A Film Queen

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.

even a moment for a breather, much less any

complaining to Milly, “This time, Xavier’s running

a man standing tall, his face the

turned out to be

‘Anthony’s good

his way, Xavier caught her gaze, his eyes shining with a

an eyebrow. She couldn’t remember doing anything to upset

Xavier Steps

look seemed all

strong

says that he even went into science to

a brother who deeply cared about his sister, any challenge to her status in the family would instinctively be met

member’s animosity, Milly seemed unaffected, simply brushing it

not like me, but you’re not worth

something caught

same grandfather, so how

family was all about Jeffrey when he was sickly as a kid, leaving Xavier to our grandfather. Grandpa took him in

have guessed his thoughts; he was adamant about joining the research institute. Grandfather beat him so severely that he ran a high fever for

Milly

Now it all clicked!

their grandpa’s guidance, Xavier was meant for the military. Still, he shifted paths because of his

to respect the

news of Milly’s return, the eldest brother, Jordan, made it

I’m sorry for my

lot of affection for Jordan and responded with a kind smile, “You’re not

sweat on his brow, she offered him a tissue to

Jordan let her remove the sweat. His smile remained gentle even while tiny pieces of

on apples out of hunger.

Jonathan remarked, “Hey, Milly, why am I not getting

going on! You’re

Xavier Steps in