Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress novel Chapter 1604

Chapter 1604: I do not want to be the one to break his heart

"Miss Sandford?" _{freeweɓnøvel.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—"

"I have a hunch this will be a long conversation," she interjected. "Please, I’ll join you in a moment."

They held each other’s gaze for a beat longer before Charles silently nodded and obeyed.

---

Later in the garden...

As promised, Mildred joined Charles with a tray and a tea set. After setting it down and arranging the cups, she looked up at him.

"So, Mr. Bennet," she said. "What is it?"

Charles leaned forward, resting his forearms against the edge of the table.

"I’ll be direct. I hope you won’t mind."

"Direct is my cup of tea," she replied, reaching for the teapot. "So? What about Haines?"

"He may get angry with me for asking, but... has he ever mentioned a previous lover?"

The moment the words left his mouth, Mildred’s fingers gave a small twitch. A little tea spilled as she poured into the cup—just enough for Charles to notice.

"Please," he urged, watching her give him a brief look. "You’re the only one he’s been seeing lately. I was hoping you’d tell me."

Mildred’s lips curled into a tight smile as she finished pouring and handed him a cup. Then she served herself and set it down with a soft clink.

"If I’m being honest, Mr. Bennet," she said gently, "it doesn’t seem like you came here for an answer. It feels more like you already know it... but you’re hoping I’ll tell you something different. I wonder why that is?"

Charles blinked, caught off guard.

How did she know?