Chapter 1325: Did she just call you niece?

Perhaps Mildred’s suggestion could be effective. If attention was what Grace wanted, then giving it to her might accelerate her interest in Haines—only to make her lose it just as quickly. Maybe if the challenge was too easy, she’d simply let go.

However, this was only if Haines’s assumption about Grace’s motives was correct.

After another half an hour with Mildred and Miss Sandford, the three of them went their separate ways. With Miss Sandford joining them, the conversation had taken a different turn, one much lighter than the heavier topics of Haines’s first love or Mildred’s preferences.

Now, back in the driver’s seat, Haines drove toward the Miller Company. The office wasn’t far from the café—just a twenty-minute drive. It was why even though Mildred had left home earlier than him, he still arrived first.

Stopping at a red light, Haines kept his gaze forward. Then—

"Haha." A quiet chuckle slipped past his lips as he recalled the look he had given Mildred and the one she returned in response.

"I wonder... would she pursue Miss Sandford?"

They were already old.

Would it be ridiculous to seek love at their age?

A love that Mildred deserved?

But the biggest question was—what would Miss Sandford think of it?

During Penny’s fan club reunion, Haines and Miss Sandford had shared some private conversation. Unlike before, when he rarely spoke a word, he had changed over the years. He was gentler now, less withdrawn, making it easier to engage with her.

According to Penny’s former homeroom teacher, she had gotten a divorce a year ago. After being with a man for over a decade, it was surprising that she had chosen to leave. But she had a good reason—her husband was a deadbeat, and her in-laws were cruel.

Though she hadn’t shared all the details, it was clear that Miss Sandford had no interest in relationships anymore. Whether with a man or a woman.

"What am I thinking?" Haines caught himself, shaking his head to dismiss the thought. "It’s not something I should concern myself with."

As he shook his head, something in his peripheral vision caught his attention. He turned, brows rising.

A flower shop.

His gaze lingered on the small shop by the roadside as a man stepped out, a bouquet in hand. The man’s face was alight with excitement as he admired the beautiful arrangement. Haines’s eyes drifted back to the storefront, and a shallow breath slipped past his lips.

*****

A soft chime rang through the quiet flower shop, announcing a customer’s arrival.

"Hi, welcome!" The florist, a young man, approached with a bright expression. "What kind of flowers are you looking for, sir?"

Haines barely glanced at him before his eyes settled on a corner display. "That one."

The florist followed his gaze and smiled when he saw the sunflowers.

"A great choice! Your wife must be a warm, positive, and loyal person," he remarked, unaware of the slight shift in Haines’s expression. "Would you like to add any other flowers to the arrangement? Or any specific preference—"

"No, just that." Haines shook his head and turned his gaze back to the florist. "Do you do deliveries?"

"Yes."

"Then, can you deliver them once they’re ready?"

"Of course, sir. Just provide the address, and we’ll handle the rest."

"Alright."

"Would you like to include a note with them?"

A brief flicker of surprise crossed Haines’s face before he shook his head. "There’s no need."

"Understood. You can settle the payment at the counter."

While the florist arranged the bouquet, Haines went to the cashier. When the florist returned with the completed arrangement, he expected to show it to his customer—especially since first-time customers often wanted to approve the final look before delivery.

But when he stepped back out, Haines was gone.

"Huh?" The florist looked around, bouquet in hand, as he neared the counter. "Where did he go?"

The cashier shrugged. "He left after paying and leaving the delivery address."

"Oh..." The florist rocked his head side to side before shrugging indifferently.

*****

At the hospital, Grace refocused on her laptop, returning to work after finishing the invitations. Chairman Bennet was occupied with a drama on the television, allowing her some quiet time to concentrate. With the volume set low, it was almost like he wasn’t there.

"Yes, thank you," she said into the phone, wrapping up a conversation before hanging up.

The moment she ended the call, another one came through. Seeing Penny’s name on the screen, Grace couldn’t help but smile.

"Hello," she greeted. "What’s wrong?"

"What’s wrong?" Penny clicked her tongue, her voice brimming with disbelief. "Grace, what are these invitations?! And why are there so many of them?"

A light giggle escaped Grace. "I’m shortening the gap."

"Shortening a gap? What gap?"

"Just a gap."

"Oh, goodness." Penny groaned, eyeing the stack of invitations. "Uncle Wild thinks you’ve lost it."

"If she hasn’t, then why would she do all this?" Wild’s voice chimed in from the background, followed by Lily’s input.

Grace chuckled. "Tell Uncle Wild I say hi. And to Lily as well—I didn’t know she was there."

"I didn’t know either," Penny sighed. "But she’s been crying about a problem that isn’t even hers."

Grace didn’t comment on that. "So, are you coming to the birthday celebration?"

Penny let out another sigh before shrugging in defeat. "Well, if you’re serious about it, I guess it’s free food for the next thirty days."

"Don’t worry—you have a plus-one, so your husband won’t kill me." A playful smile tugged at Grace’s lips. "And I invited your second brother, so he won’t starve for the next thirty days."

Penny’s curiosity piqued. "Grace... does my second brother bother you?"

"His lifestyle does bother me, but I owe him."

A glint of curiosity flickered in Penny’s eyes, but with Wild and Lily listening in, she couldn’t press further. The two of them talked for a bit longer before Penny wrapped up the call.

"Anyway, I’ll see you when I see you, Grace." Penny smacked her lips. "Gotta hang up now."

"Good luck with the family dinner later."

"It’s nothing serious, but I’ll let Nina know." Penny smiled. "Goodbye, Grace."

"Goodbye... niece."

Clack.

*****

[PRIME GROUP]

"Goodbye, niece."

Clack.

Penny, Wild, and Lily, who had been sitting close together, instinctively drew their heads back. The three of them blinked in unison, staring at the phone in stunned silence.

"Did she just..." Wild trailed off, his brows knitting in disbelief. "...call you niece?"