Chapter 391

Nathaniel's voice remained steady yet unyielding.

"Obviously, you need someone who knows Dr. Sinclair. Isn't Professor Alistair Penelope's mentor? You could ask her to contact him, or—"

Isabella cut in, her words shaking with desperation. "Or what?"

"Oliver mentioned he was acquainted with Dr. Sinclair. He even said she was a woman. You could ask him to help you uncover the truth," Nathaniel replied before ending the call.

Penelope, now with a clearer path forward, spoke up.

"Let's go find Professor Alistair," she said without hesitation.

Earlier, they had been completely lost, their thoughts tangled in panic. Now that Nathaniel had pointed them toward a solution, they had two options—seek help from Alistair or Oliver.

"Fine." Isabella nodded in agreement.

The Whitmore family arrived at the Whitmore residence. Beatrice, who recognized Isabella, didn't bother hiding her disdain.

"Sorry, Mr. Whitmore isn't home. I can't let you in," she stated firmly.

Isabella's face paled. Normally, she would have stormed off, but desperation forced her to swallow her pride. "This is urgent. Could you at least inform him we're here?"

Beatrice scoffed. "Everyone claims their business is urgent. Should I just let anyone in who says so? Who do you think you are?"

She still hadn't forgotten how Isabella and Arabella had humiliated Rosalind. There was no way she'd show them any courtesy now.

Penelope stepped forward, urgency lacing her voice. "I'm Professor Alistair's top student. I need to speak with him immediately."

Beatrice shot her a dismissive glance. "Birds of a feather."

Penelope froze, stunned into silence.

The Whitmores stood there, frantic and pacing like trapped animals, completely at a loss.

Just then, a sleek luxury car pulled up. Alistair had returned.

Margaret's eyes brightened. "Look! Professor Whitmore is back!"

Penelope rushed forward. "Professor Whitmore!"

Alistair raised a brow at the sight of them. "Penelope? What brings you here? And why is everyone with you?"

Penelope, breathless, blurted out, "Professor, we need your help! Our family is in serious trouble!"

Alistair tilted his head. "What happened?"

Penelope hurriedly explained, "We were scammed by a fake Dr. Sinclair! He tricked me into falling for him, took our money, and vanished. We invested everything with him, and now he's disappeared with all our funds."

Alistair burst into laughter, unable to contain himself.

Margaret and the others gaped at him, shocked.

Still chuckling, Alistair said, "Apologies, but that's just too rich. So, Penelope, you got duped by Dr. Sinclair? I'm surprised you even thought you could land someone like her. And why do you keep calling Dr. Sinclair a man? She's a woman!"

Dr. Sinclair was a woman?

When Oliver had first mentioned it, they hadn't believed him. Now, hearing Alistair confirm it, reality crashed down on them.

Margaret's face drained of color, and she stomped her foot in frustration.

"What a complete waste! I had dreams of Dr. Sinclair becoming my grandson-in-law. I even imagined Penelope and Isabella having a double wedding, marrying Mr. Falcon and Dr. Sinclair in a grand ceremony! I thought our family was finally rising to the top!"

One shattered illusion after another.

Alistair gave Margaret an amused look. "Your family is luckier than you realize."

Victoria blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"

Alistair didn't elaborate, only adding with dark amusement, "Though you all did an excellent job of throwing away your best assets."

Margaret was utterly bewildered. What was he talking about?

Frederick and Theodore were desperate.

"Professor Whitmore, our estate and company have been seized by the bank! We'll be homeless by tonight! Please, help us. We'll be forever in your debt."