Penelope’s face went pale. She covered her mouth, not daring to speak again — she was sure Hope could poison her mute if she wanted to.

Just after a few words with Penelope, another string of messages popped up from Lucian.

SuspendedHeart: Why did you stop talking? Do you think I can’t handle your sister?

SuspendedHeart: Relax. I’ll help you train her, but I’ll still pay you the full amount.

SuspendedHeart: Hey, why do you act so weird sometimes? Some days you talk nonstop, other times you go silent.

NativeSpeakerNoWords: Wrong. My sister and I are training you.

SuspendedHeart: Excuse me? I need your sister to train me?! You’ve been...