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."

you?" she

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, I can simply look you up... just like how you can look me up with your

I was just curious what kind of family our matriarch came from... and it did not

be glad to

a wrap?" Mildred flashed him a grin. "This date turned out better than I

there was nothing I would enjoy about this arrangement, I'm glad

at each other with their lips stretching into wider smiles. What they felt was genuine. Although they were

not have turned out as Old Mrs. Pierson or others expected, but the two of them quietly agreed that,

go back?" Haines suggested, only to see Mildred

go back there now and proceed to your next

free

so I'd better stay here," he humored, chuckling

as their laughter subsided. They watched the

salt, but... you should move on," she uttered after a prolonged silence. "Your first love might be dead by now. So, she might not be able to come back and

know 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 long time, I would've said

man," she added. "There's never too late

also say

his head a little. "You said it yourself. Old Mrs. Pierson and your late mother haven't said

you think it is

my age," he smiled, thinking about how he had already tried to move on

Haines rubbed 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 to free yourself

society."

Haines grinned brightly. "We're too old for