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.

a moment for a breather, much less any

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

Milly noticed a man standing tall, his

out to be

‘Anthony’s good looks that she completely missed

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

She couldn’t remember doing

152 Xavier Steps

something about his look seemed all too

had a strong opinion about

be wary of anyone seen threatening her. The novel says that he even went into science to

sister, any challenge to her status in the family would

family member’s animosity, Milly seemed unaffected, simply

Many people might not like me,

something caught

we have the same grandfather, so how come Xavier’s

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

his thoughts; he was adamant about joining the research institute. Grandfather beat him so severely that he

this, Milly got

Now it all clicked!

he shifted paths because of

the intense sibling

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

I’m sorry for

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

sweat on his brow, she offered

her remove the sweat. His smile remained gentle even while tiny pieces of tissue cluttered his

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

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

going on! You’re picking

Steps in as