Chapter 1 : The Secret

Mid-December, it is freezing in New York. The fog rose over the Hudson River, isolating the east and west sides of the river. Many trees in Central Park are bare, and it seems like they are undressing to welcome Christmas.

Winter is Penelope Seinfeld's favorite season. She lingered on the windowsill and looked at the old street. Pigeons fly from her side, and the fallen leaves swirl around her.

Monica walked down the old stairs with groceries and pushed in the door. "Penelope, your pickup car has arrived." She gasped.

"Oh, I see." Penelope lazily answered with her hands on her chin.

Monica clutched her chest and said, "I have never been so close to a luxury car in my life. I don't know whether the people inside saw me..."

Penelope's waist is sore from lying down for so long. She got up and picked up the jacket next to her. She turned and said, "I put the rent on the table. Remember to pay it."

Monica eased herself against the table and asked, "When will you come back?"

"Asher Walker said for a month," Penelope answered as she dressed herself and tied a scarf.

Monica smiled and held out her arm, "Congratulations, you finally have the opportunity to go back."

Penelope smiled gently, hugged her, and said, "Although it is not a wise decision, I don't have to pay for the ticket."

She was five years old when she followed her mother to New York. She has not embarked on her homeland for nearly sixteen years.

"Good luck, come back soon." Monica hugged her tightly.

Penelope embraced her and patted her shoulder lightly. "My dear, see you next year."

"See you next year."

Penelope dragged the suitcase away. Monica looked down on the windowsill. Penelope got into the luxury car parked down on the street. The silver logo flashed slightly and slipped into the traffic stream, disappearing at the end of the street.

At Kennedy Airport, before boarding the flight, Penelope made an excuse to get into the cubicle and called Asher.

"Have you seen my uncle, Warren Duncan?" asked Asher hastily.

"No. We are waiting for him." Penelope whispered into the phone and said, "I promise to help you, but only this time. After that, I won't be responsible for the aftermath."

"Okay. Okay. I will never forget what you're doing for me."

"So, when will you come back?" Penelope ignored his answer, instead asking him.

Asher gently replied, "I will finish my work in two months. First, you should help me deal with them. The key is my grandmother. You must convince her that the baby in your stomach is mine."

"Your grandmother...that shouldn't be a problem. But if your family discovers our deceit, will I be driven out?" Penelope asked worriedly. "I have no friends in the UK....."

"Don't worry. If you are driven out, I will help you and promise that you can give birth to your baby safely in New York."

Penelope squinted her long narrow eyes with one hand against the wall of the bathroom and said, "I warn you, if you don't come back on time, my reward will increase by the day."

"No problem!" Rich Asher is very generous.

Penelope nodded with satisfaction. "You can count on your brothers for long-term cooperation."

They work in collusion and are committed to their own purposes.

"My uncle's picture has already been sent to you. You have face blindness, so you have to look at it several times to remember it."

"I know," affirmed Penelope.

"To keep it in mind." Asher kept reminding her.

"Boom-boom-boom!"

There was a knock outside, and Penelope hurriedly hung up.

A lady was standing outside the door and glanced at her with dissatisfaction. Penelope blushed and grinned.

The man who met her is waiting in front of the women's room. When he saw her come out, he immediately said, "Mr. Duncan has arrived. We can board the plane."

Penelope nodded and followed him.

They finally arrive on the first floor. The shuttle bus stopped at the door and was empty. Penelope and the man got on the bus, and it started.

"Just two of us?" Penelope quickly looked at the empty carriage and was surprised.

The man looked at her and nodded.

"What happened to this flight? Can't they sell tickets?" Penelope thought.

The shuttle bus drove for about seven or eight minutes, then stopped. Penelope got out of the car and saw a private plane parked in front of her.

She suddenly felt like, "this makes it all worth it."

Obviously, Asher understated her reward. He even said his parents are working-class. It would be foolish to believe him.

"Miss Seinfeld, this way, please." The tall bodyguard ushered her.

Penelope is a little nervous, "Okay. Thanks."

She walked towards the plane. The stewardess smiled and greeted her with a thirty-degree bow. Penelope hesitated while bending over. "Did I react appropriately?" She wondered.

There are five or six men in suits in the cabin. They sat together with documents and pens in their hands, and it seemed that they were in a meeting. A tall man sat on the couch. The table in front of him is full of documents. All of them are obeying his instructions. They seem to have been meeting before Penelope came.

"Which one... is Asher's uncle?" Penelope got confused. She reached for her bag and wanted to take out her cell phone.

A man stood up and asked, "Are you, Miss Seinfeld?"

Penelope nodded and hesitantly asked, "Are you Asher's uncle?"

The man seemed confused for a moment and uttered, "No, I'm not. Mr. Duncan is."

Mr. Duncan... Following his gaze, Penelope saw the man sitting on the sofa. Although she has face blindness, she is more sensitive than a radar to distinguish a handsome guy.

The best way to describe this man in front of her? Well, Penelope charged Asher when he asked her for help, but if she had been asked by this man, Penelope would be willing to help him for free or even pay him!

Warren also noticed her step into the cabin. Penelope is wearing a simple T-shirt and jeans. Her wheat-colored skin looked so healthy. The most impressive is her bright eyes: one looks at them, and you are unconsciously attracted.

In one word: very hot!