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

Chapter 1343: If this is life's way of pranking me, then it is very cruel.

"It's okay," Grace's soft voice stopped Haines, making him look back at her. "You're a guest, so you don't have to take your plate to the sink."

"I don't think that's proper, considering my mischievous niece has already bothered you enough."

Her lips stretched into a smile. "It's a treat, not a bother at all."

"Grace, please stop this madness." This time, Haines spoke kindly. "Tell me―

what can I do to put an end to this?"

"Stop... what?" A flicker of confusion glistened in her eyes as she tilted her head to the side.

"You know what."

"Well, if you're talking about my interest in you, then... nothing." Her smile widened. "Even if you beg, I'm afraid I have to decline your request to stop pursuing you."

"Men should pursue women, not the other way around."

"But I don't want to stay single for life just because the man I want refuses to pursue me."

Haines drew a deep breath, resting his arms on the edge of the table. His gaze locked onto hers, his voice low as he said, "You and I... will not work."

"And how are you so certain?" she asked playfully. "Do you see the future?"

"No."

"Then stop trying to make me dislike you, because the more you do, the cuter I find you."

Grace chuckled, leaning on the table, her eyelashes fluttering as she scanned his face. The corner of her mouth lifted in a satisfied smile.

"One month." She raised a finger. "If, in one month, you still don't feel anything for me, then I'll stop."

"One month?"

She nodded. "Yes, one month. I sent you invitations, didn't I? Once I reach sixty and you still feel nothing, I'll stop—just as you ask. You won't hear from me again... or at least, only when absolutely necessary."

as Haines reconsidered her offer. Time moved so fast-take his nieces and nephews, for instance. Not long ago, they were just kids, and now

are you expecting from me in this one month?" he asked,

sucked her inner cheek as she thought. "You'll

"That's all?"

morning, good afternoon, and

"And?"

when you

sounds like

closer as she drawled, "We'll be lovers

She winked.

opened his mouth, then closed it again. "Never mind. I can't do that. I'm too old to

about the role of my husband? I'll scratch your

she didn't wish to have

She knew he was saying this because he thought it would be a dealbreaker for her. She just hadn't expected him

Haines added. "I

to be a problem," she muttered, making him

should we go to

"Excuse me?" freewebnovel.col

right now? I have a biological clock, so we would need

leaned back, rendered speechless. "You didn't mean it when you said you didn't want

kind of person who

would never win against

me, you will. But you're right-winning against me is very, very hard." A glint of mischief flickered in her eyes as the corner of her mouth lifted. "You'd be surprised what else I

rising from his seat and

the sink. Grace, on the other hand, burst into

washed his plate, shaking his head. "I can't believe I was actually reconsidering that one-month

month with

original plan—let her be and give her just enough attention until she

that," Grace

deadpan. "Thank you for your help and for the breakfast." With that, he placed the plate in its rightfubplace and dragged his feet toward the exit. But before

way, if you're planning to scold Penny, you should

turning back to her with

wasn't the only one who delivered you here. Her brother was with her, and the way he held your wrist white