Chapter 423

Chapter 423

Penelope felt like she had downplayed the situation.

What she feared most was that the other side not only wanted to establish their own faction but also aimed to rule independently.

Zachary and Lewis had probably been worried about this, which is why they took action under the guise of reform as soon as the Sons of God retreated.

Penelope was aware of these things, but ever since she took over the Murphy Group, she had focused more on business and less on political matters. She hadn't reacted to these issues, but she never expected that His Majesty would target Garrett.

The more she thought about it, the worse her mood became. "You can't go there. There are plenty of people willing to serve in that circle. They don't need you. Why are you so eager?"

"Penelope," Garrett sighed, wanting to see her expression, but the red light had turned green, so he had to focus on the road. "Penelope, there are many willing to serve, but Neil's imprisonment took down a group of people. Those people are likely dissatisfied. Even if they go to the coast, how do we know they are willing and not just looking out for themselves?"

Penelope remained silent, staring at the passing lights outside the window.

Garrett pressed on, "You know these things better than I do. How could you not understand why they want me to go? If they had anyone else, they wouldn't be targeting me."

"You're making me out to be the bad guy, as if you all understand each other's ambitions and difficulties, and I'm the one stuck in the middle, not fitting in anywhere."

"No, Penelope, that's not what I mean. I just think that if I'm in this position, I should do my duty. I wasn't involved in politics before, but now that I'm back, I have to do it, right? I can't just sit idly by and let the people down."

He paused before continuing, "You saw the report with me today. You know the situation on the coast. There's a lot of money flowing in, but how much of it actually reaches the people? Saying they're being exploited is an understatement. The real fear is that they'll become the new underclass."

Penelope felt a surge of anger.

Listen to him, such a noble leader, so ambitious, always putting the people first, being a good official.

But what about her?

The relationships on the coast were deeply entrenched, layer upon layer. Even if they could be cleaned up, it would take a lot of time.

Two years would be optimistic. To truly transform the coast, it would take countless days and nights, possibly half a lifetime.

Garrett would gain fame and success, but what about her?

Was she supposed to wait for him alone for half a lifetime?

Penelope exhaled. It wasn't that she was unwilling to wait, but the waiting was too torturous.

She couldn't bear another life without Garrett.

Her thoughts were a tangled mess. Rationally, she knew Garrett was right, and she should let him go, but emotionally, she couldn't let go. It felt as if she let Garrett go today, her brain would explode.

Penelope's lips pressed into a thin line. After a long pause, she coldly said, "Do as you wish."

She wasn't stupid; she understood Garrett's intentions.

Before the Murphy Group, she was also someone willing to serve the country.

But things were different now.

Maybe it was age, or maybe it was the many experiences of the past six months, but she no longer had the same passion. She just wanted to live a good life with Garrett.

The silence between them lasted until they got home.

While changing shoes, Garrett hugged Penelope from behind.

He slowly knelt down and carefully took off her shoes.

Penelope looked at his hair and felt a sudden pang of sadness.

Because she realized that Garrett was different from her.

Garrett was still young, with impressive credentials and experience.

He shouldn't be confined to this small world with her; it was too stifling.

He should go to places that needed him, to shine and make a difference.

Countless thoughts flashed through her mind, and finally, she decided to let it go.

Let him go.

Why argue over this?

The Murphy family's business here was already well-established. Maybe it was time to see what was out there.

Garrett didn't know what Penelope was thinking. He only heard her sigh softly.

He looked up at his beloved, his eyes full of caution. "Penelope, don't be disappointed in me. I still love you."

Penelope wrapped her arms around his neck and responded softly.

The matter was dropped, and no one brought it up again.

Soon, the date for Garrett's departure was set, two weeks before the New Year.

This wasn't a small trip; he might not return for years.

Everyone knew this, so they chose to gather at the Windsor Mansion the night before he left to send him off.

As for why not at Garrett's house, don't ask. Just know it was more comfortable this way.

Aria frowned at Garrett, who was glued to Penelope, and couldn't help but ask, "Why not wait until after the New Year?"

"More people after the New Year," Garrett smiled, having his own plans.

Lumaria valued the New Year, a time for gatherings and relaxation.

Both meant people, and more people meant more trouble. It would be easier to catch any slip-ups.

Garrett's smile deepened, with an inscrutable meaning.

Simon was silent.

Simon widened his eyes in horror, distancing himself from Garrett. "What are you thinking?"

Why did he look like he was ready to eat a child?

Lewis chuckled, "He's already planning how to make those people slip up first."

Justin sighed, feeling helpless. He didn't know what to say about these cunning people.

Their minds were always scheming or thinking about their wives. Nothing else could bother them.

Simon pretended to cry and poured himself another drink.

They had planned to send Garrett off, but in the end, everyone got drunk, and the butler had to take care of them.

Lewis had also drunk a bit too much. He loosened his tie, carried Aria to the bedroom, and then slowly went downstairs.

The alcohol was taking effect, and Lewis rubbed his temples, heading to the glass corridor on the first floor of the Windsor Mansion.

It was cold there, but not completely outdoors, a good place to sober up.

The glass corridor was dark, with only a few small mushroom nightlights—Aria's request.

In that dim light, he saw someone else there.