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

Chapter 1342: Please don't poison me

Meanwhile...

Haines grunted as he instinctively reached for his head before opening his eyes. However, the usual headache he expected never came. A deep crease formed between his brows as his eyes slowly adjusted.

"Penny," he breathed out, recalling the last thing he remembered from the previous night. But before he could dwell on it, he took in his unfamiliar surroundings.

Haines froze, glancing around the room.

It was spacious, tidy, and well-lit. Hints of pink and gold decorated the space, giving it a feminine touch-but not overwhelmingly so. As he inhaled, a delicate, distinctly feminine scent lingered in the air. Looking down at himself, he noted that he was still in his inner dress shirt, though his blazer and tie were draped neatly over a nearby chair.

"Where... is this?" he muttered, completely confused. He had never been here before.

Curious, he swung his legs over the bed and stood. As he did, he noticed something strange: his leg didn't ache. He squeezed his thigh before testing his steps toward the window. Sliding the curtain aside, he peered out onto a busy street.

"I'm still in the city," he whispered, exhaling sharply. "That's for sure."

A ridiculous suspicion crept into his mind. Knowing Penny, it wasn't impossible. However, he hoped-no, prayed — that his niece hadn't gone that far this time. To confirm his location, Haines stepped out of the bedroom. He had barely taken a step into the hallway when a familiar voice greeted him.

"Oh? You're awake."

His eyes flicked to the cozy living area, landing on the stunning figure of Grace.

She was already dressed in her usual smart-casual attire: a light-colored blouse tucked under a white blazer, paired with a fitted skirt. Seated on the couch, she crossed one leg over the other, a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and a document in the other.

As their gazes met, the corner of her pink lips curled upward.

"Good morning, Haines."

"..." Haines exhaled heavily, his jaw tightening. 'I knew it.'

hoped Penny wouldn't do this. But

she was

it was Penny teasing Grace - or helping

Penny would inevitably drag Grace into it. And once she did, she'd spill everything. That was the last

offered, watching as he pinched the

a glance and shook his head. "No need. Thank you for lending me your bed last night. I apologize

grateful and don't

And there she goes.

home first and change," he replied flatly. "I can pick you up for lunch.

have a busy

"Grace."

for breakfast." She rose from her seat, smiling warmly. "Join

"

her, watching as she walked toward

big, but not small either

did let me use her bed last night,' he thought. 'It'd be rude to refuse her

he didn't want to owe Grace anything. If sharing a meal cleared

he stepped inside, he saw

cold," she said with a playful smile. "Take a seat. It won't

table and asked before sitting down, "Do you

at his offer. "If you help, I might mistake us for husband and

Oh, good lord.

sighed in defeat and took his seat, glancing at the table. It was smaller than what he was used to, but considering Grace lived alone,

prepared plus a cup of

"Eat well."

the meal," he said politely, serving himself a small portion. After a moment, he

cheek on her palm. "I cooked it," she said softly.

his eyes slightly. He looked at the food, then