Chapter 279

Hector tapped his fingers on the railing, his gaze fixed on Naomi and Harvey. "Keith, can I ask you a question?"

Keith nodded. "Anytime."

Hector knitted his brows. "These days, I can't sleep well. A figure frequently appears in my mind. The way he talks, smiles, and scolds, and each of his movements—it's like a movie endlessly playing in my brain. Am I sick, Keith?"

Understanding immediately, Keith chortled. "Good question, Hector. You've come to the right person. Yes, you are sick—lovesick!"

Hector turned his head, puzzled. "Lovesick?"

Keith smiled. "You've fallen in love with that person."

Keith leaned over the railing. Many people were downstairs, mostly gathered on the far side of the swimming pool. Only two people stood where Hector had been staring: Harvey, and Naomi, the house's owner.

Keith didn't know much about Naomi. Although he, Levi, Hector, and Harvey were brothers, they'd grown up in different environments. Levi had lived in military camps since childhood with their uncle, a commander. He attended a boarding military school. Hector and Harvey, twins, grew up in Roncrity with their grandparents. After elementary school, their grandparents passed away, and they moved to Betrico before finally attending university in Amiroca with Keith. Harvey, discovered by a talent scout at eighteen, became a superstar at Starlight Cinema. Hector, however, returned home after graduation, settling in Roncrity rather than Betrico. Perhaps, deep down, Roncrity felt like home.

Lost in thought, Keith noticed Hector shift his gaze back downstairs, mixed feelings flickering in his eyes as he stared at Naomi. Keith was shocked. "Darn it! Hector, the person you mentioned is Naomi? But isn't he a man?"

Hector's voice was calm and cold. "Keith, I know he's a man, but I can't control myself."

Keith felt the world reeling. He patted Hector's cheeks, alarmed. "Come on, wake up, Hector! You're gay?! There are so many beautiful girls out there, why did you fall in love with a man?"

The Xenos family had four sons. Levi, the eldest, was thirty and still unattached. Keith, slightly younger, was living with his future wife's family. Harvey, a star, was a confirmed bachelor, late marriage being common in his circle. Keith had thought only Hector was "normal," but Hector's confession was a bolt from the blue.

Hector stepped back, dodging Keith's hands. "I never said I like him. I just can't stop thinking about him lately."

"If it's not love, then what is it?" Keith sighed, worried. He decided not to tell their parents yet.

Chapter 279

Cynthia and Ruby were still drinking in the cellar. Sam found them leaning against a huge wine rack and sitting on the floor, each with a bottle of wine.

Cynthia loved to drink and had a high alcohol tolerance. Initially, she was reserved, worried about Ruby, but after a few drinks, she relaxed. They chatted and drank, clinking glasses when excited.

The atmosphere was joyful. Cynthia rarely felt this cheerful. She'd been trained to be a lady since childhood. Selena insisted she learn dance, music, dressmaking, and calligraphy, and always behave impeccably. She'd learned everything, but felt unhappy. She longed for freedom and disliked restrictions. She loved exploring new things, some despised by Selena, like taekwondo—which is why her mentor, Shiloh, made her practice boxing at midnight. Though she appeared annoyed and bored, she was truly happy on those nights. She also enjoyed drinking, a shared trait with Ruby.

Unfortunately, Sam walked in. Ruby looked guilty. Sam approached, anger in his eyes. "Ruby, why are you sneaking drinks again? Did you forget the doctor's orders? Your condition…"

Jonathan, Levi, and Keith entered. Sam stopped, realizing it wasn't the right time.

Ruby stood, looking like a child who'd misbehaved. She glanced at Cynthia. "Cynthia insisted on drinking with me."

Cynthia looked at Ruby silently. Ruby winked mischievously, pleading with her eyes.

Cynthia stood, placing her bottle back. She awkwardly dusted her clothes, smiling resignedly. "Sorry, Sam. I insisted. It's all my fault."

Ruby secretly gave Cynthia a thumbs-up. Cynthia smiled at Sam, embarrassed.

Sam understood his wife's nature. He sighed and approached Ruby, saying seriously, "Today's a special case. Don't do this again."

Ruby promised, "I swear it won't happen again. Trust me."

Late at night, Cynthia and Jonathan left. The car drove along a mountain road lined with sycamore trees. Seeing them, Cynthia felt a strange sensation. She loved sycamores; there had been a tall one in her yard. As a child, she'd climbed it, watching the scenery, feeling free. Later, Selena deemed it unladylike and had it cut down, despite Cynthia's pleas. Cynthia rarely cried, but she cried for a long time that day, feeling like she'd lost an old friend. She was happy to see sycamores and a treehouse in Jonathan's yard. Now, these trees gave her the same feeling. She felt like she'd met her childhood friend again. A wave of warmth washed over her.

Jonathan apologized, "I'm sorry I was late. Shirley wouldn't have bothered you so long if I'd arrived earlier."

Cynthia smiled. "Don't say that. It was a perfect day for me."

For Cynthia, the night was magical. She'd met her idol and gotten along with the Xenos family. What a great day!