A Spoonful of Sugar: Don't Beg for Love

Pennleigh nodded and patted Hesper's shoulder. "I'll discuss this matter with Ms. Rivera. We won't wrongly accuse any innocent people, and we'll definitely bring the culprit to justice. It truly astounds me that there is such a vicious person in Eustoma. This is something unacceptable. After confirming his identity, I'll hand over the relevant evidence to the police."

Hesper felt somewhat complicated looking at Pennleigh now, but it was not the time to talk about this.

The crowd started to disperse, and Hesper followed Pennleigh into her office. The office had been renovated and looked no different from before she left. Pennleigh turned around and closed the door. "Do you have any ideas on how to deal with Evon?"

Hesper raised an eyebrow and said, "Do you think I've been at home all this time thinking about how to deal with Evon? Dealing with him is too easy. He couldn't even sit still just now, right?"

Pennleigh did not notice Evon just now, but he nodded at her words. "Okay, I believe you."

After that, both of them fell into an awkward silence.

"Umm... I'm almost done with Juniper's wedding dress, so I only have Elise's project left," Hesper said after some hesitation. "After I've finished everything, I'll leave Eustoma."

"Why?" Pennleigh asked, frowning. "If it's because of Evon, as I said before, I'll fire him and hand him over to the police. If it's about something else, I... I mean everyone in Eustoma, including me, will help you to solve it. So why have you suddenly decided to leave?"

Hesper looked straight into Pennleigh's eyes and shook her head. "You like me, don't you, Mr. Pisano?"

Pennleigh initially had a lot of things to say. He wanted to convince her to stay, but he was stumped when he heard Hesper's question and looked at her blankly.

Hesper already had the answer inside of her heart. She pressed her lips thin and said, "I've never intended to take advantage of anyone's feelings. All this time, I've long considered you as my little brother. I don't want to give you the wrong idea, making you invest in this relationship, so the best option for both of us is me leaving Eustoma."

Pennleigh scoffed at himself.

"You really aren't going to give me a chance, are you, Hesper?"

Lowering her head, Hesper gazed at the tip of her shoe. "I'm sure you know what's going on between Rickard and me. Honestly, the real situation is even more complicated than you imagine. You can even use the word "messy" to describe our relationship. Besides, I have Renfrew. Are you sure you can accept it? Even if you can, then would your mother be able to?"

Pennleigh hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. He did not get sidetracked by Hesper and looked at her stubbornly.

"Those aren't the true reasons. The truth is that you don't have any feelings for me, right?"

Hesper did not want to reveal the harsh truth to Pennleigh, but she had to. Otherwise, things might get out of her hands. With that thought in her mind, she looked at Pennleigh squarely and nodded. "Yes. I've never considered you as a potential lover in my future. I only see you as a little brother."

Pennleigh nodded. "Thank you for your honesty."

Both of them were adults. Since Hesper had made things so clear for him, he found no reason to press on the matter.

"Although your reasons are justifiable, as the owner of Eustoma, I hope you can stay since you're very talented. Besides, Eustoma is a great starting point for you. If you go to another company or studio, you may not have such a suitable environment as you have now."