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-"

a hunch this will be a long conversation," she interjected. "Please, I'll join you in a

a beat longer before Charles silently

Later in the garden...

tea set. After setting it down and

she said. "What is

resting his forearms against

be direct. I

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

get angry with me for asking, but... has he ever

words left his mouth, Mildred's fingers gave a small twitch. A little tea spilled as she poured into the cup-just enough

give him a brief look. "You're the only one he's been seeing

tight smile as she finished pouring and handed him a cup. Then she served herself and set it down with a

It feels more like you already know

caught

How did she know?

years together, it's clear you're like brothers. Both of you wear your thoughts on your faces long before deciding

so desperate to deny it-I'd like to clarify something," she continued. "Haines and I don't See each other often. We've only met

more, nothing less."

her tea, savoring the flavor before

I don't

The

mention someone from his past," she admitted, giving him a slow nod. "As for the de

from him directly."

silence settled between them, broken only by the whisper of the

the scent of

see," Charles finally said. "Thank you

small, apologetic smile. "I'm

apologize." Charles stood, prompting her to do the same. "I was asking you to put yourself in a tight

nothing in return, just

take my leave. Please give my regards to

nod, Charles turned and walked

echoed in

real answers, he had to

had.