Chapter 83

• PENELOPE
• My heels echoed as I stepped into the glass-paneled atrium of Castillo Inc. The conference room was buzzing—reporters, board members, familiar faces, and cameras all turned in my direction. But all I could think was: Mom, I’m here.
• I adjusted the peach suit jacket Jess helped me pick out that morning. The matching knee-length skirt hugged my figure, the side slit giving just enough movement and confidence. My hair was pulled up into a clean, classic bun—her idea, too. I could still hear her giddy voice echoing from earlier: “You’re finally going to sit in the Queen’s chair, Penny! That deserves a full transformation!” She had danced barefoot in the hallway when I told her about today. I’d laughed, promising to stop by the bakery after the event.