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.

and there wasn’t even a moment for a breather, much less any chance to slack

thought, the more upset he got, complaining to Milly, “This time, Xavier’s running the show. It’s a

sulked, Milly noticed a man standing tall, his face the

turned out

in ‘Anthony’s good looks that she completely missed

gaze, his

remember doing anything

Steps

his look seemed all too

a strong opinion

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

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

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

Many people might not like me, but you’re not worth bothering

caught

same grandfather, so how come Xavier’s the

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

joining the research institute. Grandfather beat

Milly

Now it all clicked!

the military. Still, he shifted paths because of his devotion

the

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

sorry

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

his brow, she offered him a

he leaned down, Jordan let her remove the sweat. His smile remained gentle even while tiny pieces

the same time, Jonathan and Anthony were snacking on apples out of hunger. Watching the scene, their apples suddenly seemed less

displeased tone, Jonathan remarked, “Hey, Milly, why am I not

on!

152 Xavier Steps