Chapter 0286
+25 BONUS
Lucius, after seeing his father walk away and realizing his sister was trying to prevent a fight, softened his expression and turned to look at his beautiful little sister, who was still holding a bowl of popcorn.
“Hello, beautiful,” Lucius said, smiling as he gently stroked Laura’s cheek.
“Hi, big brother! What are you doing here? You still haven’t told me…” she replied, her face lighting up with a
smile.
“My dear Laura, I’m here for a more permanent visit. I don’t know when I’ll be going back to London,” Lucius. said, gazing at his sister with affection.
“Does that mean… you’re staying here?”
“That’s right. I think it’s time for me to start handling some family matters as a proper Palmer. I spoke with Grandpa, and he told me I could take on any position I wanted.”
“Really? I’m impressed! Are you going to tell Dad?”
“I’ll have to
but not tonight. I’m exhausted. The trip was long, and when I got here, the house was completely. empty. I got really worried when the staff told me you’d gone out with our father.”
“He took me to the movies today, and I met…” Laura began but then stopped mid–sentence.
She wasn’t naïve. She knew her brother wasn’t here just because he wanted to be. In fact, he hated living in their parents‘ house. Quickly, she realized that this sudden change might have something to do with the arrival of her cousin, Serenity, which made her decide it was better not to mention her.
“Who did you meet?”
“No one. Not anyone specific. I found a lovely café, though Now that you’re here, maybe you can take me there sometime?” she said, her eyes brimming with excitement,
“Of course! But it’s odd for our father to take you to a café, don’t you think?”
“Well, I had a great time, big brother. He was really nice to me. Maybe he’s changing.”
Laura decided not to bring up what had happened the previous night. She preferred to keep it to herself, knowing that if she told her brother, he’d undoubtedly disapprove of her having any contact with their father. For her, today had been one of the best days of her life.
“My dear Laura, our father isn’t going to change. He’ll always be the same arrogant and tyrannical man we’ve known. Don’t let yourself be fooled by the image he’s putting on for you.”
“Alright,” Laura replied softly, lowering her head.
She felt a sharp pang in her heart, knowing that now her brother was home, he would likely forbid her from having any relationship with their father. Just when Maximus seemed to be trying to build a connection with her.
“Hey, do you know if my room is still available?” Lucius asked, changing the subject.
“Yes! You know I always look after it.”
“Good. Will you come with me? I brought you something, and I want to show it to you.”
“Yes! What is it? Tell me! Tell me!”
“Come with me, and we’ll open my suitcase. It’s in there.
1/2
Chapter 0266
+25
“Let’s go!”
Laura grabbed her brother’s arm, and they walked down the hall to his room. Lucius opened his suitcase and, among his belongings, pulled out a small box containing an exquisite piece of jewelry–a heart–shaped pendant made of white opal, set in a fine silver chain.
“Here. I saw this in a shop recently, and it reminded me of you, so I decided to get it.”
“Thank you, big brother! I’m so glad you’re here for a while. But I still don’t fully understand why you came back. What’s going on? I know you’re hiding something, and it worries me. You wouldn’t come back unless something serious was happening.”
“Relax. All in good time. For now, just know that I’m here, and I won’t leave you alone–not with those two.”
Laura was thrilled to have her brother home but felt conflicted. Her father had decided to make an effort to connect with her, and then there was Serenity–her cousin, the daughter of Uncle Peter.
