Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress novel Chapter 1741

Chapter 1741: It’s not another problem—it’s a condition

Penny discussed further details with Yugi and Wild regarding some matters that had occurred while she was gone. After all, this was the first time Penny was stepping away from the Prime Group’s affairs in a long while. Yet she showed no shred of hesitation—this wasn’t just about her husband.

This was also about Penny herself.

About the Penelope Bennet, who had been imprisoned and executed unjustly.

This was her closure.

Once Wild and Yugi left, Penny remained with Zoren, Mint, and Hugo.

They glanced at the door before exchanging looks.

"So, here’s the plan," Mint began immediately, placing a folder on the table. "Hugo and I went over the idea of letting everyone in on the plan. Obviously, everyone agreed — after a long morning of arguing, of course."

She rolled her eyes, recalling the debate that had dragged her mental state through the gutter... only to be revived afterward.

"I instructed them on the skeletal strategy, just as we discussed," Hugo said, backing her up while Penny and Zoren picked up the folders. "It’s a large-scale operation, practically at war level. But with the rising threat, we convinced them to agree. We were given time, so once we leave this place, Mint and I will be busy on the strategy."

"Even so, we still need something more concrete than what we’ve got now," Mint added, giving Zoren a look. "Hey, you said you went to retrieve the code this morning. How is it?"

"About that." Penny sat straighter, crossing one leg over the other in a relaxed manner. "I don’t think we should make that our first move."

Mint and Hugo blinked, shifting their attention from Penny to Zoren.

"Why not?" Mint deadpanned. "Don’t tell me you lied to me earlier? Were you just trying to impress Penny then?"

"No." Zoren leaned back, meeting their gazes squarely. "I retrieved the code. But I haven’t mentioned everything about it. One detail is that using the code means taking on a lifetime role."

Mint and Hugo frowned, curiosity deepening in their expressions.

"The Zorken Family and their secret army weren’t just an employer and employees. The code is a promise—an agreement made between brothers a long time ago," Zoren explained. "It’s not just tradition; it’s a culture. The head of the secret army and the head of the family recognize each other through the code."

He paused, letting that settle.

"So?" Mint cocked her head. "We already know the Zorken Family would’ve been forced to choose an heir if they hadn’t resorted to all that experimentation to have children."

"That’s the point, Mint," Penny said. "The late Mr. Zorken knew the bloodline wasn’t required to uphold the promise. They wanted their own children to lead the family, yes—but the other party doesn’t see it the same way."

"I’m getting confused," Hugo muttered, rubbing his chin. "I mean, this isn’t really our problem. We’re not here for the Zorken Family. We’re here for their private army—those who don’t have a stake in this and can’t be bought by Nathalie Zorken."

Hugo smiled, aware that both Zoren and Penny were present. He wasn’t about to risk his life by declaring that he was rooting for Mint.

"Nope," he said, slapping the armrest. "So, the code is something we keep as a last resort?"

He rocked his head. "That’s fine by me."

"We still need someone to take over the Zorken Family," Penny cut in, making both Mint and Hugo groan.

"What?" they echoed, displeased. "More problems?"

"It’s not another problem—it’s a condition," Penny clarified. "We mentioned someone needs to inherit the family. If the current head dies without an heir or the code being invoked, we don’t know what that other group would do. Renren and I still aren’t clear on their protocol in that case."

"However, if the head is killed—murdered, assassinated—that’s a different story," she added. "An eye for an eye... or so my husband said."

Zoren nodded, turning to Mint and Hugo. "If the family head dies under those terms, the culprit pays. And so do the generations after them."

"Shit...?" Mint muttered in disbelief. "What kind of archaic law is this?"

"They’re a secret society," Hugo said with a shrug. "Of course, they have twisted beliefs. Bottom line: who the hell do we put in charge of the Zorken Family so our families don’t get obliterated?"