Whenever George personally gave instructions, the security guards knew to remember. No unauthorized personnel were allowed on the grounds. But Skylar was different.
She smiled and shook her head, explaining, “I’m just waiting for my brother. He’s filming inside today.”
“Your brother? Who is he?” the security guard asked. “Let me tell the butler. The film crew is staying here tonight. We can arrange a better room for your brother, Ms. Sullivan. That way, he won’t have to share a small room with the others.”
The security guard quickly sent a message to the butler on WhatsApp. Moments later, the butler’s reply came through: “I have a list of crew members. There’s a gentleman named Charles Sullivan, who must be Ms. Sullivan’s brother. I’ll arrange it immediately.”
Skylar was impressed by the security guard’s efficiency. She didn’t even have a chance to decline the offer. Maybe she could bring some antiques to George as a token of gratitude for his hospitality.
“Thank you,” Skylar said with a smile.
“My pleasure, Ms. Sullivan. It’s our job,” the security guard replied, returning her smile.
She only had to wait a couple more minutes before she saw Charles running out.
“Skye!” he called out.
“Charles, over here!” Skylar waved.
Charles jogged over to her with a wide grin. “I’ve got the whole afternoon free. Come on, you’ve never been here before, right? I used to film nearby, and there’s a beautiful lake not far from here. The water’s crystal clear. Let me take you there.”
“Ms. Sullivan, you can’t drive on the road toward the lake. Would you like me to take you both there on a motorcycle?” the security guard offered enthusiastically.
Charles raised an eyebrow, surprised by the security guard’s sudden shift in behavior. Skylar had only just arrived, yet the guard was already bending over backwards to help her. It was striking to him how easily she seemed to connect with people.
He remembered when the crew had arrived; the same security guard had been stern and demanding. Even the assistant director had treated the mansion’s staff with deference.
Skylar politely declined the offer. “No thanks. We’ll walk there. It’ll be nice to take our time.”
“Alright. If you need anything, just call us. There are security guards patrolling by the lake, and we’ll be watching over you,” the security guard said.
As Skylar and Charles walked away, Charles leaned in with a mischievous grin. “If he wasn’t old enough to be your father, I might think he had ulterior motives. He’s been way too attentive to you.”
Skylar chuckled. “Grandma brought me here a while back to help Mr. Querbach with some antiques, so a lot of the staff recognize me.”
Charles, an actor who had seen his fair share of films, immediately understood. “I see. Let’s go then. It only takes about ten minutes to walk there.”
As they walked, Charles added, “Once this film’s finished, I’ll buy you a bag. There were so many women on set with that brand. I even took a picture of it. I’ll buy one for you when I can.”
Skylar smiled. “Thanks, Charles.” She didn’t refuse his offer, adding, “We siblings are so in sync. I’ve also prepared a gift for you. It’s in my car.”
Charles grinned. “It’s different now that you’re working and making money. Now I have a sister who buys gifts for me.”
As Skylar and Charles chatted and laughed, two figures emerged from the mansion. It was Kenny and Samuel. With things happening at home, Kenny had wanted to talk to Samuel personally.
When they saw Skylar and Charles laughing together, their expressions shifted.
“Did she forget who her real brother is?” Samuel muttered under his breath. A strange feeling of unease settled in his stomach as he watched the two siblings so carefree.
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