PAMPERED

134 But alas

The children left the family room with Penny, worried about her father and uncle. Although they already decided that Nina wouldn’t step foot in this place, their next course of action about Nina worried her. (

“Don’t think about it for now, Penny.” Hugo placed a hand on her back on their way out to get her attention. “Let the adults deal with that matter.”

Atlas, who was walking a step ahead of them, also spoke. “That’s the reason we told Dad about it since there’s really nothing we could do about it. I’m sure he and Uncle Haines would make a decision that will satisfy everyone.”

“Penny, are you sure you’re okay?” Slater hurried to her side, checking on her. “How come you didn’t tell our big brothers that you’ve been being picked on?” @

Penny didn’t want to show it, but she couldn’t help but look back at Slater in dismay. That’s rich coming from him!” If there was someone who should ask this question, that should be Penny since Slater was being bullied until she gave his bullies a lesson!

“Anyway, don’t think about Nina anymore,” Hugo reassured. “We still have an entire day to spend. I don’t want to study, though.”

“Ah!” Slater’s eyes twinkle. “How about we shop for bikes?”

“Bikes?”

“Yugi and Yuri said they’d bring their bikes next time, but I think that’s a little of a hassle. Why not buy some bikes?”

Penny scrunched up her nose. “Do you have the money?”

“No.”

“I have a few savings, but I’ve used up almost all of them buying sweets,” mumbled Hugo. “I should’ve bought a bike for Penny as a gift.

“Do you even know how much bikes cost?” Atlas glanced over his shoulders.

The three looked up at the first brother like pitiful children who knew nothing about the world. He wouldn’t be surprised if they asked him if fifty bucks was enough.

A shallow sigh slipped past his lips, stopping in his tracks to face the three. “I’ll meet you on the garden patio. I’ll get my laptop. Let’s check the prices.”

“Bikes are this expensive?!” Slater gasped in dismay, unable to believe that bikes could be so expensive. “But they’re just bikes! How come some of them are even more expensive than some motorcycles?!” All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

134 But alas

Hugo was also astounded. “I thought I could buy for a hundred. He sulked, thinking he only needed two bucks to complete the hundred. Who would have thought he needed more than

that?

Penny darted her eyes between her brothers. The three of them were flocking around Atlas’s laptop while Atlas read a book across from them. She too was surprised that bikes could cost this much

the pain of not being financially smart beforc.

–

“Ahh!” An idea crossed her mind. “I know! These are expensive because it’s brand new. Let’s find out if there’s any secondhand.

Penny stretched her fingers and went to find bikes in the online marketplace.

“Wow. Unlike the ones we saw, these are cheaper,” Slater blurted out in amusement. “Is this really secondhand?”

“It’s cheaper, but I still can’t afford it.” Hugo now felt dirt poor. (2

Atlas would glance at his siblings, shaking his head. He could just buy them since Atlas had been. saving most of his allowance from when he was fourteen. Not that he had anything he wanted to spend it on aside from books he wanted to read.

“You guys should start saving instead of spending all your allowance on nonsense,” he suggested, watching the three lift their heads over the laptop. They blinked at the same time before their eyes twinkled, making Atlas’s face twitch.

His suggestion wasn’t bad, but how the three reacted was something he didn’t expect. In no time, Penny, Slater, and Hugo went back inside, leaving Atlas for a brief moment. When they returned, they were bringing some large jars, papers, and markers.

Atlas watched them write on the paper, tape it on the jar, and then place all their remaining allowance inside the jar.

Penny’s bike.

Slater’s bike.

The spare bike.

“Hugo, why did you name yours a spare bike?” asked Atlas out of pure curiosity.

Hugo smiled. “I already have a bike, but just in case.

“Well, that’s not bad!” Slater didn’t bother as he looked at his jar and then at Penny’s. “Penny, I have more savings than you.”

Penny frowned as she looked at him dead in the eye. “Third brother, don’t forget I put all my money in the bet. Win that bet.”

“Of of course!”

“Right!” Hugo nodded and looked at Atlas sharply, “First brother, my entire monthly allowance is on you. Please don’t forget to win. Don’t worry, though. By tomorrow, one spot in the star section will be emptied.

134 But alas

“Heh.” Penny let out a helpless smile. Well, they’re calmer now. I guess there’s nothing to worry about,‘

The children of the Bennet Family spent the entire day looking for bikes, printing some photos of their desired bikes, and even gluing them on their jars. In no time, things eventually returned to normal for the children. They didn’t bother with the adult matters anymore.

Despite the adults‘ worries, they didn’t let the children get affected by it. And somehow, the night passed just like any other night without any more big events.

Penny thought her brothers initial anger toward Ray subsided after a few hours. They only brought it up once yesterday, and then, no more word about it. Hence, she felt a little at ease that her brothers would calmly let it go.

But alas…

‘Oh, my god… ‘Penny gulped, almost suffocated at the fire blazing from behind the van. (7)

Hugo and Atlas weren’t saying anything, just staring at the windows on their side. But she could literally see the fire burning in their chairs!

Slater clasped his hands together, closing his eyes. “May his soul rest… at the pits of the burning hell,” he prayed solemnly, knowing he could only do this much.

“… Penny looked away, wide–eyed. “They’re really going to bury him today! That brat! Now, I have another work to do!”

It wasn’t like Penny found Ray pitiful! He put this upon himself! But she didn’t want Hugo to get. expelled just like in the first life.

What a headache.

Penny cupped her face. I guess I’m making a quick trip to the star section again.”

66

This chapter is an extra chapter for helping me reach another 500 Powerstones, a total of 2,500 powerstones this week.

I uploaded the chapter in advance since there’s still Sunday, and we’d reach it

12.00 L