My Cruel Step-Sister Made Me Clean the Floor, then My Powerful Brother Arrived — Part 2

Previously: When Penelope forced Rose to scrub the marble floor of her mansion, she thought she was in control. But a surprise visit from Rose’s brother changed everything in a single phone call.

The Mask Slips

The silence in the grand atrium was deafening. Penelope’s face drained of color as she stared at Peter, utterly bewildered by his sudden appearance and his chilling words. Rose slowly stood up, wiping her wet hands on her simple beige dress, her heart hammering against her ribs. She had never seen her brother look so dangerous.

Penelope tried to recover her composure, puffing out her chest in a desperate display of authority.

"You can't just barge in here and make threats, Peter!" Penelope shrieked, her voice cracking. "My mother and I have lived here for three years. This is our home now. The trust dictates that we have full occupancy!"

Peter stepped forward, his leather shoes clicking sharply on the marble floor. He didn't look at Penelope; instead, he gently reached out and took Rose's hand, offering her a reassuring squeeze. When he turned back to Penelope, his voice was dangerously quiet.

"The trust dictates occupancy only under the condition of maintaining the estate's integrity and caring for my sister," Peter said. "Do you think I’ve been blind in London?"

Just then, Eleanor, Penelope’s mother, rushed down the grand staircase, alerted by the shouting. Seeing Peter, she immediately tried to play the peacemaker, putting on a sweet, manipulative smile.

"Peter, dear! What a wonderful surprise," Eleanor said, though her eyes betrayed her panic. "Please, ignore Penelope. It was just a little spill. We love Rose like our own."

Peter opened his dark attaché case and pulled out a thick, bound document. He tossed it onto the marble table nearby with a heavy thud.

"I didn't just fly in from London to visit," Peter said coldly. "I’ve spent the last six months conducting a forensic audit of the family accounts. I know about the offshore transfers, Eleanor. And I know exactly how you've been treating my sister."

Eleanor gasped, her hand flying to her mouth, while Penelope looked back and forth between them, realizing their golden reign was crumbling.