Chapter 141
Due to social obligations, Herman couldnât drive an ordinary Chevy but had to take it back to not raise Anastasiaâs suspicion.
Nelson answered, âSure thing, Mr. Salstrom,â
After giving instructions, Herman, holding Pattieâs hand, headed towards building six of the complex. Anastasia once mentioned that Pattie lived in unit. 802 of building six
Upon realizing they were heading home, Pattle slowed down, reluctant to return. When they arrived at room 802. Herman knocked. After a while, the door opened
Penny was the one who opened the door. Seeing a handsome man standing at her doorstep, she blushed.
âHey there, handsome. What can I do for you?â
Penny didnât notice Pattie hiding behind Herman.
With a poker face, Herman said, âI live here too and found this kid on the sidewalk this morning. Is she yours?â
Pattie stepped out from behind Herman. Penny almost didnât recognize her at first. Pattie, in her new dress, looked like a little princess, far from her usual grubby self.
But then Pennyâs face hardened. âYou little rascal, running off again! Go to your room nowâ
Pattle shivered. She had an instinctive fear of Penny Letting go of Hermanâs hand, Pattie obediently walked into the house, knowing that if she disobeyed, she would be hit.
Herman, watching all this, lightly asked, âMay I come in for a moment? I bought Pattie some clothes.â
In the face of such a handsome manâs request, Penny couldnât refuse. âPlease, come in.â
Her place was a mess, barely walkable Herman stepped in, his brows furrowed.
Penny shouted at Pattie, Itâs late, go to sleep!â
Pattie obediently went into her room. As she closed the door, she gave Herman a longing look
Once Pattie was in her room, Penny laughed. âThat girl, always running around. I also have another kid to tak
Herman glanced at the roomâs arrangement, asking, âIs Pattie your biological daughter?â
care of, Iâm so swamped.â
The question took Penny aback. Hermans eyes were cold when he asked this
Penny had never met anyone so intimidating. She didnât know how to answer
However, thinking about what her husband Leo once told her, she suspected that Pattie might have told Herman about her hitting Pattie
Penny, feeling guilty, said, âOf course she is, sheâs my flesh and blood. What are you trying to ask? My daughter is mine, whatever people say outside is
nonsense.â
Herman coldly continued. âWhat about her injuries? I heard she hasnât started kindergarten yet. Itâs your responsibility to send her to school.â
âAre you from some child protective services or something? So nasy Penny recalled similar words from community workers and started to play the victim. âSheâs naughty, and some injuries are from my discipline, some from her falls. Sheâs disobedient. Donât all parents discipline their kids? As for school, we canât afford it. Weâll send her when we have money.â
âI took Pattie to the hospital. Here is the review of her injuries.â Herman took out the injury report, scaring Penny. âAccording to this, you could be charged with child abuse Serious cases can lead to imprisonment.â
Upon hearing about potential jail time, Penny exploded, âJail? For disciplining my daughter? Is there no justice? Get out! My familyâs business is none of yours. If you think thereâs a problem, call the policeâ
Penny forcefully pushed Herman out. He couldnât fight back against a woman, so he was pushed out. Penny closed the door, listening for a moment to make sure he was gone, then stormed into Pattieâs room with a stick. âYou little troublemaker, running your mouth everywhere! Do you want me to go lo jail? Iâll teach you a lesson!â
Pattie screamed under the beating, begging for mercy. âMom, sorry, I wonât do it again. Mom, stop, it hurts..
Her heart wrenching cries echoed throughout the building, but the residents were used to it. At first, some tried to intervene but were chased away by Penny. After that, no one bothered
âIâm going to kill you! You live off my money and still want to harm melâ Penny was fuming, hitting Pattie mercilessly.
Pattie, covered in injuries, was rolling on the ground in pain, begging for mercy. All of a sudden, a loud bang, the door was kicked open from the outside -Herman stormed in, looking furious, grabbed Pennyâs hand, and threw her off.
âTouch Pattie one more time, I dare youâ His icy stare was deadly, frightening Penny
Herman picked up Pattie, who was crying her heart out, and comforted her. âDont be scared. Iâm here.â
Seeing Pattieâs injuries, Herman felt a pang in his heart.
Penny regained her senses and shouted at him, âIf you care so much about this little troublemaker, take her! Iâm giving you my daughter! From now on, she has nothing to do with me.â