The Stepbrother’s Hidden Desires

David took the initiative to call Liam, asking about his father’s promotion.

Liam didn’t deny it. “It’s Mr. Green’s idea. He said that Annabel owed you a favor, and now he’s repaying it, considering it settled.”

“That matter was settled long ago. Each to their own. You really didn’t have to do anything.”

David knew exactly what Thomas was worried about. It probably wasn’t about repaying the favor but rather a warning, showing that they had the power to influence their lives. Thomas didn’t even need to ask if he needed it; he just got things done, not even bothering to call David himself. David deeply felt the power that money and influence brought.

“Is Annabel still contacting you from time to time?”

“No.”

“That’s good. If she reaches out to you, just ignore her. She’s stubborn and doesn’t even know what she wants. She’ll understand what she wants when she’s older.”

How could David not understand Liam’s meaning? That day, he had backed Annabel into a corner, and he admitted he had been a little bit greedy, but Liam’s words extinguished that desire.

“You don’t need to say anything further. I understand. Please tell Mr. Green that he doesn’t need to concern himself with my family’s affairs in the future.”

He hung up the phone, feeling increasingly troubled. He lay back on the bed, closing his eyes. One moment, he saw Annabel laughing and chatting in Cody’s car; the next, he saw Thomas’s grim face.

The weather grew colder, and just before Christmas, it started to drizzle. Christopher had been discharged from the hospital but hadn’t returned to Eastdown. He was staying in his apartment in Magic City to recuperate.

On Saturday, Annabel was still sleeping in the dorm when Christopher called, inviting her over for dinner and mysteriously mentioning that he had a gift for her.

Christopher’s apartment was on the top floor, spacious but feeling somewhat empty due to the lack of people.

Annabel arrived early and sat on the couch, chatting idly with Christopher. Holly and a maid were busy in the kitchen, making her seem like half the mistress of the house.

“When are you two going to get married?”

“Don’t talk nonsense. She’s my manager.”

“She’s liked you for so many years, and you don’t have any feelings for her at all?”

Christopher sounded melancholic. “You don’t understand. It’s not right if it’s not the person in your heart.”

Annabel peeled an orange and gave half to Christopher. “Who says I don’t understand? It’s true. If you don’t like someone, nothing you do matters. So, men are heartless!”

Christopher chuckled. “Is David not treating you well?”

She shrugged and sighed deeply. “No comment.” She hugged a pillow and slouched into the soft sofa, her eyes fixed on the TV screen.

Soon, the phone rang. Christopher saw her answer it and only spoke four sentences in total.

“Hello?”

“No time.”

“Mm.”

“Goodbye.”

She hung up the phone, and before Christopher could ask, she spoke first, “Thomas is in Magic City and says he wants to take me out for dinner.”

She paused, then added with self-deprecation, “It’s quite funny, isn’t it? I’m on bad terms with my dad, but I get along with my mom’s lover as if he were my father. My dad barely acknowledges me, yet he treats my stepbrother like his own son. No one else has such a messed-up family relationship. But, I find that I can accept it now. Am I broad-minded enough?”

Christopher’s smile faltered,”Are you going to see your dad?”

She picked up a glass of water and took a sip, feeling a bit defiant. “Nope. He didn’t even bother to look at me when I was in surgery.”

Annabel paused for a moment. “I heard Logan had a car accident, but it wasn’t serious.”

Christopher lowered his eyebrows slightly and said in a nonchalant tone, “Why do you care so much about Brenna’s son?”

She straightened her back, a hint of worry evident on her face. “I overheard them on the phone saying Logan’s brakes seemed tampered with, but fortunately, he reacted quickly and drove into the mud. Otherwise, who knows what could have happened? Do you think Thomas has offended someone, and they’re retaliating against Logan? Will they come after me too?”

Christopher patted her shoulder and analyzed the situation with her, “If Thomas has enemies, they’d come after you first, not Logan. So, it’s likely your stepmother offended someone. Besides, you have me. If anyone dares to trouble you, I won’t let them off.”

His gaze turned dark and fierce, but when he saw Annabel staring at him blankly, he softened his expression. “If you’re worried, how about finding someone at school to protect you?”

