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 la excuse, 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 ."
"Did you think this will happen?"
Haines pondered. "Not exactly."
"Then, what?"
"Before I noticed that things might be a little complicated in the family, I was concerned about Penny. As I 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, I realized she’s quite indifferent than she was toward her cousins."
"The boy’s indifference towards her wasn’t also helping. With this, I don’t think her footing in the family would stabilize. I don’t even think she plans to stay longer," he continued. "That’s my initial reason, but as ti goes on, I 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 ti Hugo confronted you. I’m certain you noticed Hugo distanced himself from Nina since then."
Everyone might not say it, but they could all feel and see that Hugo was purposely being indifferent toward Nina. Hugo was the most considerate older brother. It would take sothing big for Hugo to get angry.
"I can’t let her near Penny," Charles spoke after a prolonged silence. His tone was low but, at the sa ti, 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 cos 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 seed we spoiled her more than we thought. I 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 I 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 , but I can’t keep letting soone 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 I have to say, Charles. You spoiled Nina with all the love and, at the sa ti, 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 sohow, that also put pressure on Charles. Once Charles asks Jessa what Nina was like in their ho, he might completely change his perspective toward his once beloved daughter.
*
*
*
Once Charles cald down, he went to see Allison to discuss so matters. The discussion turned into a huge argunt, but in the end, Allison couldn’t change anything. How could she when her husband, Haines, and even Butler Jen were all against her?
Moreover, it was best for Penny and Nina not to be near each other for the ti being. So once the adults ca to a conclusion, they gathered the children in the family room.
Charles gazed at his sons and daughters seated on the couch. "From now on, Nina won’t be coming in here on the weekends."
"Huh?" Nina’s complexion paled as she gazed at her parents blankly. "Dad... why...?"
"Nina, don’t be sad. We agreed to this decision because we think it’s the best for all of us to avoid such problems in the future." Charles was unmoved and adamant, his tone was enough to let everyone know he wouldn’t accept any objection at the mont. "However, Nina can go to her grandparents on the weekends."
He paused and cast his sons a look. "If you want to et Nina, then tell us so the driver can drive you to your grandparent’s ho. For now, Nina, the driver is ready to take you back to the Cortez Household."
"Dad!" Nina quickly slumped to her knees, crying. "Please don’t abandon . I didn’t really an what happened!"
Her eyes searched for Penny and crawled her way to her. "Penny, I’m really sorry —"
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