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

Chapter 1737: Not on my watch

Back at Mama...

Jessa stood by the entrance, arms crossed, chin raised, and one brow arched as she watched the Davises’ car speed away from the property.

"Now my mood’s sour," she muttered, glaring at Charles. "Tch. Charles Bennet, what were you thinking? Why’d you bring those two pieces of work here?"

She marched back to the table where Charles, Allison, and Nina sat. Charles barely spared her a glance before turning to Nina.

"I’m sorry, Nina," he said. "I didn’t expect you’d be here today. I only brought them so the elders could talk."

Nina shook her head with a gentle smile. "Don’t apologize, Dad. If anything, thank you—for trying, for my sake."

"Nina’s right, Charles," Allison added with a nod. "I think it’s for the best she was here."

"I agree! Why were you planning to ambush me and your wife like that?" Jessa asked sassily, dropping into her seat. "It’s a good thing Nina was here. Otherwise, that’s not what they’d be hearing from me!"

Allison chuckled weakly at Jessa’s still-fuming expression. Then again, she couldn’t really blame her—Jessa had every reason to hate the Davis couple. Even Allison was still upset with them. But...

"Jessa, it seemed like they were trying," Allison said gently. "For whatever reason, I just hope their actions come from the heart."

"Hmph."

Nina smiled and reached over to hold Charles’ hand. "Thank you, Dad."

"You don’t have to thank me," he replied, gripping her hand lightly. He gave her a small nod and a warm smile. "I’m just doing what I should—as your father."

Her smile widened as his gaze softened.

Releasing her hand, Charles gently reached over to stroke her hair. The gesture caught not just Nina off guard—Allison and Jessa both raised their brows at the unexpected tenderness.

"Nina," Charles said, voice gentle yet firm, "you’re getting married soon. To a man I think I can trust."

He pulled his hand back and leaned on the table, locking eyes with her. "But just in case—Dad will always be here, alright? I won’t let anyone hurt your heart. So promise me... promise me this marriage makes you happy."

have a shred of doubt about marrying Finn, that’s all I need to hear. Whether it’s now or even at the last minute—Dad will always take your side, if it’s for your happiness and peace. Do you understand,

warm, her lips trembling as she nodded slowly—pressing them into a thin

she whispered.

and gently patted

She leaned a little closer to her husband and offered him a loving smile

when she said Charles led their family. He always made time to sit down and talk to their children—be it their sons, Penny, or Nina. To her, that was what made him

reminded her of

more used to your idiotic side. This doesn’t suit

Nina stifled a laugh. Charles simply shook his head in mock

her hand. "Don’t look at me

a snarky comment right back at her—but today wasn’t

and stood. "I only stopped by because of the Davises, but

up, standing with him.

alright," he said, shaking his head—before turning to Jessa. "Hey. Walk with me

herself. "Did you just call me

over his shoulder, already

her seat. "Charles, are you trying to pick

him," Allison said with a

arms crossed. Allison and Nina exchanged knowing looks as the

added, defeated. "He probably has something important

won’t eat the samples till you’re back,"

eyes drifted to the entrance, where Charles stood with his back turned, clearly

muttered, rolling

watched her

what it’s

nothing," Allison replied, though her

---

Meanwhile...

outside, dragging her feet as