Watching their close stance, Kyana stomped up behind them. “Amber, has your brother lost his mind?”
Amber’s long lashes flickered, and her smile carried subtle meaning. “Kyana, do you have feelings for my brother too?”
Kyana froze.
“N-No.” Her voice dropped, tinged with guilt. “Why would I like him? He’s about to be my brother-in-law.”
The last words were loaded with reluctance.
Amber’s expression turned cold. She stopped looking at her friend and focused straight ahead. “Come on, Kyana. Let’s go greet my grandpa.”
Five years.
She was reclaiming everything that had always belonged to her.
…
Serena didn’t resist him. She had already accepted her fee for the day and knew she had to see the performance through.
“Old Mr. Levine, this is just a small gift from me. Wishing you health and happiness always.”
Bryce accepted the present with a hearty laugh. “Rena, you really didn’t need to. Your wedding with Trevor is just a month away. When will you two get your marriage license?”
The onlookers understood the implication instantly.
Bryce clearly approved of Serena as his grandson’s wife.
Trevor’s eyelids twitched in apprehension, afraid the reluctant woman in his arms might say something reckless.
He intervened quickly. “Grandpa, we’ll take care of it in a few days.”
Bryce gave Trevor a slow, warning look. “A few days? Which day exactly?”
Trevor pressed his lips together. “I’ll be flying to Hugrove for work tomorrow and returning the day after. We’ll go then.”
Serena’s lips curled slightly. The day after? No way I’m going. He can go with whoever he wants-doesn’t matter to me.
With the date set, Bryce finally relaxed.
“Rena, take a seat. I might be busy today and not be able to entertain properly,” he said, his smile warm and gentle.
Serena returned his smile. He was a kind man, and she had no intention of embarrassing him. “Thank you, Old Mr. Levine. I won’t be a bother-just enjoy your day.”
Trevor casually indicated a table. “You and your family, sit here.”
He noticed Amber talking with Bryce and quickly walked over.
…
“Hah. See, Serena? Amber obviously holds the top spot in Trevor’s heart.”
Serena ignored her spiteful stepsister and smiled at Yvonne instead. “Yvonne, when did she get a brother? Dad has been longing for a son. That’s major news! Have you told him?”
Kyana’s face burned. “You! Serena, what are you talking about? When did Mom give me a brother?”
“Oh,” Serena said, her smile tinged with knowing amusement, “you’ve been so fixated on Trevor. I take it you’ve had your eye on him all along, hoping for a brother. Maybe Yvonne will make your little wish come true.”
Yvonne’s lips tightened. “Rena, you sure love making jokes.”
The remark was sharp, hinting she couldn’t give the family a son.
…
“Hello, Ms. Steele. Old Mr. Levine requests your presence at the main table.”
Serena blinked and then stood, smiling politely. “Alright. Thank you.”
Kyana’s expression twisted as she watched her walk away. “Mom, look at her!”
Yvonne gave her a stern glare. “Enough. Pull yourself together. Remember why we’re here.”
Kyana immediately composed herself.
Today wasn’t about arguing with Serena.
“Did you hear? Mr. Levine will also be coming later.”
“Mr. Sebastian Levine? He’s back?”
“Yes. He’s stabilized the family’s overseas business, so of course he’s returning.”
Everyone knew that the real force behind the Levine family was the quiet, mysterious third son, Sebastian Levine.
“I heard he’s still single. Now that he’s back, the socialites in Denton will be scheming.”
…
“Rena, sit by Trevor. That boy’s being careless-his wife belongs at the main table.”
Trevor’s parents exchanged warm smiles.
“That’s right, Rena. We’re looking forward to your wedding,” Trevor’s mom, Deanna Cooper, said kindly.
“Amber, since you’ve been overseas for five years, you may not know. This is your sister-in-law, Serena, the eldest of the Steele family. You should’ve met before,” Deanna introduced.
Amber’s smile stiffened.
“We’ve met before. Serena was my senior in high school.”
Trevor couldn’t bear to see her uncomfortable. He peeled a shrimp and placed it in her bowl. “Amber, have some shrimp. You love it.”
Bryce’s eyes narrowed slightly. He wasn’t thrilled but wouldn’t scold his grandson in public. “Rena, let Trevor peel one for you too.”
Trevor had peeled a second shrimp, ready to place it in Serena’s bowl, when her calm voice stopped him. “No, thank you, Old Mr. Levine. I’m allergic to seafood and don’t eat shrimp.”
Looking him in the eyes, Serena added with subtle meaning, “Give it to Amber instead.”
Bryce smiled but sent Trevor another discreet glare. “Sebastian said traffic’s bad, and we shouldn’t wait for him.”
“Grandpa, is Uncle Sebastian staying for good this time?” Trevor asked.
At home, the Levine Group was long managed by Trevor’s dad, Nathan Levine, while overseas operations were overseen by Sebastian.
People often said Bryce had two excellent sons, and some secretly hoped they’d clash for drama.
But Bryce had already determined their futures.
Nathan, the elder, was cautious and practical-perfect for preserving the legacy. Sebastian, the younger, was ruthless and decisive-the heir Bryce favored.
The Levine Group’s rise in Denton came from Sebastian’s bold, calculated moves.
Five years ago, Bryce fully stepped aside, appointing Sebastian head of the group.
True to his low-key nature, Sebastian delegated domestic affairs and focused overseas.
Bryce gave Trevor a sidelong glance. “Are you worried your uncle’s return will put you in check?”
Sebastian, thirty-three, wasn’t old but was notoriously strict.
At seventeen, Trevor had sneaked out with his sister in a family car and nearly got caught by Sebastian.
He’d always been a little wary of the man.
Trevor rubbed his nose. “No. Why would I be?”
He gave a sheepish smile-then met Serena’s cool gaze, fire igniting in his chest. Leaning close, his voice low and intense, he asked, “What are you laughing at?”
Serena brought a piece of fish to her lips. “Nothing. You just amuse me.”
A deep, magnetic voice rang above them. “What’s so funny? Share it with us.”
Serena’s heart skipped a beat.
A tall, lean man entered with effortless grace.
Dressed in charcoal and black, his eyes were piercing and sharp, brows furrowed, revealing nothing.
“Dad, sorry I’m late.”
The Levine family’s third son, Sebastian, had arrived.
Serena was caught completely off guard by the sudden question.
She had just been laughing at Trevor, and now it was her turn to lose her smile. Trevor might have been wary of the man in front of them, but she wanted even less to run into his uncle.
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