Pampered By My Three Brothers: The Return Of The Neglected Heiress - Chapter 1342

Chapter 1342: Please don’t poison me
Meanwhile…

Haines grunted as he instinctively reached for his head before opening his eyes. However, the usual headache he expected never came. A deep crease formed between his brows as his eyes slowly adjusted.

“Penny,” he breathed out, recalling the last thing he remembered from the previous night. But before he could dwell on it, he took in his unfamiliar surroundings.

Haines froze, glancing around the room.

It was spacious, tidy, and well-lit. Hints of pink and gold decorated the space, giving it a feminine touch—but not overwhelmingly so. As he inhaled, a delicate, distinctly feminine scent lingered in the air. Looking down at himself, he noted that he was still in his inner dress shirt, though his blazer and tie were draped neatly over a nearby chair.

“Where… is this?” he muttered, completely confused. He had never been here before.

Curious, he swung his legs over the bed and stood. As he did, he noticed something strange: his leg didn’t ache. He squeezed his thigh before testing his steps toward the window. Sliding the curtain aside, he peered out onto a busy street.

“I’m still in the city,” he whispered, exhaling sharply. “That’s for sure.”

A ridiculous suspicion crept into his mind. Knowing Penny, it wasn’t impossible. However, he hoped — no, prayed — that his niece hadn’t gone that far this time.

To confirm his location, Haines stepped out of the bedroom. He had barely taken a step into the hallway when a familiar voice greeted him.

“Oh? You’re awake.”

His eyes flicked to the cozy living area, landing on the stunning figure of Grace.

She was already dressed in her usual smart-casual attire: a light-colored blouse tucked under a white blazer, paired with a fitted skirt. Seated on the couch, she crossed one leg over the other, a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and a document in the other.

As their gazes met, the corner of her pink lips curled upward.

“Good morning, Haines.”

“…” Haines exhaled heavily, his jaw tightening. ‘I knew it.’

He had hoped Penny wouldn’t do this. But of course, Penny never failed to push the limits, especially when she was in a desperate situation.

Haines immediately understood the reason behind this stunt. Maybe ten percent of it was Penny teasing Grace — or helping her. But the remaining ninety percent? Penny needed leverage to silence him.

If Haines called her out on whatever she had done last night, Penny would inevitably drag Grace into it. And once she did, she’d spill everything. That was the last thing Haines wanted—especially because it meant Charles would get involved.

“Coffee?” Grace offered, watching as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

He shot her a glance and shook his head. “No need. Thank you for lending me your bed last night. I apologize for the trouble.”

“Not at all.” She waved off his apology. “But if you’re truly grateful and don’t want to owe me, how about having breakfast with me?”

And there she goes.

“I need to go home first and change,” he replied flatly. “I can pick you up for lunch. Where do you want to eat?”

“Can’t. I have a busy day.”

“Grace.”

“I made something for breakfast.” She rose from her seat, smiling warmly. “Join me, will you?”

“…” Haines studied her, watching as she walked toward the dining area.

He exhaled, glancing around the apartment. It wasn’t too big, but not small either—comparable to Penny’s penthouse at Prime Group’s top floor.

‘She did let me use her bed last night,’ he thought. ‘It’d be rude to refuse her twice.’

Besides, he didn’t want to owe Grace anything. If sharing a meal cleared his debt, so be it.

With that, he followed her into the dining room. As he stepped inside, he saw her setting plates on the table.

“You slept in, so the food got a bit cold,” she said with a playful smile. “Take a seat. It won’t take long.”

Haines dragged himself to the table and asked before sitting down, “Do you need help?”

“No, thank you.” She chuckled, but her smile stretched a little at his offer. “If you help, I might mistake us for husband and wife. No mixed signals, please.”

Oh, good lord.

Haines sighed in defeat and took his seat, glancing at the table. It was smaller than what he was used to, but considering Grace lived alone, it made sense.

Soon, she returned with the dishes she had prepared plus a cup of coffee for him and sat across from him.

“Eat well.”

“Thank you for the meal,” he said politely, serving himself a small portion. After a moment, he glanced at her. “Aren’t you going to eat?”

Grace hummed, resting her cheek on her palm. “I cooked it,” she said softly. “I won’t eat until you do.”

Haines narrowed his eyes slightly. He looked at the food, then back at her.

“I was poisoned by my niece last night,” he muttered. “Please don’t poison me.”

“Pfft—” Grace pressed her lips together, stifling a laugh as she covered her mouth with the back of her hand.

Haines frowned. “Not funny.”

“I’m sorry—ahem.” She cleared her throat dramatically before composing herself. Then, when she met his eyes, she said, “I was joking. I didn’t know you’d be so cute when you’re wary.”

“Stop.”

“Fine, fine.” She shrugged and finally reached for the food. “But let me know if it’s good or bad. I’m no expert—I just made something my mom used to cook.”

Haines said nothing as he took his first bite. The moment the flavor hit his tongue, his brows lifted in surprise. His gaze snapped to her.

“It’s good,” he admitted. “Surprisingly good.”

“Thank you.” A pleased smile stretched across her face, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.

Haines studied the soft curl of her pink lips and the light flush on her skin. For a second, he found himself lingering on the sight before shaking his head and looking away.

The two of them ate in silence. But the silence wasn’t awkward.

It was… oddly warm. Peaceful.