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

Chapter 1374: SOS for Haines

Meanwhile...

"Haines, you're leaving?" Charles looked up at Haines, who had just stood up from his seat. "But the birthday celebration isn't over yet."

Haines remained stoic. "I forgot something at the company."

"What is it?" Charles furrowed his brows. "Just do it tomorrow."

"I can't," was all Haines said before stepping away. Approaching the celebrant as

a formality, he said, "Happy Birthday again, Grace."

Grace, who had been chatting with a few colleagues, turned to him. "You're leaving? Already?"

"I'm sorry."

Grace pursed her lips, her high cheekbones looking a bit fuller as she frowned. "It's alright. Thank you for coming-wait, I'll walk you out."

"Don't bother." Just as those words left Haines' lips, Charles came up beside him.

"Gracie, you beautiful young lady!" Charles approached Grace, extending his hand, which she clasped tightly. Holding her hand, he looked her in the eye and nodded. "Thank you for inviting me, Gracie. But like Haines, I have to go. My wife is waiting for me at home."

Grace squeezed his hand and nodded. "No, thank you for coming, Uncle Charles."

"Don't mention it. It's your birthday!" Charles laughed. "Though it's a fake one, I like the idea! Next time, call me big brother! HAHAHA!"

Grace grinned, her eyes squinting slightly as she cast Haines a mischievous look. He immediately looked away, letting Charles and Grace exchange a few more words. She still offered to walk them out, but with her other guests still present, Charles and Haines insisted she stay.

And with that, the two men left.

Outside...

"Haines, where are you going?" Charles called after him, watching as Haines walked in the opposite direction. "My car is right here. Come on, I'll drive you to the company so we can go home together. Just make it quick. Otherwise, Allison would be a bit worried, you know her."

flatly, "I brought my own car,

arrived together. Haines had been late, after all. "I'll just

shook his

not coming with

"No."

"Are you sure?"

moment, the lingering emotions in Haines' face vanished. Was it really that strange for him to refuse a ride with

the past thousand Chapters,

sharply. "Stop making Allison wait for you

old. Tch. That attitude-you're acting like

as Charles grumbled all the way to his car. But before getting into the driver's seat, Charles

leg might get too strained. And it's very late, so

car, revved the

a moment, shaking his head with a sigh. "I'm not

cast one last glance at the restaurant before dragging himself to his car. But instead

For two hours.

Two hours later...

checked the time, a rare flicker of impatience crossing his face. He was known for his

him. Haines only ever waited for things that truly

were worth

something precious. He

spotted Grace finally stepping out of the restaurant, accompanied by a few colleagues. He watched them exchange goodbyes, their faces alight with smiles. Grace even offered to walk one of them to their car before making her way toward

as she slid into the front passenger seat, a beautiful smile curling her lips as she turned

glanced at her.

a chuckle, reaching for the seatbelt and buckling herself in.

home, and

get

No time to waste.

speaking. He hoped it would last the entire ride.

as she recalled the night. "...should

Haines

feels a little wrong, lying to him and then secretly meeting you behind his back," she added