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."

him and replied flatly, "I brought my own

late, after all. "I'll just call someone to

shook

not coming with

"No."

"Are you sure?"

face vanished. Was it really that strange for him

past

sharply. "Stop making Allison

You're old.

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

take care on the road. Your leg might get too strained. And it's very late, so

his car, revved the engine, and after

sigh. "I'm not the one acting like his child,

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

For two hours.

Two hours later...

a rare flicker of impatience crossing his face. He was known for his

Haines only ever waited for things

that were

waiting for something precious. He was waiting because he

exchange goodbyes, their faces alight with

wait this long," she said as she slid into the front passenger seat, a beautiful smile curling her

glanced at

cold," she teased with a chuckle, reaching for the seatbelt and buckling herself in. As

home, and after dropping her

he'd get

No time to waste.

speaking. He hoped it would last

as she recalled the night.

expected, Haines didn't

then