NovelXXXChapter 397 It was Citrine's first tvisiting the Carmichael family's new villa in Crestwood. At the moment, everyone was present except Salome.
Citrine felt a bit awkward as she stepped inside, the unfamiliar surroundings making her hesitate briefly in the foyer.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtRaymond, her father, didn't waste a second. The moment he saw his daughter arrive, he hustled over to the entryway and bent down to set a pair of house slippers at her feet. "Citrine, the code for the front door is your birthday," he said gently. "Next time, no need to knock. Just cin." "Okay," Citrine replied, a little taken aback. It took her a moment, but then she nodded.
Her grandfather Weston's face crinkled with a wide smile when he spotted her, though he still couldn't help but tease. "Look at you, young lady," he grumbled, "how long's it been since you last bothered to chome?" He snorted, feigning irritation. "I swear, I mention you every day. No conscience at all, that's what you are." Citrine gave him a half-smile, half-smirk. "Don't tellyou just miss having someone to fish with-or play chess?" Everyone in the family knew Grandpa was obsessed with fishing and chess. He was fiercely competitive, too; if he didn't catch a fish or lost a game, he'd keep at it all day until he got the outche wanted. No one else in the house had the patience for that-except, back in Havencrest, Citrine had always been willing to keep him company.
Weston's eyes darted away for a second, but he scoffed stubbornly. "That's not it." Manley emerged from the kitchen just in tto catch their exchange, carrying a tray of fresh fruit and homemade cake. The memory of yesterday's fishing trip flashed through his mind-Grandpa had dragged him out at five in the morning and didn't let up until midnight. Just thinking about it made Manley shudder.
"Citrine, here-Uncle Manley made you sdessert. Give it a try." Manley set the treats down in front of her, then shot a look at Grandpa. "Dad, I was with you all day yesterday. You've already torturedenough; don't drag Citrine into it." Weston's face darkened. "Ungrateful brat! Torture you? Fishing withis a privilege-there are plenty who'd kill for a spot at my side, you know." With that, Grandpa grabbed a couch cushion and lobbed it straight at Manley. But Manley-his legs now fully recovered and stronger than ever-dodged effortlessly, grinning sheepishly. "Honestly, Dad, why not let someone else enjoy that privilege?" He'd learned his lesson: a day's fishing with Grandpa was an endurance test, plain and simple.
Weston turned red with indignation. "You rascal!" Father and son were still bickering when a sudden, thunderous banging erupted at the front door.
"Who the hell thinks they can pound on the Carmichaels' door like that?" Weston sprang to his feet, bristling with righteous fury as he stormed to the entryway.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe flung the door open, ready to let loose, only to find Travis standing there, face cold and eyes blazing with anger.
"You're back?" Weston blurted, caught off guard. He certainly hadn't called him home.
"I chwith Citrine, but before I could even get inside you guys m lockedout," Travis bit out, his voice tight with irritation. Weston, utterly unfazed, replied, "Oh, doorbell's broken. Cin." Travis looked like he was about to lose it. "Seriously, am I even a Carmichael?" "Nope," Weston answered, deadpan.
It was like punching a pillow-Travis's frustration instantly deflated. He didn't bother arguing this was hardly the first the'd gotten this treatment. The Carmichaels always did favor the girls.
Before Travis could say another word, Weston rapped his knuckles sharply on the top of Travis's head. "And watch your mouth, young man. Who do you think you're talking to?" he scolded, grabbing Travis by the ear as he pulled him inside.
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