Chapter 398
Stephen heard the whispered words and looked up curiously.
At first glance, the woman looked familiar.
He asked, “Who’s that?”
Leo lowered his voice. “Penny Harper.”
Stephen paused slightly at the name. He remembered Penny. She was the class vice president. Besides being pretty and kind, she also had a good figure and a gentle demeanor.
Although she was not as stunning as Chloe, she had a lovely personality and was warm and gentle, so many people liked her. Some of them included boys from other classes and even other schools. However, during their three years of high school together, no one had ever heard of her dating anyone.
Stephen was shocked. The Penny in front of him now had streaks of gray in her hair, some wrinkles on her face, and wore clothes that could not be described as plain. They were old and worn. She did not look like she was the same age as him at all.
“How did she end up like this?”
Leo sighed. “Right after she graduated from college, her parents pressured her to get married, and they had a child in less than two years.
“One day, the three of them got into an accident. Her husband and son were both critically injured and rushed to the hospital. She sold everything she had, but in the end, her husband didn’t survive. Her son was also left with brain damage, impairing his intelligence.
“She used to receive financial support, but for some reason, that suddenly stopped about half a year ago. She’s almost at the point of living under a bridge.”
Stephen was stunned. He did not expect Penny to have gone through so much.
Leo continued, “Two years ago, she came to the reunion to borrow money. Back then, they gave her some out of politeness. However, she has no means to pay it back.
“Money doesn’t grow on trees, so no one wants to lend her more. We didn’t invite her this
year,
but she still came. She’s probably here to borrow money again.”
Stephen paused. It was shameless for her to come without being invited. Was money more important than her dignity?
Stephen never lacked money, so he did not understand such a problem. However, seeing his old classmate in such a state left an unsettled feeling in his heart. If it were half a year ago, he would not have cared about such matters.
However, in the past six months, he had experienced too much in Riveria. He had felt helpless and despaired many times in front of Ethan.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 393
Now, looking at Penny, his mind flashed to the changes in Blake and Leo, and Chloe’s helplessness. Finally, he thought of Ethan. ‘Would he understand these things? He’s always high above, thinking he controls everything.‘
Stephen felt like he was facing challenges that Ethan had never experienced. This was a test. It was a transformation.
Under everyone’s gazes, he slowly stood up and walked toward Penny.
Leo grabbed him, but he shook his head. Stephen understood. Leo was struggling with money too. He gently pushed Leo’s hand away and said, “It’s okay.”
He walked over to Penny and slowly sat down.
“How’s your son doing?”
Stephen looked directly into Penny’s eyes when he spoke to her. He remembered how bright and beautiful her eyes used to be. Now, they held no light at all.
“The doctor said there’s little hope for recovery.” Penny’s voice was small.
“What if you could get the best doctors?” Stephen said, “How much money do you need? Tell me.”
Penny’s head shot up, her dim eyes lighting up again. “Really?”
Stephen nodded.
“Thank you!” Penny felt incredibly emotional.
When Stephen heard this and saw the light in her eyes, he felt a sense of pride and fulfillment for the first time.
‘So this is what it feels like to be needed.‘ Stephen looked up at the sky and thought to himself, ‘Ethan, I’ve achieved something you never have.
