Chapter 12
I suspected Julian did it deliberately. Because immediately after the photo, he released me and turned to observe
Raine’s reaction.
For someone as dignified and refined as Julian, he might be hiding a devious streak.
A thousand possibilities ran through my mind. Then I concluded he was testing Raine.
He might have seen us that night but hadn’t heard our conversation. Now he was using interactions with me to probe Raine’s relationship with me, vetting him for his niece.
The card table incident, the dealership–all deliberate.
Thinking about this, I decided Maddox was right–I should keep my distance from him. This man’s mind was unfathomable, and I wasn’t equipped to deal with someone like him. But despite wanting to avoid him, daily social interactions were inevitable.
On Christmas’s Day, my parents dragged Maddox and me out of bed early to pay respects at the Storm residence.
Mr. Storm, over seventy but still vibrant, happily presented me with a red envelope.
I tried to politely decline, but Jade grabbed my hand: “Just take it! It’s not that much.”
She handed me the printed photos from the previous night: “Look at our group shot! Your expression is hilarious.”
Julian’s smile in the photo made me catch my breath. I instinctively glanced toward Julian, who was on a call outside near the floor–to–ceiling windows. His silhouette radiated solitude and aloofness, like someone fundamentally unapproachable.
I wondered if I’d hallucinated–how could Julian Storm possibly smile with such warmth?
Mr. Storm looked at us kindly: “Where did you run off to last night? Let me see those photos too.”
I respectfully handed them over. Mr. Storm adjusted his reading glasses, and the next moment, his smile froze.
But he quickly recovered, looking at me with gentle eyes before turning to my parents: “Children grow up so fast. Only two girls among all our families‘ youngsters. Lyra is so thoughtful and considerate–I’ve always had a soft spot for her. Too bad I only have wild–child Jade as my granddaughter.”
“That’s not fair–Julian’s still unmarried,” someone replied. “When he settles down, you’ll have more grandchildren.”
Mr. Storm waved dismissively: “Julian is even more troublesome. Thirty years old and still hasn’t brought a single girl home. Don’t get me started.”
He abruptly changed topics: “I truly adore your Lyra. She and Jade are the same age and have always been close. What if I become her adopted grandfather? It would give our families even more reason to spend time together.”
10:30
Secretly Dating My Brother’s BFF… Until His Hotter Rival Stole the Spotlight
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Chapter 12
My parents were visibly thrilled by this suggestion, quickly agreeing: “Being your adopted granddaughter would be
Lyra’s blessing!”
A connection to the Storm family meant more than just social visits–the business implications were beyond
calculation.
Mr. Storm pulled me close, sending someone to fetch a bracelet.
“As my adopted granddaughter, a simple red envelope won’t do. These bracelets belonged to my late wife–one for
you and one for Jade. You must visit your grandpa more often.”
Typically, adopted family relationships were for small children. At my age, I couldn’t understand Mr. Storm’s
sudden interest.
I looked to my parents for guidance. They frantically signaled for me to accept. Still confused, I dutifully thanked him and called him “Grandpa.”
Julian had just finished his call and was returning.
“Julian,” Mr. Storm addressed him, “I’ve made Lyra my adopted granddaughter. When she calls you Uncle Julian,” it’s official now. You must treat her exactly as you would Jade.”
Julian halted mid–step, his eyes cold as obsidian.
His voice, however, broke its usual composure: “Dad!”
Mr. Storm’s expression darkened considerably: “It’s decided. Remember your position. Come give your nieces their Christmas’s gifts.”
But Julian turned and headed upstairs, leaving only: “I’m sorry. I have work to finish.”
The atmosphere grew strange. Jade immediately cuddled up to Mr. Storm, quickly restoring his good mood.
My thoughts, however, were chaotic.
Julian Storm… must dislike me.
He didn’t even want me as a niece.
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Secretly Dating My Brother’s BFF Until His Hotter Rival Stole
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.