Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress novel Chapter 132

Chapter 132: Please, don’t abandon me!

Normally, Charles would gather his children so they could talk about what happened. But here he was, doing a quick run in the mansion’s jogging paths out of frustration.

Haines would join him, if not only Haines didn’t feel like running. Hence, he sat on the bench and counted how many laps Charles ran before the latter finally joined him on the bench.

"Feeling much better now?" Haines asked as he handed Charles a piece of a small towel for the man’s sweat.

Charles casually accepted it and wiped it around his neck while pouring a drink down his throat. When his breathing and heart rate stabilized, he cast Haines a glance.

"Haines, one question," he faced Haines squarely. "Haines, why did you stay?"

It was no secret Haines planned to leave shortly after he picked up Penny from the Cortez Household. However, he changed his mind one day before his departure. Although Haines already told Charles a lame excuse, Charles didn’t think much about it since he didn’t mind if Haines would stay or leave.

But after what happened, Charles couldn’t help but probe.

"I can’t just leave Penny all alone," Haines didn’t mind telling him the truth. "She worries me."

"Did you think this will happen?"

Haines pondered. "Not exactly."

"Then, what?"

"Before I noticed that things might be a little complicated in the family, I was concerned about Penny. As I said, Penny is the one who negotiated those terms before coming in here and even asked for a notarized copy of it," he explained — more like reminding Charles of this fact. "After observing her, I realized she’s quite indifferent than she was toward her cousins."

"The boy’s indifference towards her wasn’t also helping. With this, I don’t think her footing in the family would stabilize. I don’t even think she plans to stay longer," he continued. "That’s my initial reason, but as time goes on, I realize there’s a much bigger problem."

Charles rocked his head in understanding. "It was us and Allison."

Haines didn’t answer, but tipping his head was enough for an answer.

"Hah." Charles huffed as he looked ahead, resting his arms on his legs. "Since when did you know?"

"I’m not sure when, but I’m certain it’s before that time Hugo confronted you. I’m certain you noticed Hugo distanced himself from Nina since then."

Everyone might not say it, but they could all feel and see that Hugo was purposely being indifferent toward Nina. Hugo was the most considerate older brother. It would take something big for Hugo to get angry.

"I can’t let her near Penny," Charles spoke after a prolonged silence. His tone was low but, at the same time, stern.

Haines brows rose as he didn’t expect Charles to make such a quick decision. If this was a business matter, he wouldn’t be surprised. But when it comes to family, Charles never decides on anything rashly.

"Is that what you’ve been thinking while running?" Haines blurted out.