THE ALGORITHM

11.

For the first time in her life, Victoria became tongue-tied. She wasn't expecting to see Penny at the mansion. Bilal was obviously up to something. She caught him going through the file several times during their trip to Oregon. It bothered her, but she did let it slide. Confronting him would only add more fuel to the fire.

Victoria blinked a few times, trying to get herself together. She couldn't believe she allowed herself to slip like that. She'd always been a poised woman, always on her toes and ready for anything. However, seeing Penny and her intimidating stance did knock her off balance.

"Why is she here?"

Bilal locked his phone and flipped it before giving Victoria his undivided attention.

"What?"

Victoria took a few sips of her wine before repeating herself. "Why is she here?"

"You know I don't like it when you try to involve yourself in my business," Bilal warned her, shooting a look.

"Come on." Victoria eyed him as if he had two heads. She wanted an explanation. This whole situation was weird, and she tried to understand why Penny was staying at the mansion. "You've been researching her. That's the same young girl from that folder–"

"Know your place." Bilal pushed out sternly as he kept his eyes trained on Victoria. "I already told you what you need to know."

The room grew quiet for a moment as Victoria picked her manicured nails. She eventually sighed before cracking a smirk with her eyes glued to her man.

"She witnessed something she shouldn't have,"  Victoria repeated the words he said to her in Oregon. Bilal wasn't expecting to hear that. He looked at her, stunned internally but nonchalant externally. "What did she witness? Did one of your men kill someone in front of her?"

Footsteps approaching prevented Bilal from responding. He was thankful because he didn't want to explain why Penny was there.

The sound of the trundling wheels captured their attention. Bilal looked over at the door and noticed Penny crossing the threshold. She didn't look amused at all. In fact, she looked angry and fed up with her duties. The cart was loaded with a stack of porcelain plates and gold cutlery, accompanied by linen and condiments.  If she weren't under such heavy security, she probably would've grabbed a knife and gone berserk. Intrusive thoughts.

Instead, she grabbed the tablecloths and utensils and centered them before the couple. Penny removed the cloche from both plates. Immediately, the steam escaped, signifying how hot the food was. There rested the herb-crusted lamb, sauteed asparagus, and homemade garlic mashed potatoes. Bilal requested the meal, and she delivered.

"Mmm." Victoria hummed, with a smile on her face. The rosemary and garlicky aroma danced around her nostrils. She eyed the plates filled with food. Victoria reached over to grab her fork, ready to dig into the meal. "Everything smells so delicious. I hope it tastes as good as it looks."

Penny paused momentarily and pinpointed the woman. She shot her a look that said she was not in the mood to hear compliments, whether Victoria was being genuine or petty. Penny was irritated and ready to return to her room.

The sound of the porcelain plate slamming against the glass table grabbed their attention. Victoria jumped lightly before glancing at her plate of food and then looking at Penny, who didn't pay her any mind. She diverted her attention toward Bilal, who was just as puzzled as she was. 

Penny didn't seem to mind their hard stares. Instead of pausing and trying to figure out why, she repeated the same movement when she neared Bilal. However, the second plate decided to crack the glass table. The trio heard the sound of the crackling. Bilal pushed the plate to the side and realized there was a long, cracked streak in the middle of the table, starting from his side. Quickly, he shot Penny a look and furrowed brows in anger.