Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress

132 Please, don't abandon me!

Normally, Charles would gather his children so they could talk about what happened. But here he was, doing a quick run in the mansion's jogging paths out of frustration.

Haines would join him, if not only Haines didn't feel like running. Hence, he sat on the bench and counted how many laps Charles ran before the latter finally joined him on the bench.

"Feeling much better now?" Haines asked as he handed Charles a piece of a small towel for the man's sweat.

Charles casually accepted it and wiped it around his neck while pouring a drink down his throat. When his breathing and heart rate stabilized, he cast Haines a glance.

"Haines, one question, he faced Haines squarely. "Haines, why did you stay?"

It was no secret Haines planned to leave shortly after he picked up Penny from the Cortez Household. However, he changed his mind one day before his departure. Although Haines already told Charles a lame excuse, Charles didn't think much about it since he didn't mind if Haines would stay or leave.

But after what happened, Charles couldn't help but probe.

"I can't just leave Penny all alone," Haines didn't mind telling him the truth. "She worries me.

"Did you think this will happen?"

Haines pondered. "Not exactly"

"Then, what?"

"Before I noticed that things might be a little complicated in the family, I was concerned about Penny. As I said, Penny is the one who negotiated those terms before coming in here and even asked for a notarized copy of it," he explained more like reminding Charles of this fact. "After observing her, I realized she's quite indifferent than she was toward her cousins."

"The boy's indifference towards her wasn't also helping. With this, I don't think her footing in the family would stabilize. I don't even think she plans to stay longer," he continued. "That's my initial reason, but as time goes on, I realize there's a much bigger problem."

Charles rocked his head in understanding. "It was us and Allison."

Haines didn't answer, but tipping his head was enough for an answer.

ahead, resting his arms

know?"

it's before that time Hugo confronted you. I'm certain noticed Hugo distanced himself from Nina since

you

not say it, but they could all feel and see that Hugo was purposely being indifferent toward Nina. Hugo was the most considerate older brother. It would take something big

L

HT

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13

don't abandon

same time, stern.

make such a quick decision. If this was a business matter, he wouldn't be surprised.

can't fault her for trying to stir trouble for Penny because until months ago, she was the only daughter of our family," Charles expressed sincerely with a mixture of sadness and guilt. "Nina is just scared that she'd

"I also understand where she's

not getting equal discipline, just like how

her near Penny for now." Charles nodded. "I love Nina and in my heart, she'll always be my daughter. But Penny... she's

around."

felt wrong for Haines to heave a sigh of relief, but he did. He was glad Charles was more forthcoming now than he was months ago. Although Haines was aware this

there's anyone who would understand you won't easily unloved her, that would be Nina, herself, Haines expressed. "I don't want to say more since she's a child, but the fact that children

what she's like. You can ask her... if you are ready

but somehow, that also put pressure on Charles. Once Charles asks Jessa what Nina was like

+

see Allison to discuss some matters. The discussion turned into a huge argument, but in the end, Allison couldn't change

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23

Please, don't

it was best for Penny and Nina not to be near each other for the time