Pampered By My Three Brothers: The Return Of The Neglected Heiress - Chapter 1586

Chapter 1586: You’d die without me
Somewhere…

Hugo cupped his face, eyes fixed on Kiara sitting across from him. His finger tapped rhythmically on the table as he watched her finish her food.

To a casual observer in the small old restaurant, it might look like he was admiring her. Like any man to his woman. But those who knew Hugo would understand—he wasn’t watching her. He was watching her food, waiting for the moment she said she was full.

I’ve only known him since last night, but it feels like I’ve known him for ten years.

Kiara let out a sigh, doing her best to ignore him. However, she couldn’t fully ignore someone who was watching her so closely.

This guy should’ve left her alone after she treated him to lunch. She thought he had gone when he dropped her off at the warehouse, but to her surprise, when she clocked out, Hugo was still there.

What did he do?

Well, since Kiara had treated him to lunch, he felt obligated to return the favor by helping out in production. With Hugo’s strength and build, his assistance was worth a hundred Kiara’s. He did all the heavy lifting — and he didn’t just carry one or two boxes at a time, he practically hauled a mountain. Thanks to him, loading and unloading the delivery only took minutes.

It usually took more than that, even with a few people helping with it. Hence, everyone had been so thrilled, she swore they looked at him like he was wearing a cape. Like a real hero, and they even interacted with him as if they had known him for years.

Fine.

Kiara sighed again and looked up at him. “I’m full. Do you eat leftovers?”

“Leftovers? Oh, man…” Hugo clicked his tongue, shaking his head with reluctance. “Honestly? I don’t like eating leftovers, but I hate wasting food more. Gimme.”

Before she could even react, he had already swiped her plate.

Kiara’s face twitched as she stared at him in disbelief. But then again, she was full. So fine.

While he ate, Kiara leaned her elbows on the table, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

Would it be rude to ask why a lieutenant general of their country had so much free time? Or why he didn’t have money?

“Uh, Hugo.” Her voice came out croaky, prompting her to clear her throat as he continued eating. “I really appreciate your help last night and today. But you don’t need to drive me around or help at the warehouse anymore.”

Hugo froze mid-bite. His eyes lifted to hers, wide with horror.

“Wha—what?” she stammered, suddenly panicking. “Did I say something wrong? I mean, I really appreciate the help, but I can manage from here.”

Silence.

He didn’t blink. He didn’t even move.

What did I say?!

“…” Kiara opened and closed her mouth. With nothing else to say, she instinctively backpedaled. “I mean, I would still appreciate it if you drove me or helped out at the warehouse…”

As soon as she said it, his eyes narrowed in satisfaction, and he resumed eating.

Her face twitched again, still confused about what she’d done wrong. But her confusion was short-lived. When Hugo finished, he downed the entire glass of water and rubbed his stomach with satisfaction.

“That hit the spot!” he declared with a pleased sigh. Then he looked back at her and leaned forward. “Hey, don’t fire me yet. My salary’s coming in a week, and I can’t keep surviving on Grace’s birthday dinners.”

“…” Kiara blinked. “Since when did I hire you?”

“Today.”

“Uh, Hugo, I think there’s a misunderstanding,” she said slowly. “If I said anything that made it seem like I hired you… that’s not what I meant.”

“But you bought me lunch. And now dinner.”

“Well, that’s because you helped me—that’s the least I could do,” she clarified, only to see him blink back at her with an innocent expression.

She wasn’t dumb. Even a child could read the “Isn’t that the same thing?” written all over his face.

“Uh—” She opened and closed her mouth again. Finally, she muttered, “Are you an airhead?”

Hugo frowned. “I’m not dumb. I’m just simple. If someone does me a favor, I always return it. You bought me lunch, so I helped your warehouse team. You bought me dinner, so I’ll help again tomorrow. I don’t like owing people.”

“But you helped me first,” she argued, baffled. “You took me to Miss Grace, gave me hope… you even drove me to the correctional facility and back to the warehouse.”

She paused, brows furrowed. “If anyone owes anyone, I owe you. That’s why I treated you to lunch. And dinner.”

“Oh.” Hugo knocked his fist lightly on his palm as if a realization struck him.

Kiara stared at him in disbelief. He really is a bit… too simple.

“Well, that explains it!” Hugo laughed, shaking his head. “Oh well. It wasn’t a waste, anyway. I like your team.”

“I’m pretty sure they like you, too.” She forced a smile—but it was genuine. “Anyway, like I said… you really don’t need to help anymore. I’ll convince Cassy and stay in touch with Miss Grace.”

“Sure.” Hugo nodded, grabbing a toothpick and tucking it between his teeth. “But expect to see me tomorrow.”

“Huh? Why?” Her brows furrowed. “I just clarified that you don’t owe me anything. I owe you.”

“I know.” He nodded. “But you’ll need me.”

“Huh?”

Hugo just smiled. He folded his arms on the table, leaned forward until his face was halfway to the surface, and grinned at her.

“You’d die without me,” he said with a smile that made his eyes squint. “Got a spare room? I’m thinking of moving in. Don’t worry, I’ll pay for everything—just feed me once a day and I’ll survive.”

“Excuse me?”

But Hugo didn’t answer. He just kept grinning, as if that was enough to explain it all. However, unbeknownst to her, his seemingly carefree attitude carried something deeper.

Because earlier today, Kiara had nearly died. If Hugo hadn’t picked her up from Grace’s office… she wouldn’t be sitting here right now.

And Hugo had a few theories about why.

After all, Hugo was told he died in his first life just because he was looking for ways to clear his sister’s name. Just like what Kiara was doing for Cassandra.