Chapter 5

In the end, Penelope was sent to the hospital by a good samaritan. The doctor gave her a good scolding as this was her second time getting hurt. He even questioned how she got hurt, as if she didn't know how to take better care of herself. She couldn't bear to tell him that this injury was caused by two of the most important men in her life. Sabrina sent Penelope a video in the meantime. As soon as the video was opened, Sabrina's pitiful voice could be heard. She said, "Penny was also hurt, and she's being patched up just next door. You guys should go visit her, Patrick, Gabriel. Otherwise, it's rather pitiful if she were left alone." Patrick, who was peeling fruits for Sabrina, replied nonchalantly, "You're just too kind, Sab. After treating you that way, she'd only learn her lesson if she gets hurt. Gabriel gently handed her a cup of freshly poured warm water. "I don't have time to deal with her right now, Sab." Penelope laughed bitterly with tears in her eyes when she heard his words. … After getting discharged, Penelope locked herself in her room and refused to come out. She only came out when Robert and Camila rushed back from their business trip on her birthday. Everyone was busy decorating the living room for the birthday party later. Robert and Camila were smiling as they brought out two dresses for their daughters. Sabrina received a newly-launched haute couture gown adorned with small diamonds worth millions. Meanwhile, Penelope received an outdated starry gown well past its prime on the runway. Everyone could tell that Robert and Camila were clearly biased. However, they insisted on saying that the gown suited Penelope's complexion better. The household staff, who were cleaning nearby, overheard their words and started gossiping. One said, "Is Ms. Penelope really their biological daughter? Today is supposed to be her birthday, but why did Mr. and Mrs. Carter give the expensive gown to Ms. Sabrina when she's only their adopted child?" The other replied, "They're just coming up with excuses. Isn't it obvious that they're worried that Ms. Penelope will outshine Ms. Sabrina with such a gorgeous outfit? After all, Ms. Penelope is much prettier than Ms. Sabrina." Another household staff said, "Not only is Ms. Penelope prettier, but she's also kind and gentle—even to us household staff. Ms. Sabrina is so arrogant and would only scold or hit us. I hate her so much! When will she be married off?" Someone replied, "I heard it'll be soon. The Lamberts are preparing for the wedding already." Penelope said nothing as she listened to the household staff's discussion. She only brought the gown back into her room. Everyone thought Sabrina would be married into the Lambert family soon. Only Penelope knew that she was the one getting married off instead. After all, who would've expected her biological parents to desert their biological daughter when asked to pick between her and their adopted daughter? … The party started promptly at 6:00 pm. Sabrina attracted everyone's attention as soon as she showed up. They immediately went up to congratulate her. Someone said, "You're so beautiful today, Sab. You truly are the star of tonight's party!" Another continued, "I couldn't get this dress no matter how hard I tried. Mr. and Mrs. Carter truly love you!" Everyone was busy showering her with compliments, completely forgetting that the real birthday girl today was actually Penelope. Penelope sat quietly on the couch, glancing at the huge fruit cake and seafood spread on the table. All these were Sabrina's favorite food, while Penelope happened to be allergic to mangoes and seafood. As such, she ate nothing that night. Everyone surrounded Sabrina at the center as they sang the birthday song at 8:00 pm. Even the gifts were prepared for her. Robert and Camila generously gave her an expensive villa in the city center. Patrick transferred half of his shares in Carter Corporation to her. Meanwhile, Gabriel gave her a necklace worth billions that he had bought from an auction house days ago. When the dazzling diamond necklace appeared, it caused quite a commotion, as it symbolized "true love". Someone gasped, "Is something good about to happen since he's giving her this necklace? So Gabriel wants to marry Sabrina after all!" Another exclaimed, "I now believe that true love surpassed even childhood friendship!"