PAMPERED

93 A night of secret preparation

When Penny resigned to her bedroom, the three brothers stayed in the library. For the next three minutes, none of them spoke a word.

Time.

1

That was what she wanted, not a grandiose party or expensive gifts. Although she didn’t specifically say whose time she wanted, they already assumed it was theirs.

Considering everyone had been busy, it was true they barely gave Penny the bare minimum of their time. Aside from Hugo, Atlas and Slater never gave her the time to get to know her that much. They simply took everything for granted, thinking they were already eating together, going to school together, and even studying together. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

None of those things were considered bonding.

They go to school together because they have no choice. They ate together because that was what their parents wanted. And they study together because of a bet.

With this realization, Atlas couldn’t help but lower his eyes. “Slater, do you want to do some extra lessons?” he asked after a minute, making Slater’s brows rise. “We can still buy Penny a gift, but I think she’ll also appreciate it if we focus on her tomorrow.”

“Oh.” Slater automatically nodded. “Right. Okay. If that’s okay with you.”

It was always okay for Atlas to teach his little brother. It was just that Penny volunteered because she wanted Atlas to focus..

“It’s okay.” Atlas offered a subtle smile. “Hand me your notes and tell me what you don’t understand.

“All the things that we covered are already okay,” Slater murmured, which surprised Atlas a little. He chuckled and awkwardly added, “Penny’s a good teacher. But she handed me this lesson plan she did in case I find it in my heart to do some advanced lessons.”

Slater politely handed Atlas the lesson plan Penny made during their first study lesson. Skimming the lesson plan, Atlas couldn’t help but furrow his brows.

“She did all of this?” asked Atlas, and Slater nodded. “Oh.”

Atlas couldn’t help but gaze at the lesson plan again, amazed that a thirteen–year–old organized the lessons according to Slater’s capacity. No wonder Slater was progressing.

“The ones that have checked are already lessons you covered?” he asked. Slater’s response was a nod. “Okay.”

As Atlas took the book on the lesson Penny had to teach Slater tomorrow, Slater couldn’t help but glance at them. He waited patiently, keeping his lips tightly sealed.

“Uhm…” Slater cleared his throat as he was bothered by something. “First Brother, Second Brother, are you not buying Nina a gift?”

“No.” Hugo’s answer was quick.

11:29 C

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93 A night of secret preparation

This time, Atlas grasped that Hugo’s coldness earlier today wasn’t just a figment of imagination.

“Hugo, why are you suddenly so harsh to Nina?” asked Atlas with a frown. “She might not be our real sister, but she was our sister until we found out she isn’t.”

“My problem with Nina isn’t about whether or not she’s my blood–related,” Hugo explained nonchalantly. “My problem with her is how she misled me into believing Mom and Dad didn’t fight for her. Once or twice is something I can overlook, but after many times, I see it as deliberate manipulation. 7)

Atlas arched a brow. “What do you mean?”

Hugo didn’t explain further, but ever since that family meeting, Hugo felt cheated and tricked. He wouldn’t have overreacted if Nina worded things properly. However, Nina just uttered things that could be easily misunderstood. It was why Hugo was so riled up his anger got the best of him. Now, he was paying the price.

Although Hugo didn’t regret taking a stand, he also understood he stood on the wrong side. Lesson learned.

Worried that Hugo’s harshness would affect Slater, Atlas cast his third brother a look. Secing that Atlas was looking in his direction, Slater smiled subtly.

“I’m okay,” said Slater. “I mean, Second Brother surely has his reason why he is angry at Nina.”

Hugo and Atlas furrowed their brows at Slater. There was a reason Hugo didn’t explain himself, because Slater was here. Whatever explanation Hugo had, they expected that it would only rile up Slater.

Now, Slater was saying he wasn’t affected?

The two observed Slater, and by the looks of it, Slater was telling them the truth. What happened to their stubborn third brother?

“Hehe. Slater laughed awkwardly. “I mean, I’m too busy with my studies to worry about Nina. Also, Nina can still come in here during the weekends. So, not seeing her around feels like normal since we barely see each other during the weekdays.”

Moreover, Slater was more concerned about someone else’s departure. Nina’s departure was somewhat inevitable because she

also had no choice but to come ho another family. It was like Penny’s situation because Penny

But if Penny leaves….

Slater lowered his head and sighed. ‘If I study well and be nice to her, she won’t leave, right? I already got used to her presence.”

Atlas opened and closed lits mouth, speechless. Hearing what they heard was something they didn’t expect. But at the same time, it put their heart at ease. It seemed like Slater was maturing after he started getting serious about his studies.

Pleased, Atlas nodded. His smile, however, faded a bit when his eyes fell on Hugo. The second brother was staring at Slater with pride, so Atlas dropped it.

11:25

93 A night of secret preparation

agree with Slater. Hugo had his reasons and whatever it was, that was between Hugo and Nina. As for them…

“I think I have an idea,” Atlas suddenly blurted out, as if he was afraid he would forget the idea if he didn’t say it aloud.

The two brothers looked up at him, curious. When they saw the corner of Atlas’s lips curl they instantly knew Atlas had finally found the perfect way to celebrate Penny’s birthday.

up,

*Slater, let’s study later in my room. You can sleep over. For now, let’s meet everyone.” Atlas quickly closed his book and rose from his seat. His other brothers also followed him, listening to him on their way so they were aware of it before they reached the first floor.

“I’ll call Butler Jen!” Slater remarked and quickly left the two, heading straight to find Butler Jen. “I’ll bring Uncle Haines.” At the same time, Hugo took a different route to call Haines.

As for Atlas, he went straight to his parents‘ room so they could gather everyone about tomorrow’s birthday plan. A bright smile turned up on Atlas’s face, knowing not just Penny, but everyone would love the idea.

thanks for the 14k unlocks

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