Chapter 8 Her Younger Brother

• Being manhandled two days in a row left several bruises on Leanna's neck, so she chose a slightly higher collar to cover them up.
• As usual, Beatrice sat on the sofa, munching on peanuts and watching TV, looking every bit the mistress of the house.
• Leanna cleared her throat and walked downstairs, sitting on the sofa. Beatrice glanced at her.
• "What? Want breakfast? Make it yourself!" Beatrice's arrogance remained intact.
• Leanna naturally knew that last night's meal was because Beatrice feared being caught by her master. But she didn't want to pursue a meal; after all, she wasn't impressed with Beatrice's cooking skills either.
• "I want to ask you something."
• Beatrice turned her head, sizing Leanna up. "What do you want to ask?"
• "Is your master's last name Wood?" Leanna had picked it up from her conversation with Beatrice the day before. It was the first time she knew her husband's last name was Wood.
• Beatrice smirked disdainfully. "Do you not know your husband's last name?"
• "How old is he this year?" Leanna continued probing. Even though she was half asleep the night before, she could still feel it during their intimacy; he was definitely a young man.
• Remembering Quintez's instructions from last night, Beatrice's gaze became somewhat elusive. "He's in his forties."
• "Oh…" Leanna's "oh" carried profound meaning. The touch of his skin last night, the firm muscles—someone in their forties could maintain such a physique if they worked out regularly.
• Beatrice snorted. "Don't be fooled by Mr. Wood's age. He's in better shape than men in their twenties. Mr. Wood is charming and talented!"
• Leanna could see through Beatrice's constant defense of her master; perhaps she had her eyes on him from the start!
• "Alright, I don't have any more questions." Leanna stood up.
• "Hey, let me tell you, when Mr. Wood is here, serve him well. Don't make him unhappy, or you'll regret it!"
• Leanna rolled her eyes dramatically. Beatrice didn't seem like a maid at all; she was more like a villainess from a TV drama…
• Back in her bedroom, Leanna glanced at her phone. Her reminder told her she had an audition that day. Graduation was approaching, and all her classmates had signed with various companies. Only she hadn't found one willing to sign her yet. Without an agent, it was hard to get audition opportunities. Fortunately, this audition was open to the public, and it was for a historical drama directed by the renowned director River Landon.
• River was known for giving newbies a chance. He believed that after three to five years in the industry, actors became too guarded and lost the raw emotion in their performances. That was why Leanna got this audition opportunity. However, she was only auditioning for a supporting role. Despite being a supporting role, due to River's reputation, there were dozens of people auditioning. The competition was fierce.
• Leanna's phone ringing brought her thoughts back. Seeing the number on the screen, Leanna couldn't help but smile. "Louis, what's up?"
• "Leanna, what are you doing?" A childish voice came from the other end of the line.
• "I'm about to change clothes and then go for an audition."
• "You have an audition today?!" The boy on the phone seemed even more excited than Leanna. "You must do your best!"
• Leanna chuckled. "You seem pretty happy. But it's just a supporting role."
• "What about a supporting role?! No one gets to be the female lead at the beginning of their acting career, right? I'm sure, with your talent, you'll definitely be a big star in the future!"
• "Alright, alright, enough with the flattery. Do you have enough money? Do you still have your medicine? Are you feeling okay lately?"
• "I have enough money, I still have medicine, and I'm feeling fine…"The boy seemed a bit impatient. "You always ask me the same questions whenever I call."
• "I'm just concerned about you, you heartless rascal!"
• "How have you and your husband been lately? Any plans for a baby?" The boy asked eagerly.
• Leanna bit her lip, then smiled. "You're quite the one to pester us for a child, my dear brother."
• "I'm just worried I won't have the chance to meet them."
• "Nonsense!" Leanna immediately reprimanded, her expression turning serious.
• "Sorry, I shouldn't have said that. But you should know." The boy's voice lowered.
• Leanna bit her lip, holding back her tears. The last time Louis fell ill and was hospitalized, Dr. Zellar, who had been responsible for Louis' treatment for years, had a chat with her.
• Her brother was born with congenital heart disease, and back then, medical science wasn't advanced enough to treat it. The doctor said he wouldn't live past seventeen. Later, when hospitals could perform surgeries, Louis missed the window for treatment. Even if he underwent surgery now, it probably wouldn't change much and had significant risks.
• Born at the wrong time. Louis was sentenced to death by doctors from birth. But now he was eighteen, a senior in high school, already living a year longer than expected.
• The last time he fell ill, the doctor had warned Leanna to prepare herself; Louis' condition wasn't good.
• "Alright, Leanna, don't be upset. I just want to see my little nephew sooner, that's all. You and your husband have been married for a year now. I know you want some alone time together, but think about me, okay?"
• Leanna snapped out of her thoughts. "Okay, Louis, we've discussed having a baby. He's agreed. You know, having a baby isn't something that happens overnight; it takes time."
• "Really? That's great! As long as he agrees, it'll be easy! I won't rush you anymore; take your time!"
• Leanna smiled. For the past year, she had concealed the truth from Louis. In Louis’ eyes, she had a husband who was always away, so she could often care for him at home. Her husband was a company elite, earning a good amount of money and loving his sister dearly.
• "Leanna, I won't talk anymore. Good luck with your audition."
• "If you feel uncomfortable, remember to call me."
• "I got it. Bye!"
• After hanging up the phone, Leanna sighed deeply. Her brother would always be her concern. But she couldn't dwell on these thoughts; she had an important audition in the afternoon, and she was running out of money.
• She grabbed an outfit from her closet. In reality, she only had a few decent outfits. After changing and applying simple makeup, she left the house. However, she didn't expect to run into someone familiar at the audition venue…