Chapter 12 Chapter 12 As if coming to the sconclusion, Gregory and Christina both turned their gaze to Brittany. Their eyes lit up with hope, as though their adopted daugliter embodied the key to the Sullivan family's fatur.
"Brittany, our family's future is counting on you" Gregory said with a warm smile, his tone laced with affection and expectation.
Bentany's cheeks flushed crimson. Any lingering hesitation she had melted away in an instant. 'Mr. Vanderbilt juû't reaching out toright now probably because he's about to get married and doesn't want to stir up any scandals beforehand But may be, after his marriage, he'll contactagaht. That's fine. I can wall' Seeing the smile return to Brittany's face, Christina grabbed her hand and pulled her up with enthusiasm. Con, let's go, I'll take you shopping for snew clothes.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"You never know when Mr. Vanderbilt might respond, and you can't meet him without a stunning wardrobe rearly" She pointed at Gregory, who had been observing quietly. "And everything's on your father's tab." Gregory nodded and chuckled, his indulgent tone unmistakable, "All right, all right, I'll cover it. Go ahead" Christina and Brittany, now arm in arm, exited the room with a shared excitement. Gregory watched them go, nodding in satisfaction as a sense of pride fackered in his gaze.
Yet, as they disappeared, a thought crossed his mind, unbidden and sharp. A beautiful face emerged in his memory- a face he hadn't seen for a long time.
Paisley, my own daughter, is much premer Gregory's expression darkened, his brows furrowing deeply.
But then cthe bitter thought, one that soured his mood further. Too bad she's so conniving No sense of loyalty or decency. That one... she'll ccrawling back when she's hit rock bottom, beggingfor help And when she does... He smirked and thought. Til have Brittany help her out. Find her ssmall- tbusmessman to marry, and that'll be the end of it The kindergarten was filled with children's laughter and chatter, an atmosphere of carefree joy and excitement. Yet, in the midst of it all, Serena barely seemed to pay any attention during class this morning. She clutched the portrait she'd taken from Paisley's studio, her small hands gripping it tightly.
Even during lunch, she hardly touched her food, her mind far away, anxiously waiting for the moment when the afternoon free twould arrive.
As soon as the bell rang, signaling the start of playtime, Serena's eyes lit up. She jumped to her feet, clutching the picture to her chest like a and ran straight toward the elementary school. She was determined to find Grayson and show him the portrait treasing. She thought excitedly, Once he sees this, he'll know I am his sister The playground was alive with the chatter and play of children, but Serena was on a mission. Her small legs worked furiously as she scanned the area, finally spotting Grayson near the little fountain.
"Hey, there." Serena's eyes sparkled with delight as she dashed toward him. The drawing she held flapped noisily in the breeze, the crinkling sound accompanying her every step.
Grayson was seated by the fountain, engrossed in a book. At the sound of her voice, he instinctively looked up, only to see a tiny figure barreling toward him, calling his nexcitedly.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe frowned, closing his book with a quiet sigh, Rising to his feet, he intended to leave before the small whirlwind reached him.
"Wait. I have something to show you" Serena's voice was sweet and high- pitched, with an almost innocent lalt. Yet there was something in her tone a quiet insistence- lut made Grayson halt awkwardly, despite his discomfort.
He turned back, his expression stiff, irritation creeping into his gaze. Tve m sold you already. I'm not you? brother. Can't you just leavealone?" Serenu, out of breath from running, looked up at him with wide, pleading eyes. "You are... you are.... She stopped, her tiny hands pressed against her knees as she tried to catch her breath. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she tried to steady herself afer running.
Grayson couldn't help but notice the crinkled piece of paper she was clutching in her hands, the edges bent, but still holding the image of a child drawn on it
The sight of it caught his attention, but he didn't say anything. Serena, still trying to regain Kek Breath, continued speaking without hesitation. "I brought the drawing.
The drawing is of you" In Paisley art studio, there were countless paintings and sketches, but only one portrait of Grayson. That one had stayed in Serena's mind, its details vivid Serena glanced from the drawing to Grayson and back again. "Yep, it's him. It looks just like him. He is my brother"
Look. See! The picture proves it. I'm not lying. You're my brother, Serena declared earnestly, her breath finally steady. She stood upright and m extended the drawing toward Grayson, her small hands clutching the wrinkled paper with determination. But before Grayson could react, Serena's body suddenly jerked forward, her balance lost. A sharp push from behind sent her tumbling to the ground. "You little brat. Why are you still bothering Sonny" can angry voice behind her