“If it’s Boris, then forget it. He’s always follwing around me with a gloomy expression, I’m afraid I’ll have nightmares.”

“If you don’t like him, find someone else.”

“I don’t need to. Don’t forget I’ve studied Taekwondo.”

Christopher chuckled. “Christmas is coming soon, and I want to give you a big gift.”

“What?” She thought it might be a car or jewelry, but it didn’t excite her much.

The doorbell rang, interrupting their conversation. Christopher smiled. “Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. Hurry and open the door. Maybe there’s a surprise.”

She didn’t believe him. “You’re tricking me again!”

She got up to open the door, and as it swung open, she froze. David was standing there, looking as surprised as she was. He scratched his head. “I might have gotten the wrong address.”

Christopher teased from behind, “Why are you both standing there like statues? He’s not here to see you; he’s here to see Holly.”

Holly had come over, having removed her apron. “David, come in.”

David entered and saw Annabel and Holly in front of him, with the famous star Christopher standing a few meters away. Although he was somewhat surprised, he didn’t show much emotion on his face and calmly greeted Christopher.

He didn’t pay much attention to Annabel and asked Holly, “Is Jasmine here too?”

“She’s recording a program today. I just wanted to treat you to a meal for helping me out so much,” Holly replied.

Explaining to Annabel again, Christopher added, “One of our company’s actors is participating in a cultural program. Since I know David’s mentor, he recommended David to help us brush up on some knowledge. The program has been quite successful lately.”

Christopher chimed in, “Annabel just mentioned you, so I thought I’d come over to meet you. Hope you don’t mind.”

Annabel shot Christopher a fierce look. They hadn’t talked about David at all just now. Was this his idea of a surprise? David might even think she was trying to get close to him.

Christopher completely ignored Annabel’s hostility and continued to be friendly. The contrast between Christopher and Holly’s warmth and Annabel’s coldness was stark.

As David took off his coat, Christopher handed it to Annabel and said, “Hang this up.”

Muttering under her breath, Annabel reluctantly took the coat and hung it in the closet.

The servant announced that dinner was ready.

The dishes were all Annabel’s favorites and looked appetizing.

Christopher brought out a long-coveted bottle of fine wine and insisted that David have a drink with him.

Frowning, Annabel said, “He can’t hold his liquor. I’d be a better companion for you.”

Christopher laughed, “No, you wouldn’t.”

Christopher was not easy to get along with, stern and rigid, but it was evident that he treated David well. Christopher had even said a long time ago that David was a nice guy.

Seeing the coveted wine, Annabel’s mouth watered. While Christopher and David were drinking and chatting, she quietly poured herself a glass. Just as she was about to lift it, a hand reached out and took the glass away.

“You can’t drink,” David said.

Annabel’s attention was caught by David’s slender and elegant fingers gripping the delicate porcelain glass. David thought she was eyeing the wine and found it amusing. “Are you a drunkard?” he teased.

Christopher chimed in, “Clearly.”

Pointing at Christopher, Annabel retorted, “He’s the same. He spent more time in the hospital than I did. Why don’t you stop him?”

“I’m not the one who likes him. Of course he doesn’t care about me.” Christopher said, then leaned closer to David. “She’s liked you for a long time, you know? And she’s very loyal. She’s liked only you for three or four years.”

David felt a bit embarrassed by Christopher’s blunt statement.

“Mind your own business!” Annabel shouted at David.

David softened his tone and asked her, “It’s only been six months since your surgery, right?”

Annabel smirked coldly. “So what? Don’t pretend to care! Even if it’s just an ordinary friend who knows I was hospitalized, they wouldn’t ignore me like you do.”

Seeing the tension, Holly quickly intervened, urging Annabel to eat while chatting with David about Jasmine’s almost mishap on the variety show. “There are still six episodes left in the program, with the final live broadcast being the finale. She’s lacking in cultural knowledge and needs you to tutor her.”

Their intentions were too obvious. It was clear that they only contacted him because of Annabel. Meanwhile, the Green Family would occasionally hint and warn him, which gave David a headache.