Chapter 1358: But I’m trying my best

Mildred almost choked on her tea upon hearing what Haines had just told her. Her naturally small eyes widened as she stared at the man across from her in the café.

"What did you just say?" she asked, her voice tinged with surprise and disbelief.

Haines let out a shallow breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I made a mistake."

"A mistake?" Mildred let out a sharp laugh. "You didn’t just make a mistake—you made a terrible one."

"I can’t take it back."

"What’s done is done." Mildred nodded, composing herself as she mulled over Haines’s confession. A slow smirk curled her lips. "Does this mean I have to go to the Old Pierson Residence and confess?"

Haines peeked at her and sighed. "Would you?"

"You think I would? With that kind of reasoning?" Mildred exhaled sharply, shaking her head. "That poor girl... She’s going to get her heart broken for sure. The mature man she was after doesn’t seem so mature after all—at least, not in this area."

"I would’ve confronted her, but..." Haines trailed off, recalling the look of surprise Grace had worn last night. It wasn’t just surprise—relief had peeked from behind her eyes, too. He hadn’t had the heart to break it—to rub Grace’s condition in her face.

Mildred shook her head again, her gaze fixed on the distressed old man across from her.

"You can be awfully foolish, Haines," she mused. "But then again, you’re not the only one."

She checked her phone before facing him again. "It’s just a month. So why not make the most of it?"

Haines didn’t answer, simply staring at his friend, unsure whether she was supporting him or mocking him.

"You’ve already given this young lady hope. Don’t take it away, Haines," Mildred said, her voice softer. "The moment you brought this up, you should’ve realized—there’s no turning back. To you, this might be fulfilling someone’s dying wish. But to her? She believes you agreed for an entirely different reason."

"Don’t screw it up. She doesn’t have to know, so take it to your grave," she added with a firm nod. "Let her have this month—even if you have to deceive yourself into believing you wanted it, too. Because if you don’t, a strong young woman like her will figure it out. And when she does, she’ll be the one left to pick up the pieces of her heart."

A heavy silence settled between them. Haines had no reply—because he already knew. The moment he had opened his mouth last night—no, the moment he had stepped foot in that condominium again—there had been no turning back.

"Anyway, I have to go." Mildred reached for her bag, offering him a small smile. "Thanks for meeting me today. It makes me feel young, considering I have to use your name every time I go out."

"Where are you headed?" he asked, but the twinkle in Mildred’s eyes already gave him an answer.

He followed her gaze.

Walking into the café was none other than Miss Sandford.

Haines chuckled, shaking his head. "Does she know?"

Mildred glanced back at him. "She doesn’t have to."

---

[PRIME GROUP]

Patricia looked left and right, startled by the number of people coming in and out of the building. The lobby—normally calm—was packed. A festival of suits, smart casuals, and briefcases.

"Uhh..." Patricia hesitated at the front desk, eyeing the bustling crowd. "What’s going on here?"

The receptionist offered her a polite smile. "The company is hiring, Miss Miller."

"Oh." Patricia nodded, glancing around again. "Well, of course, considering Prime Group is the best, everyone would want to work here! Hehe. Anyway, is Penny here yet?"

"I’m afraid I can’t disclose that. Do you have business with the CEO again, Miss Miller?"

Patricia smacked her lips and grinned. "I always have business with her. Anyway, I brought you some snacks today—homemade. My mom made them, and they’re really good."

"Thank you, Miss Miller."

"Don’t mention it," Patricia laughed, waving the receptionist off as she walked toward the elevator.

Even though Penny had shrugged her off yesterday, Patricia wasn’t about to give up.

She didn’t see anything wrong with being upfront. If she was going to work for Penny, then Penny should at least know the benefits Patricia was expecting.

"Goodness," she muttered, flipping her hair as she waited for the lift. Looking back at the crowded lobby, a small smile crept onto her face. "Must be tough, lining up for hours just to get a job here."

A sense of pride swelled in her chest. She was already convinced she was part of Prime Group.

But as she waited for the doors to open, she failed to notice the men approaching her.

When she did, it was too late.

Strong hands grabbed her shoulders and dragged her backward.

"Hey!" she shrieked, panic setting in as she struggled against them. "What are you—do you know who I am?!"

Patricia fought, but the men were unfazed. And the longer they dragged her without a word, the more her complexion paled.

Before they even reached the exit, her mind blanked. Memories surfaced in her mind. A terrible memory of being overpowered -- just like that night.

"No—!" A loud shriek tore from her throat as they tossed her out.

Patricia hit the pavement, scraping her knee on the rough concrete. The sharp sting jolted her back to reality.

Fury ignited in her chest. She glared up at the men standing in a row, blocking the entrance.

"What the hell do you think you’re doing?!"

"Miss Miller, you are no longer permitted on Prime Group premises," one of the bodyguards said coldly.

"Hah!" Patricia scoffed, scrambling to her feet. "What do you mean? I work here! Do you know who my boss is—"

"It’s the CEO’s order."

Patricia’s breath hitched. "What?"

"The CEO is banning you from stepping foot in the building. So, please, leave." The bodyguard lowered his head slightly. "The CEO said—enough is enough."

Silence.

Patricia stared at them, her heart sinking.

All those men stood firm.

She wasn’t getting in.

"But..." she whispered, her voice trembling, eyes glistening. "...I was trying my best. Wasn’t I?"