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—