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Empire 24

Empire 24

Chapter 24 

Eugene’s denial came too quickly, guilt edging his voice. Jackie, stop joking around. You’re the only one I care about.” 

He reached for Jacklyn’s hand, his fingers tightening around hers. Let’s keep going.” 

Jacklyn’s expression stayed cool, but a flicker of disdain coiled inside her. How could he say something so nauseating with a straight face

Before Eugene could speak again, his phone rang. His brows furrowed. If this kept up, he’d slip soon

I’ll be right back,Eugene said, flashing Jacklyn a smile

He pulled her close, his arm sliding around her waist. Then he pressed a kiss to her forehead before hurrying out

Eugene took the stairs two at a time, his face darkening as he reached Penelope’s yoga room. He was sick of juggling them both

There was no way he could let Jacklyn and Penelope meet here

Gene, you’re leaving? You promised you’d stay with me and the baby. How can you back out now?Penelope’s lips pursed, irritation flaring as she realized he was about to leave

Work needs me. I’m heading out. You can get home on your own.Eugene’s tone was impatient. Without another word, he turned and walked away

Penelope’s cheeks burned. He’d just dumped her here, like an afterthought

Free of Penelope, Eugene returned to Jacklyn’s side, his face smoothing into practiced concern. Jackie, there’s an issue at the office. Let me take you home first before I handle it.” 

Jacklyn checked the time and shook her head. Class isn’t over yet. I’ll call a ride later.” 

I don’t like leaving you here alone.” 

He didn’t give her a chance to argue, gripping her hand and steering her toward the exit. No way in hell was he letting Jacklyn stay herenot if there was a chance Liam might swoop in again

Jacklyn studied his hurried movements, her eyes narrowing 

Something was definitely going on. And she intended to find out if Penelope was really hiding in this yoga studio

Before getting into the car, Jacklyn paused suddenly. Gene I left my bag in the yoga room. I’ll grab it.” 

But when she stepped back inside the studio, she didn’t turn toward her own room. Instead, she lingered in the hallway, her gaze sliding over the neighboring rooms

And there, just as she’d expected, was the familiar figurePenelope. She moved through her poses with a pout, clearly irritated that Eugene had left early

Then, a pregnant woman stepped out of Penelope’s yoga room, heading toward the restroom

A sneer escaped Jacklyn’s lips as she quickly dialed Eugene’s number. Gene, I twisted my ankle” 

The moment he heard, he came running. He swept her into his arms, worry flooding his voice. Are you okay?” 

At that exact moment, the pregnant woman emerged from the restroom. Her eyes locked onto them, widening in stunned disbelief

1/2 

Chapter 24 

+25 BONUS 

Honey, I’m fine. You should put me downJacklyn murmured, intentionally pressing her face into Eugene’s chest

But her sidelong glance never left the other woman

The yoga class had ended, and Penelope sullenly stuffed her things into her bag. Her earlier glamor had faded

If Eugene had stuck around, at least she could’ve shown off his luxury car, letting everyone see what she had. But no, he’d left her here all alone

The thought made her movements more frantic, her belongings clattering loudly as she shoved them in. A few heads turned

Eyes lingered as people passed, taking in her solitude. Just moments ago, she’d been radiant. Now, she looked deflated

Ms. Stinson, your fiancé didn’t even wait for you to finish class? He must be so busy. And here you were, saying how devoted he is.” 

Penelope couldn’t stomach such remarks. She rolled her eyes, irritation flaring. My fiancé treats me well, of course. It’s not like he hasn’t been here. Don’t spread rumors. You all saw him earlier. He’s just too busy with work to be here now.” 

Ms. Stinson, it seems your fiancé values his work more than you. Our husbands canceled meetings and took time off to be here. Yours? He simply left you behind.” 

The words hummed through the yoga room like a plucked string. Whispers bloomed in their wake. Even those halfway out the door paused, drawn back by the unfolding drama

Stop talking nonsense! You’re just jealous because my fiancé is richer than any of you. You can’t stand to see someone else doing well!Penelope snapped, her face flushing with anger

Ms. Stinson, we were only joking. Don’t take it so seriously,someone said, trying to placate her

I don’t know if what Ms. Stinson said is true. I just saw her fiancé by the restrooms!” 

Every head turned toward the speaker

Penelope shot to her feet, temper flaring. What kind of nonsense is that? My fiancé is at the office. How could you have seen him?” 

I didn’t just see him. I heard some woman call him honey.” 

Shut your mouth! He was just talking to an acquaintance!” 

But this time, Penelope’s panic was real. She yanked out her phone and dialed Eugene, but no one answered. She hadn’t even considered that Jacklyn might show up. That bitch

Ms. Stinson’s way too worked up. Hit a nerve, didn’t we?” 

Exactly. No wonder her fiancé has been avoiding her. Maybe she’s the homewrecker, and that woman is his real wife!” 

When Penelope’s call went unanswered, the laughter that followed was mocking and relentless. Even the yoga instructor’s attempt to intervene dissolved into nothing

Penelope’s anger flared, her chest tight with burning fury. Forgetting all sense of dignity, she jabbed a finger at them and snarled, You’re the homewreckers, every single one of you!” 

Empire

Empire

Score 9.9
Status: Ongoing Type: Native Language: English
Empire

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