Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress novel Chapter 1603

Chapter 1603: I hope she knows

[Back to the Bennet Mansion]

"I once imagined a future with her. Yes, I did."

Charles sat at his desk, Haines’s words looping in his mind like a broken record. He had never once heard of Haines being in a relationship.

What did he mean he once imagined a life with that woman?

The question gnawed at him, pushing aside even his curiosity about the photo found in Slater’s belongings. Finally, he couldn’t take it anymore. He shoved himself up from his seat.

"Screw it," he muttered. "Allison might know."

Without hesitation, Charles grabbed his blazer and rushed out of the room.

As he crossed the entryway, Butler Jen had just entered the house and looked as though he was about to say something. _{ƒrēewebnovel.com}

"Sir, have you—" Butler Jen’s words trailed off as Charles stormed past him, not bothering to stop.

The butler blinked, watching him go, and tilted his head in confusion.

"I wonder what’s happening," he murmured. "Even Sir Haines stormed out earlier."

The only difference was that Haines had limped slightly, relying on his cane.

Still, Butler Jen didn’t dwell too much on it. He knew that even if Haines and Charles argued, they always found a way to resolve things. This family had seen both sunshine and storms.

But the bad days always passed.

---

Charles could only think of Allison. His wife always knew everything — that much, he never doubted. Since the start of their marriage, Allison had always been right. And she shared a good relationship with Haines.

If Haines didn’t confide in Charles, he was sure he’d confide in her.

So Charles drove to the restaurant.

At Mama, Charles entered the bustling space. Unsurprisingly, the place was packed — it was nearing dinner time, after all.

"Ahem!" Charles cleared his throat to get his wife’s attention.

Allison, mid-order, turned at the familiar sound. She smiled at the sight of him but didn’t speak. Instead, she finished taking the order and then walked toward him.

"I’m busy, Charles," she said as she brushed past him. "But good thing you’re here."

Charles frowned and followed. "Ali —"

"Help me take some orders — or never mind. You’d probably just mess it up," she added, making him frown deeper.

He sighed and followed her to the counter, watching as she handed off orders through the kitchen window, then moved straight to the cashier to punch in more tickets.

Standing by, Charles lingered like he was waiting for the right moment to speak.

"What is it, Charles?" she asked without looking up. "I’m busy. If you’re not going to help, don’t distract me."

"Allison, did you know Haines used to have a girlfriend?"

"What? You mean the younger woman he recently confessed to be dating?"

"No — I mean in the past. Did he ever mention having a lover before?"