The Remorseful Brothers

Chapter 147

“All right, I get it.” Madeline looked Gavin squarely in the eye, her expression serious, as she reached up and patted his forehead. “You’re a great partner.”

“Of course!” Gavin chuckled. “But it’s not just me; your eleven brothers won’t treat someone well because they all resemble you. After all…” He gestured toward the table in front of him. “We don’t just treat you this way because of how you look. We’ve shared so much, all the joys and sorrows of the past. You’re irreplaceable.”

His voice softened as he continued, “Looks can be copied, but memories?”

“Not a chance.” Madeline’s curiosity piqued. “But what if someone, who looks like me, wants you to take care of them just because of that resemblance?”

Gavin didn’t hesitate. “Then they’ll die miserably. His tone was firm, with no room for argument. “Anyway, I’d skin them alive. They’ll have to pay the price for imitating you.”

Madeline shivered at the imagery, instinctively rubbing her arms. “That’s a bit gruesome. Please don’t do that.”

Gavin let out a snort. The conversation drifted as another thought crossed his mind. “By the way, if you’re joining the film crew, don’t you need someone from the staff to manage things for you? I can ask Caleb to arrange for a company to support you in your future shoots.”

Madeline mulled it over, shaking her head slightly. “I don’t think I want to sign with a company. Sure, it’s convenient, but I feel like it would bring more trouble than it’s worth. You know, less freedom if you’re tied to someone else.”

Gavin squeezed her hand reassuringly. “That’s not what I meant. You’d be the only artist in the company. The whole staff would be at your beck and call.”

“Isn’t that just a studio then?” Madeline blinked.

Gavin furrowed his brows, clearly unfamiliar with the concept, but he was determined to figure it out. And true to his straight–A student persona, Gavin wasn’t one to let things slip. Within just three days, he had handled everything.

While Madeline was in class, Gavin sent her a photo of the business registration. The company was named Illuminade. Even the signage at the company gate had been installed, complete with bold, colorful letters.

Madeline’s mouth twitched. “Illuminade?” She rubbed her temples in disbelief, thinking, ‘Is this name for real? I’m not a kid anymore. This feels too

childish!‘

a chance to change it. Unfortunately, the name had already been

brothers.

took charge of securing the location, even hiring a professional crew

the weekend, Madeline was summoned to a restaurant as soon as she stepped out of class. Rushing, she popped in her headphones, listening to the original text of Uprian while she prepared for her upcoming Level 4 Uprian exam in December. She

Madeline

this way, Ms. Larson.” The receptionist gave her

usually buzzing with diners, but today it was eerily quiet. Madeline

We’re only serving you today. Besides, Mr. Simmons came here in person.

Madeline arrived at the door of the private room, she noticed flower bouquets placed on either side. She pushed open the door and found Caleb, Nolan, Gavin, Yohannes, and Wesley seated around a large round table. Madeline walked over. There was

what’s going on?” Madeline asked, thoroughly

of your studio. I figured we could all just have a meal together since you’ve been too busy

green banknotes, more than she could count. Gavin said, laughing. “It’s a

go

you didn’t have to spend

1/2

13:45 PM

Chapter 147

+5

as she unwrapped it. Inside was a

passed her an envelope.

a check for 39,999 dollars. “Thanks, Nolan,” she said, smiling brightly. “Here’s wishing you lots of

eyes and muttered, “Nolan, I told you not to go over 40,000

his coffee with a sly smile. “It’s within the limits,” he said