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.'

wouldn't do this. But of

limits, especially when she

teasing Grace - or helping her. But the remaining ninety percent? Penny needed leverage to silence

called her out on whatever she had done last night, Penny would inevitably drag Grace into it. And once she did, she'd spill everything. That was the last thing Haines wanted-especially because

as he pinched the bridge

head. "No need. Thank you for lending me your bed last night. I apologize for the

his apology. "But if you're truly grateful and don't want

And there she goes.

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

have

"Grace."

rose from

"

her, watching as she

not small either -comparable to Penny's penthouse at

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

If sharing a meal cleared his debt, so be

As he stepped inside, he saw her setting

slept in, so the food got a bit cold," she said with a playful

to the table and asked before sitting down, "Do you

a little at his offer. "If you help, I might mistake us for husband and wife. No mixed signals,

Oh, good lord.

seat, glancing at the table. It was smaller than what he was used to, but considering

she returned with the dishes she had prepared plus a cup of coffee for him and sat

"Eat well."

small portion. After a moment,

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

his eyes slightly. He looked at