Chapter 291
Leo’s blunt declaration that they were not blood–related was a verbal blockade that instantly curtailed Summer’s attempt to broach the subject of the reality show.
If they had no blood ties, why on earth should he take her to a reality show? With no blood ties, what right did she have to spout nonsense here?
Summer knew all too well that Leo had always been icy cold. Whenever he encountered someone he disliked, his words would spare them no dignity.
“Really, Leo? Must you be like this? True, we aren’t related by blood, but we’ve lived as siblings for over a decade,” she protested.
“So, are you using that to guilt me into taking you to Walker’s reality show?” Leo wasn’t one to beat around the bush, and he cut right to the chase. “Didn’t Emmitt already deliver my answer to you? I made myself clear to him, and I doubt he failed to pass it on.”
Summer’s mouth hung open, and her eyes brimmed with tears. “Is it really so hard for you to help me just this once?”
“Sorry, but charity isn’t my strong suit,” Leo retorted, spotting Mirabella’s figure in the distance. He added. “I’m here to pick up my real sister. It’s best you leave before there’s any misunderstanding.”
That final blow shattered the remnants of Summer’s pride. She inhaled deeply, straightening her posture and masking her subservience with a blank expression. “You’ll regret this,” she said, her voice laced with contempt. With a scornful laugh, she turned on her heel and strode
away.
Mirabella approached just in time to catch Summer, pausing mid–step and casting a chilling glance her way. Without a word, they brushed past each other.
Raising an eyebrow, Mirabella turned to watch Summer’s retreating figure, walking tall and proud. “What’s all this drama about?” she inquired with a hint of amusement.
Collins, who had overheard the entire exchange, pieced together the conflict between Leo and Summer. He remembered suggesting that Leo take Summer to Walker’s show, and how Leo instantly brushed that off. Clearly, there was some bad blood.
But he couldn’t help thinking, given Summer’s pitiful demeanor, that she might have a flair for acting, perhaps more than for singing.
Collins touched his nose thoughtfully before summarizing, “She came begging Leo to take her to the reality show, but he flat–out rejected her.”
Although Leo was seated in the car, Collins‘ words, said behind his back, were perfectly audible. Leo coughed loudly, “Mira, get in the car.” Collins was truly out of line, bringing this up in front of Mirabella. What if it upset her?
Mirabella’s curiosity receded as she opened the rear car door and slid inside..
Chapter 291
Once seated, Leo’s hand resting on his knee awkwardly squeezed his own flesh as he muttered. “There’s only one sister for me.” His demeanor was a stark contrast to the one he had shown Summer moments before.
Catching a glimpse of Leo’s uncharacteristically domestic behavior in the rearview mirror, Collins nearly dropped his eyes out of their sockets.
Good heavens, was this the same Juztin known for his cool and aloof persona? If the fans ever caught wind of this side of him, they’d be dropping like flies!
Mirabella tilted her head towards Leo and simply responded, “Oh.”
At that, Leo ruffled his hair in frustration, insisting. “You’re the only sister I’ve got.”
Observing the scene, Collins silently covered his face. The image was crumbling, and Juztin’s carefully crafted persona was coming undone.
