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.

time around, Grandpa came back unexpectedly, and there wasn’t even a moment for a breather, much

complaining to Milly, “This time, Xavier’s running the show. It’s a

noticed a man standing tall, his face the picture of

out to be

so caught up in ‘Anthony’s good looks that she completely missed

looked his way, Xavier caught her gaze, his eyes shining

She couldn’t remember doing anything to upset him, could

Xavier Steps in as

look seemed

had a strong opinion about

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

who deeply cared about his sister, any challenge to her

a family member’s animosity, Milly seemed unaffected, simply brushing it off

like me,

caught her

the same grandfather, so how come Xavier’s

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

the research institute. Grandfather beat him so severely that he ran a high fever for three days

this, Milly got

Now it all clicked!

meant for the military. Still, he shifted

the intense sibling bond

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

sorry for my

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

beads of sweat on his brow, she offered him a tissue to

sweat. His smile remained

Anthony were snacking on apples out of hunger. Watching the scene, their

tone, Jonathan remarked, “Hey, Milly, why am I not getting wiped down,

what’s going on! You’re picking

Steps in as