Chapter 152 Xavier Steps in as Instructor
The cane’s impact was mild, yet it felt surprisingly sharp, given the sweltering heat and their light clothing-
Anthony grimaced as the cane connected.
“Ouch, it hurts…”
“Why can’t I give Milly a hug, Grandpa?”
It had been ages since Anthony last saw Milly, and now, a simple hug was off–limits.
Philip’s sharp glance made Anthony zip it, intimidated.
The Burnetts weren’t about male preference over females, but their old–school beliefs frowned upon casual touches like hugs.
Milly watched Anthony quietly, her brows knitting. “You’ve gotten so dark. Were you in Africa?”
Before she went off to shoot her film, Anthony was much lighter. Now, he looked charred.
At night, you’d only spot his smile in the dark.
Anthony quietly looked over at the older man enjoying his tea. He said in a hushed tone. “Since you’re new here, you might not be aware, but every summer, those of us who aren’t busy get put through military drills, like standing at attention and marching in sync. It’s a tradition Grandpa insists on.”
Milly’s eyebrow went up, “Free birds? Who’s in your squad?”
“Just me,” Anthony admitted straightforwardly.
Milly was speechless.
Anthony was feeling a bit slighted. Everyone in his family was caught up with their jobs or involved in film projects, and there he was, the only one with idle time, aimlessly passing his summers.
Previously, Jordan would cover for him when Grandpa was away. Anthony could goof off, and Jordan would turn a blind eye.
This time around, Grandpa came back unexpectedly, and there wasn’t even a moment for a breather, much less any chance to slack off.
The more he thought, the more upset he got, complaining to Milly, “This time, Xavier’s running the show. It’s a wonder I’m still breathing!”
As Anthony sulked, Milly noticed a man standing tall, his face the picture of seriousness.
Actually, it turned out to be Xavier.
Milly had been so caught up in ‘Anthony’s good looks that she completely missed the guy beside him.
When she looked his way, Xavier caught her gaze, his eyes shining with a cold, distant disdain.
Milly raised an eyebrow. She couldn’t remember doing anything to upset him, could she?
Chapter 152 Xavier Steps in as Instructor
And something about his look seemed all too familiar.
Xavier had a strong opinion about herl
Thinking it over, it made sense. Being the most protective over Stephanic, Xavier would naturally be wary of anyone seen threatening her. The novel says that he even went into science to make cosmetics for Stephanie when he found out she was allergic, which shows how much he cared.
For a brother who deeply cared about his sister, any challenge to her status in the family would instinctively be met with opposition.
When faced with a family member’s animosity, Milly seemed unaffected, simply brushing it off with indifference.
The bottom line. Many people might not like me, but you’re not worth bothering about!
Still, something caught her interest.
“Anthony, we have the same grandfather, so how come Xavier’s the teacher, and you’re the student?”
In a calm tone. Anthony shared, “Well, Xavier and Jeffrey are just a year apart. The family was all about Jeffrey when he was sickly as a kid, leaving Xavier to our grandfather. Grandpa took him in and trained him hard from a young age. Grandpa always saw him as the future general, but then…”
His voice faded, “No one could have guessed his thoughts; he was adamant about joining the research institute. Grandfather beat him so severely that he ran a high fever for three days and nights, nearly passing out.”
Hearing this, Milly got it.
Now it all clicked!
Under their grandpa’s guidance, Xavier was meant for the military. Still, he shifted paths because of his devotion to Stephanie, heading into research instead.
You’ve got to respect the intense sibling bond here.
With the news of Milly’s return, the eldest brother, Jordan, made it back just in time for dinner.
“Milly, I’m sorry for my delay.”
Milly had a lot of affection for Jordan and responded with a kind smile, “You’re not delayed, Jordan. You still haven’t had your meal.”
Noticing the beads of sweat on his brow, she offered him a tissue to dab them away.
As he leaned down, Jordan let her remove the sweat. His smile remained gentle even while tiny pieces of tissue cluttered his forehead.
At the same time, Jonathan and Anthony were snacking on apples out of hunger. Watching the scene, their apples suddenly seemed less flavorful.
In a displeased tone, Jonathan remarked, “Hey, Milly, why am I not getting wiped down, too?”
“Yeah, what’s going on! You’re picking favourites!”
Chapter 152 Xavier Steps in as Instructor
Milly threw the tissue in the waste bin, amusement in her gaze towards the two sullen faces, “Neither of you are sweating.”
Jonathan got up, slighted, “Alright, I’m going to run ten laps!”
Anthony was quick to join, I’m in too!”
Milly found herself at a loss for words.
Are these two really in their thirties?
“Hang on.” Jordan suddenly cut in.
His eyes were fixed on the item attached to Jonathan’s belt, and his look was mild intrigue and a whisper of coldness.
With a serious demeanour, he inquired, “What’s that you have attached to your belt?”
Under his brother’s intense stare, Jonathan had a jittery response, “It’s a small pouch.”
He wondered why his brother was suddenly curious. He had mentioned it before, and his brother seemed unbothered back then. What triggered his interest now?
Anthony let out a derisive snort while examining the pouch, and a trace of envy was evident. “Milly did the embroidery.”
Jealousy began to surface.
Jordan’s expression darkened, displeased as he remarked, “It’s inappropriate to wear this while you run. Hand it over to me, and I’ll keep it safe for you. Matching this with your leisure wear looks awkward and unappealing.”
Jonathan paused, glancing at his attire.
It indeed looked misplaced.
He removed it and handed it over to Jordan, urging earnestly, Jordan, please keep this safe for me. I’ll attach it to my backpack after my run. Milly stitched this, so taking care of it is important.”
Jordan slightly raised an eyebrow, responding steadily, “Understood.”
四
