed to the living room.
Back hill, halfway up.
Kelvin stood by the tombstone.
For the past four years, he often came here.
Sometimes, when drunk, he'd hug the cold stone, saying nothing.
He'd even fall asleep there, waking up beside the tombstone.
He'd come whether he was in a good mood or not.
He'd come when he missed her.
"Penelope," Kelvin gently wiped the dust off the photo. "Been out for two days and haven't seen you. Do you miss me?"
"I missed you, and I hope you missed me too."
"I met someone who looks a lot like you, even her eyes. She wore a mask, but I could imagine her face."
"Unfortunately, it was just one glance, and I haven't seen her since."
Kelvin sat beside the tombstone.
"Only here with you do I feel at ease."
"Penelope, I left Madison at the King Manor. Would you be angry?"
He sighed deeply. "You would be angry, but you wouldn't say anything. After all, you always kept everything to yourself, silently enduring."
"I know Madison had plastic surgery to look like you. I want to see that face every day."
"Even if it's self-deception, it satisfies me. Looking at her, I sometimes feel like you're still here."
"And if she, looking like you, were with another man, I couldn't stand it."
"Even though she's not you."
For the past four years, every time Kelvin came to Penelope's grave, he'd stay most of the day.
He'd talk a lot, all by himself.
He confided in her about his daily life, recent events, and even work troubles.
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