132 Please, don't abandon me!
Normally, Charles would gather his children so they could talk about what happened. But here he was, doing a
quick run in the mansion's jogging paths out of frustration.
Haines would join him, if not only Haines didn't feel like running. Hence, he sat on the bench and counted how
many laps Charles ran before the latter finally joined him on the bench.
"Feeling much better now?" Haines asked as he handed Charles a piece of a small towel for the man's sweat.
Charles casually accepted it and wiped it around his neck while pouring a drink down his throat. When his
breathing and heart rate stabilized, he cast Haines a glance.
"Haines, one question, he faced Haines squarely. "Haines, why did you stay?"
It was no secret Haines planned to leave shortly after he picked up Penny from the Cortez Household. However,
he changed his mind one day before his departure. Although Haines already told Charles a lexcuse, Charles
didn't think much about it since he didn't mind if Haines would stay or leave.
But after what happened, Charles couldn't help but probe.
"I can't just leave Penny all alone," Haines didn't mind telling him the truth. "She worries me.
"Did you think this will happen?"
Haines pondered. "Not exactly"
"Then, what?"
"Before | noticed that things might be a little complicated in the family, | was concerned about Penny. As | said,
Penny is the one who negotiated those terms before coming in here and even asked for a notarized copy of it,"
he explained more like reminding Charles of this fact. "After observing her, | realized she's quite indifferent than
she was toward her cousins."
"The boy's indifference towards her wasn't also helping. With this, | don't think her footing in the family would
stabilize. | don't even think she plans to stay longer," he continued. "That's my initial reason, but as tgoes
on, | realize there's a much bigger problem."
Charles rocked his head in understanding. "It was us and Allison."
Haines didn't answer, but tipping his head was enough for an answer.
"Hah. Charles huffed as he looked ahead, resting his arms on his legs. "Since when did you
know?"
"I'm not sure when, but I'm certain it's before that tHugo confronted you. I'm certain noticed Hugo distanced
himself from Nina since then."
you
Everyone might not say it, but they could all feel and see that Hugo was purposely being indifferent toward Nina.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHugo was the most considerate older brother. It would take something big for Hugo to get angry.
L
HT
12:06
13
132 Please, don't abandon me!
stime, stern.
Haines brows rose as he didn't expect Charles to make such a quick decision. If this was a business matter, he
wouldn't be surprised. But when it comes to family, Charles never decides on anything rashly. "Is that what
you've been thinking while running?" Haines blurted out.
"We raised Nina with everything we could, but it seemed we spoiled her more than we thought. | can't fault her
for trying to stir trouble for Penny because until months ago, she was the only daughter of our family," Charles
expressed sincerely with a mixture of sadness and guilt. "Nina is just scared that she'd lose the life she grew up
in. I understand her to that extent.
"I know" Haines nodded. "I also understand where she's coming from... to that extent."
Charles smiled bitterly as he faced Haines. "Just to that extent. We spoiled her too much and were too lenient,
not getting equal discipline, just like how we disciplined Hugo and Atlas." "Are you sure you're going to send her
away?"
"I can't abandon her completely because even if Nina had done this, she's still my daughter in heart. The least |
can do is not let her near Penny for now." Charles nodded. "I love Nina and in my heart, she'll always be my
daughter. But Penny... she's my flesh and blood. Allison might argue with me, but | can't keep letting someone
who stirs trouble for my daughter linger
around."
It felt wrong for Haines to heave a sigh of relief, but he did. He was glad Charles was more forthcoming now than
he was months ago. Although Haines was aware this might hurt Charles, especially Allison, it was the right thing
to do.
"Though | have to say, Charles. You spoiled Nina with all the love and, at the stime, taught her to be a good
person. If there's anyone who would understand you won't easily unloved her, that would be Nina, herself,
Haines expressed. "I don't want to say more since she's a child, but the fact that children exhibit personality
characteristics in infancy suggests that genetics plays a part." Charles faced Haines again before the latter
continued.
"Jessa Cortez might know what she's like. You can ask her... if you are ready to know what kind of person Nina is
behind your back.
Haines's suggestion carried good intentions, but somehow, that also put pressure on Charles. Once Charles asks
Jessa what Nina was like in their home, he might completely change his perspective toward his once beloved
daughter.
+
Once Charles calmed down, he went to see Allison to discuss smatters. The discussion turned into a huge
argument, but in the end, Allison couldn't change anything. How could she when her husband, Haines, and even
Butler Jen were all against her?
12:06
23
132 Please, don't abandon me!
Moreover, it was best for Penny and Nina not to be near each other for the tbeing. So once the adults came
to a conclusion, they gathered the children in the family room.
Charles gazed at his sons and
daughters seated Re; couch [1
n 1. : .
gil seen Nina’ won't be coming
inhere on the weekends. The content
is on novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
"Huh?" Nina's complexion paled as she gazed at her parents blankly. "Dad... why...?"
INT [ :
Nina, don't be sad. We agreed to this
a] q and
decision because we think it's the
best for all of us to avoid Such, m
BIE i thectitife Charles was
uhmoved and adamant, his tone was
enough to let everyone know he
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmf q q
wouldn't accept any objection at the
" :
moment. "However, Nina can go to
her grandparents on the weekends.
He paused and cast his sons a look.
I" ]
If you want to meet Nina, then te! us
so the driver capdilelydu to your
f q
ae: s home. For now, Nina,
the driver is ready to take you back to
the Cortez Household: @ The content
is on novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
"Dad!" Nina quickly slumped to her knees, crying. "Please don't abandon me. | didn't really mean what
happened!"
Her eyes searched for Penny and crawled her way
Slap!
Comment 28
to her. "Penny, I'm really sorry-
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