Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress novel Chapter 1325

Chapter 1325: Did she just call you niece?

Perhaps Mildred’s suggestion could be effective. If attention was what Grace wanted, then giving it to her might accelerate her interest in Haines—only to make her lose it just as quickly. Maybe if the challenge was too easy, she’d simply let go.

However, this was only if Haines’s assumption about Grace’s motives was correct.

After another half an hour with Mildred and Miss Sandford, the three of them went their separate ways. With Miss Sandford joining them, the conversation had taken a different turn, one much lighter than the heavier topics of Haines’s first love or Mildred’s preferences.

Now, back in the driver’s seat, Haines drove toward the Miller Company. The office wasn’t far from the café—just a twenty-minute drive. It was why even though Mildred had left home earlier than him, he still arrived first.

Stopping at a red light, Haines kept his gaze forward. Then—

"Haha." A quiet chuckle slipped past his lips as he recalled the look he had given Mildred and the one she returned in response.

"I wonder... would she pursue Miss Sandford?"

They were already old.

Would it be ridiculous to seek love at their age?

A love that Mildred deserved?

But the biggest question was—what would Miss Sandford think of it?

During Penny’s fan club reunion, Haines and Miss Sandford had shared some private conversation. Unlike before, when he rarely spoke a word, he had changed over the years. He was gentler now, less withdrawn, making it easier to engage with her.

According to Penny’s former homeroom teacher, she had gotten a divorce a year ago. After being with a man for over a decade, it was surprising that she had chosen to leave. But she had a good reason—her husband was a deadbeat, and her in-laws were cruel.

Though she hadn’t shared all the details, it was clear that Miss Sandford had no interest in relationships anymore. Whether with a man or a woman.

"What am I thinking?" Haines caught himself, shaking his head to dismiss the thought. "It’s not something I should concern myself with."

As he shook his head, something in his peripheral vision caught his attention. He turned, brows rising.

A flower shop.

His gaze lingered on the small shop by the roadside as a man stepped out, a bouquet in hand. The man’s face was alight with excitement as he admired the beautiful arrangement. Haines’s eyes drifted back to the storefront, and a shallow breath slipped past his lips.

*****

A soft chime rang through the quiet flower shop, announcing a customer’s arrival.

"Hi, welcome!" The florist, a young man, approached with a bright expression. "What kind of flowers are you looking for, sir?"

Haines barely glanced at him before his eyes settled on a corner display. "That one."

The florist followed his gaze and smiled when he saw the sunflowers.

"A great choice! Your wife must be a warm, positive, and loyal person," he remarked, unaware of the slight shift in Haines’s expression. "Would you like to add any other flowers to the arrangement? Or any specific preference—"

"No, just that." Haines shook his head and turned his gaze back to the florist. "Do you do deliveries?"

"Yes."

"Then, can you deliver them once they’re ready?"

"Of course, sir. Just provide the address, and we’ll handle the rest."

"Alright."

"Would you like to include a note with them?"

A brief flicker of surprise crossed Haines’s face before he shook his head. "There’s no need."

"Understood. You can settle the payment at the counter."

While the florist arranged the bouquet, Haines went to the cashier. When the florist returned with the completed arrangement, he expected to show it to his customer—especially since first-time customers often wanted to approve the final look before delivery.