Chapter 26 George, the Overprotective Brother
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George looked up, a flicker of surprise flashing through his dark eyes. Clarissa had always acted cold and distant whenever she saw them–slamming the door in their faces, avoiding any kind of interaction. And now, she was actually greeting him?
“You’re in a bad mood.” His voice was flat and clipped, clearly meant as an explanation, but it still came out hard as nails.
“Who told you I’m in a bad mood?” Clarissa tilted her head and looked at Selina with a pair of innocent eyes. “Selina, did you tell George I was upset? I’m actually in a pretty good mood.”
Selina forced a smile. “Clare, it’s just… Earlier, you didn’t look too happy after what happened with Gregory…”
The moment Gregory’s name came up, George’s brows furrowed noticeably,
Clarissa clicked her tongue. Wow, way to stir the pot.
“I’m not in a bad mood at all. I even bought a ton of gifts for everyone!”
Instantly, George’s eyes showed even more surprise. Wait… all those gifts were from Clarissa?
Selina’s expression turned downright sour. She started to suspect that Clarissa was doing this on purpose.
“George. I even picked out gifts for you, Albert, and Samuel!”
For a second. George’s normally stoic face froze. She got gifts… for us too?
Since returning to the family. Clarissa hadn’t exactly been close with us three. She hadn’t even called us by name, let alone acted like family And now she was giving us presents?
“Well, since you’re here, why don’t you deliver Albert and Samuel’s, too?”
“Okay” George nodded. But when he was handed all three gifts, the ever–reliable, big–brotherly George–who always took care of his two hopeless younger brothers–made a decision. He was going to keep their presents for himself. Clarissa must’ve been having a rare sentimental moment that day; who knew if she’d ever do something like this again?
“Make sure you give it to them!”
“Okay.” George nodded without so much as a twitch in his expression, “Alright, I have to head over to the southside construction site for an inspection. Stay home and be good.”
The southside construction site?! Clarissa’s eyes widened.
It just hit her.
That was where George had gone years ago–an inspection trip to the southside site. He’d been attacked by a few locals who refused to vacate the land. The injuries had been serious. Even though he recovered, the aftereffects remained.
“George! You have to take more bodyguards with you this time!” Clarissa spoke urgently. “Construction sites are dangerous! Especially with those holdouts still around. You need at least five bodyguards! And don’t let them leave your side!”
“Clare, aren’t you overreacting a bit?” Selina chuckled softly. “It’s not like things like that still happen. No one gets hurt by holdouts anymore.”
Typical clueless country hick! she thought.
Clarissa ignored Selina’s sarcastic tone and kept her eyes on George. “You have to take more security with you! If not, you’re not going!”
She spoke with such stubborn insistence that it almost sounded like she was being unreasonable.
Just then, Penelope came downstairs, having just tried on the clothes Clarissa had bought her. The moment she heard what Clarissa said, her expression darkened. “Clarissa, what nonsense are you giving your brother now?”
This girl, always causing trouble!
Chapter 26 George, the Overprotective Brother
+5 Free Coins
“Clare’s just worried about me. She’s not making a fuss.” George spoke calmly. He glanced at Clarissa, and the chill in his eyes softened into something gentler. “Alright. I promise–I’ll bring more guards.”
Clarissa finally exhaled in relief.
George left with the gifts in hand, and Clarissa returned to her room. Meanwhile, Selina picked up a call from Gregory. “So?” he asked. “How did it go, Selina? What did Clarissa say?”
