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

Chapter 1604: I do not want to be the one to break his heart

"Miss Sandford?" freewebnovel.com

Miss Sandford, who had opened the door, almost jolted in surprise at the sight of Charles outside.

"Mr. Bennet!"

"Uh... I didn't know you and Mildred Pierson were acquaintances," he said. "Is she in?"

"We only met not long ago, and yes, she is," Miss Sandford replied, nodding as she opened the door wider. "Please come in. She's in the kitchen-I'll just call her."

With that, Miss Sandford let him inside, and Charles stepped in carefully. As he approached the couches, he watched her hurry off toward the kitchen.

"They must be close if she's answering the door instead of the owner," he muttered as he took a seat, but he didn't dwell on it much.

It didn't take long before Mildred came into view. As soon as she did, Charles quickly rose from his seat.

"Mr. Bennet," Mildred greeted, her steps slowing until she stopped a few paces away. "To what do I owe this visit?"

Charles's expression quickly turned solemn, prompting her to raise a brow.

"Madam Mildred, may I ask for a minute of your time? I have some personal matters to discuss with you regarding Haines. I was hoping you might have some answers."

It felt strange. Strange to be asking someone else about Haines.

If there was anyone who should know Haines best, it was Charles.

They had grown up together-from foolish boys to teenagers, then to men. They were family. And yet, here he was, hoping a woman who hadn't known Haines long could give him insight.

It stung more than a little.

Mildred didn't answer immediately. Her lips pressed into a thin line.

"There's a path to the garden," she said, gesturing to the side. "Wait for me there while I prepare some tea."

"There's no need-"

will be a long conversation,"

beat longer before Charles silently

Later in the garden...

and a tea set. After setting it down and arranging the cups, she looked

she said. "What

his forearms

direct. I hope

of tea," she replied, reaching for the teapot.

asking, but... has he ever

mouth, Mildred's fingers gave a small twitch. A little tea

watching her give him a brief look. "You're the only one he's been seeing lately. I was

she finished pouring and handed him a cup. Then she served

an answer. It feels more like you already know it... but you're hoping I'll tell you something different. I wonder why

blinked, caught off

How did she know?

head. "You and Haines... after so many years together, it's clear you're like brothers. Both of you wear your thoughts

clarify something," she continued. "Haines and I don't See each other often. We've only met a few times-brief encounters just to catch up.

more, nothing less."

savoring the flavor before placing the

don't think I'm in

The

Still, he did mention someone from his past," she admitted, giving him a slow nod. "As for the de believe it's best if you hear

from him directly."

them, broken only

the scent of tea rising between

finally said. "Thank you for your

a small, apologetic smile. "I'm sorry

to do the same. "I was asking you to put yourself in

in

take my leave. Please give my regards to Miss

polite nod, Charles turned and walked

echoed in his head. She was

real answers, he had to confront Haines. Like a man. Like

had.