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,

they hadn't arrived together. Haines had been late, after all. "I'll

Charles." Haines shook

not coming

"No."

"Are you sure?"

it really that strange for him to refuse a ride with

considering the past thousand

sighed sharply. "Stop making Allison wait

You're old. Tch. That attitude-you're acting like my child or

But before getting into

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

Charles hopped into his car, revved the engine, and

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

last glance at the restaurant before

For two hours.

Two hours later...

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

anyone could blame him. Haines only ever

were

for something precious. He was waiting because

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

into the front passenger seat, a

at her.

seatbelt and buckling herself in. As she

waiting. The restaurant was an hour away from Grace's home, and after dropping her off, he'd

he'd get home

No time to waste.

them speaking. He hoped it

she recalled the

Haines didn't

little wrong, lying to him and then secretly meeting