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

complaining to Milly,

noticed a man standing tall, his face

it turned out to

‘Anthony’s good looks

caught her gaze, his eyes shining with a cold, distant

raised an eyebrow. She couldn’t remember

Xavier Steps in

look

a strong

says that he even went into science to make cosmetics for Stephanie

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

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

people might not like me,

caught her

same grandfather, so how

Jeffrey are just a year apart. The family was all about Jeffrey when he was sickly as a kid,

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

this, Milly got

Now it all clicked!

meant for the military. Still, he shifted paths

to respect the intense sibling bond

brother, Jordan, made

I’m sorry

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

the beads of sweat on his brow, she offered him a

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

snacking on apples out of hunger.

remarked, “Hey, Milly, why am I not

on! You’re picking

Steps in as