Chapter 299
Curtis fiddled with his camera, casually saying, “What’s the deal, you wanna kick our big bro out of the house? I thought we were scheming this in secret, how come it’s out in the
open now?”
Phillip, who was mid-drink, paused and glanced at his younger brother. “Seems like you two have been plotting quite a bit behind the scenes.”
“You think I’ve been just chatting with Grandma? We’ve got plans A, B, and C all mapped out.” Curtis said, “Better watch your drink, never know when Grandma might spice it up.”
Phillip set his glass down with a sigh.
“Don’t be ridiculous, I did no such thing!” Mary quickly cleared her name to her eldest grandson, then playfully threw a peanut at Curtis, “You little troublemaker, always stirring the pot.”
Curtis dodged with a laugh, tilting his head to the side.
He glanced at Leanne, who looked amused rather than upset, which was a relief.
On the living room wall hung a framed calligraphy, reading: “The strength of a father, the harmony among brothers, the love between spouses, is what nourishes a family.”
The bold strokes indicated the artist’s skill, reportedly a masterpiece left by Curtis’ grandfather before his passing. It had been there since Leanne joined the Richardson family.
Leanne had never met him but had heard of his legendary life.
Under his guidance, Vector Vista Bank flourished, and the expansion of the Richardson Group’s empire was largely his doing.
But he passed away twenty years ago, shortly after Leanne’s parents were tragically tak
from her.
Servants placed three mahogany chairs in front of the painting, with Maddox and Jennife sitting on either side, and Leanne helping Mary to the center seat.
Curtis and Phillip stood behind, with Phillip buttoning up his suit in a dignified manner.
Curtis’ jacket was fished out of the pool, and it was drenched. He wore his vest without a tie, looking every bit the carefree nobleman.
As for Leanne.
Standing next to Curtis would imply she’s embracing the role of his wife.
The center was out of the question.
Chapter 299
An unofficially adopted daughter, soon-to-be ex-daughter-in-law, from any perspective, she was an outsider to the Richardson lineage, with no right to the spotlight.
Initially, Leanne intended to stand by Phillip as she used to when she was younger, but just as she moved…
“Where do you think you’re going?” Curtis pulled her to his side, between him and Phillip.
“Stand here.”
“It’s not appropriate for me to stand here.” Leanne tried to move away.
“It’s okay.” Phillip shifted aside, his voice gentle, “Stay here.”
Leanne muttered an “okay” and stayed put.
She always found it hard to disobey him, while Curtis’ jealousy seemed to grow by the minute.
Once Leanne was positioned, the family servant, camera in hand, was ready to take the shot.
Suddenly, a hand gently rested on her waist, subtly pulling her to the right.
Click-the shutter captured the moment.
In the photo, Leanne, who was supposed to be in the center, ended up visibly closer to Curtis, creating a noticeable gap between her and Phillip.
Mary was pleased with the outcome.
“Nicely done. Print a few copies, one for each of our rooms. No matter what happens, remember what your grandfather said, harmony among brothers, love between spous that’s what will keep this family thriving.”