Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress novel Chapter 994

Chapter 994: Might not be lovers, but friends

If there was one strange thing Haines would consider today, it would be sharing something very personal with Mildred. The story he shared with her was something even Charles didn’t know. Haines had never mentioned the woman because he didn’t want Charles to blame himself.

When Charles returned from the military, he was mentally vulnerable. Even when Charles got better and started acting like his usual self, taking charge of the company, Haines knew that Charles was simply trying his best to hold on to his sanity. It was when Allison came into Charles’s life that the latter’s life got better.

Even so, Haines didn’t have the chance to tell Charles about that part of his life. He deemed it unnecessary. Hence, he asked for Charles to be transferred to their international branch, which Charles had already considered initially.

Yet Haines told Mildred about it for a reason he couldn’t explain. But after hearing Mildred’s answer, he finally realized the reason.

In a way, Mildred mirrored him, just as he mirrored her.

"If you haven’t heard of it, the Pierson Family is quite traditional," said Mildred. "We have a hierarchy, with the chairwoman, the patriarch of the family, at the top. Those who have a seat at their table come second. My mother has a seat — a very important one."

Mildred paused and sighed. "She’s fierce and honest. The chairwoman favored her, and my mother assisted the chairwoman with everything. The two of them were both admirable."

"And that’s the very reason you haven’t said a word?"

"Damn right." Mildred laughed, pleased by Haines’s quick thinking. "It’s not that they had said it themselves, but I just knew... it would disappoint them. My mother, especially. She might’ve passed, but even after death, I still don’t want to disappoint her."

"So, I focus my energy on helping those new to the family. As I said, the Pierson Family is different. You might say the Bennet Family is the same, but... it is not." She shook her head. "The Bennet Family wouldn’t try to kill each other, but the Piersons... it’s always a life-and-death situation."

Upon realizing what she was telling Haines, Mildred bit her tongue and felt a sense of dread creeping into his heart.

"It’s alright," Haines laughed. "I am aware."

"The matriarch told you?" she asked in surprise.

"Had I mentioned she spent the last twelve years with me? There’s nothing she hasn’t told me yet. Especially when it concerns her life, I would have to know. Besides, although I’ve retired, I still have access to Prime Group. So, if I want to know about the Piersons, I can simply look you up... just like how you can look me up with your connections."

Mildred chuckled weakly. "I’m sorry. I was just curious what kind of family our matriarch came from... and it did not disappoint."

"Her parents would be glad to hear that."

"Well... I guess that’s a wrap?" Mildred flashed him a grin. "This date turned out better than I thought."

"I have to agree." Haines nodded. "Just when I thought there was nothing I would enjoy about this arrangement, I’m glad Old Mrs. Pierson thought of you."

The two of them stared at each other with their lips stretching into wider smiles. What they felt was genuine. Although they were both aware that this date turned out better than they expected, they also knew that the two of them were impossible.

Even so, the date might not have turned out as Old Mrs. Pierson or others expected, but the two of them quietly agreed that, even though they might not end up as lovers, they would still be good friends.

"Should we go back?" Haines suggested, only to see Mildred shake her head.