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-"

have a hunch this will be a long conversation," she interjected.

a beat longer before Charles silently nodded and

Later in the garden...

After setting it

Mr. Bennet," she said.

leaned forward, resting his forearms against the edge of the

be direct. I hope you

tea," she replied, reaching for the teapot. "So? What

with me for asking, but... has he ever mentioned

fingers gave a small twitch. A little tea

brief look. "You're the only one he's been seeing lately. I was hoping

tight smile as she finished pouring and handed him a cup.

doesn't seem like you came here for an answer. It feels more like you already know

blinked, caught off

How did she know?

clear you're like brothers. Both of you wear your thoughts on your faces long before deciding whether to

this matters so much to you-why you seem 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 a few times-brief encounters just to catch up. We're

more, nothing less."

sip of her tea, savoring the

don't think

The

admitted, giving him a slow nod. "As for the de believe it's

from him directly."

settled between them, broken only by the whisper

and the scent of tea

finally said. "Thank you for your

a small, apologetic smile. "I'm sorry that's

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

in return,

take my leave. Please give my regards

nod, Charles turned and

in his

wanted real answers, he had to

had.