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.

Charles huffed as he looked ahead, resting his arms on his legs. "Since when

know?"

but I'm certain it's before that time Hugo confronted you. I'm certain noticed Hugo distanced

you

was purposely being indifferent toward Nina. Hugo

L

HT

12:06

13

don't

same time, stern.

matter, he wouldn't be surprised. But when it comes to family, Charles never decides on

seemed we spoiled her more than we thought. I 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

understand where she's

not getting equal discipline, just like how we disciplined Hugo

she's still my daughter in heart. The least I can do is not let her near Penny for now." Charles nodded. "I love Nina and in my heart, she'll always be my daughter. But Penny... she's my flesh and blood. Allison might argue with me, but I can't keep letting someone who stirs trouble for my

around."

relief, but he did. He was glad Charles was more forthcoming now than he was months ago. Although Haines was aware this might hurt Charles, especially Allison, it was the right

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 exhibit

ask her... if you

also put pressure on Charles. Once Charles asks Jessa what Nina was like in their home, he

+

he went to see Allison to discuss some matters. The discussion turned into a huge argument, but in the end,

12:06

23

Please, don't

not to be near each other for the time being. So once the adults