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

Chapter 994: Might not be lovers, but friends

If there was one strange thing Haines would consider today, it would be sharing something very personal with Mildred. The story he shared with her was something even Charles didn't know. Haines had never mentioned the woman because he didn't want Charles to blame himself.

When Charles returned from the military, he was mentally vulnerable. Even when Charles got better and started acting like his usual self, taking charge of the company, Haines knew that Charles was simply trying his best to hold on to his sanity. It was when Allison came into Charles's life that the latter's life got better.

Even so, Haines didn't have the chance to tell Charles about that part of his life. He deemed it unnecessary. Hence, he asked for Charles to be transferred to their international branch, which Charles had already considered initially.

Yet Haines told Mildred about it for a reason he couldn't explain. But after hearing Mildred's answer, he finally realized the reason.

In a way, Mildred mirrored him, just as he mirrored her.

"If you haven't heard of it, the Pierson Family is quite traditional," said Mildred. "We have a hierarchy, with the chairwoman, the patriarch of the family, at the top. Those who have a seat at their table come second. My mother has a seat - a very important one."

Mildred paused and sighed. "She's fierce and honest. The chairwoman favored her, and my mother assisted the chairwoman with everything. The two of them were both admirable."

"And that's the very reason you haven't said a word?"

"Damn right." Mildred laughed, pleased by Haines's quick thinking. "It's not that they had said it themselves, but I just knew... it would disappoint them. My mother, especially. She might've passed, but even after death, I still don't want to disappoint her."

"So, I focus my energy on helping those new to the family. As I said, the Pierson Family is different. You might say the Bennet Family is the same, but... it is not." She shook her head. "The Bennet Family wouldn't try to kill each other, but the Piersons... it's always a life-and-death situation."

Upon realizing what she was telling Haines, Mildred bit her tongue and felt a sense of dread creeping into his heart.

"It's alright," Haines laughed. "I am aware."

matriarch told you?" she

I mentioned she spent the last twelve years with me? There's nothing she hasn't told me yet. Especially when it concerns her life, I would have to know. Besides, although I've retired, I still have access to Prime Group. So, if I want to know about the Piersons,

was just curious what kind of family our matriarch came

be glad to hear

him a grin. "This date

agree." Haines nodded. "Just when I thought there was nothing I would enjoy about this arrangement, I'm glad Old Mrs. Pierson thought

What they felt was genuine. Although they were both aware that this date turned out better than they expected, they also knew that the two of

or others expected, but the two of them quietly agreed that, even though they might not end up as lovers, they would

only to

options: we go back there now and proceed to your next date, or wait until Charles sends your next date a message that the arrangement is no longer necessary. I'm

free to choose.

legs tingle a little, so I'd better stay here," he

between them as their laughter subsided. They

salt, but... you should move on," she uttered after a prolonged silence. "Your first love

you're foolish, then do something about it. You've waited for a long time, but it's already time to let go and give yourself the chance. We've only known each other for a short time, but even if we'd known each other for a

seem like a good man," she added. "There's never too late

also say that

his head a little. "You said it yourself. Old Mrs. Pierson and your late mother haven't said it, and your worries that you'd disappoint them were all concocted in your

you think it

not easy, just as it is not easy for me to move on. If it were, then I wouldn't be doing these dates at my age," he smiled, thinking about how he had already tried

his chin. "I'll take these dates seriously and hope that someone will make this heart beat just as it's supposed to. While you... you should do your best

society."

Haines grinned brightly. "We're too