"Let's head inside. Dinner should start after you wash your hand," Anthea gently suggested, suppressing any lurking doubts within her heart as she beckoned Audrey back into the house.
Although it was a little strange that the two brothers had returned, it had nothing to do with them.
Anthea's thoughts were simple. Although she was married to Gary, she knew very well that the two of them didn't have a deep relationship. She just wanted her daughter to grow up safely.
Immersed in this family's conflicts was a realm she deliberately chose to abstain from. Her paramount wish was that Audrey would chart her own course, steering clear of any entanglements.
Anthea wasn't the sole observer perturbed by this unusual occurrence. Eric too found Abner's return somewhat bewildering.
The two of them usually avoided each other as much as possible.
Despite being brothers, they didn't share a mother. The conventional sentiment associated with brotherhood simply didn't apply. Every instance he encountered Abner, Eric experienced a peculiar discomfort. After all, who would be amiable with their rival? Regrettably, Eric grudgingly acknowledged Abner's superiority in certain aspects.
F*ck, the more he thought about it, the more unhappy he felt.
However, it was normal for Abner to be stronger than him. Abner had gone to the company as soon as he graduated, so he would definitely have a job at his fingertips.
Eric endeavored to assemble his strengths, striving to surpass Abner. Yet, the more he contemplated, the more his expression soured.
When Audrey entered, she saw his sullen expression. Furthermore, his expression changed several times. One moment, he was satisfied, and the next moment, he was furious.
[No, he's performing a face-changing act.]
Eric was speechless.
Are you addicted to ridiculing me? Do you really think I'm a sick cat who can't retaliate?
"Are you genuinely going to pursue acting?" Eric scrutinized Audrey skeptically.
Audrey didn't understand why he was asking again, but at the mention of something she was interested in, she still said happily, "Yes, I'll be auditioning for a role in two days."
It's her first movie and she would be the second female lead. This was better than many people, at least better than herself in her previous life. She had worked hard for a few years in her previous life, but in the end, she only acted as the third female lead.
Eric beheld her elation and harbored suspicions. Did she truly harbor a fervor for acting?
"I advise against it. Lacking acting skills, you'll likely be inundated with online derision," Eric warned.
Audrey, however, held confidence in her acting proficiency. Eric's words compelled her to reconsider. Did he genuinely seek her betterment, or was he intent on derailing her aspirations?
Audrey smiled sincerely at Eric. "Second Brother, why don't you teach me? You've ascended to prominence as a renowned director. Assisting in refining actors must be well within your capability."
Eric's demeanor shifted toward smug satisfaction. "Indeed, of course I could. But why should I assist you? Your fantasies are groundless."
Audrey raised her eyebrows.
[Childish. You're so childish.]
Eric was speechless.
While conversing, they perceived Abner's descent from the upper floor. Now clad in casual attire, his typically frigid air had somewhat thawed.
[Elegant and noble. Indeed, a good-looking person looks good in anything.]
Audrey sensed herself inching toward acquiescence under Abner's sway, though traces of trepidation lingered.
When Abner went downstairs, he saw a line of words above Audrey's head. It was bold and red, making it impossible to ignore.
There was a hint of helplessness in his eyes. He couldn't help but wonder if Audrey had been thinking about this when she saw him in the past.
Also, did she know that there were subtitles above her head?
Upon observing his sister's admiration, Abner contemplated that she likely remained oblivious to the presence of the text above her head.
Their dialogue continued as Abner descended, but Eric maintained his silence, preoccupied with his phone screen. He didn't even bother to look at Abner.
Gary was very happy to see the two brothers at home when he returned. He even said to the brothers, "A family should live together and improve their relationship."
Eric reflexively glanced at Abner, encountering his gaze in return. Disgust rendered him avert his eyes promptly.
It was better to tell him to go to hell than to stay with Abner.
Abner, however, chose to remain silent. He just felt that Gary was really old and still had the fantasy of being brothers. In a big family like theirs, even brothers from the same mother might not act like brothers, let alone the two of them.
Since childhood, his mother had indoctrinated him, asserting that he must exercise full dominion over the Lance family's enterprises. He was confident Eric's mother had imbued him with similar convictions.
Although they currently maintained an outward semblance of amicability, Abner intuited that things would look horrible if this facade of amicability were to crumble.
Audrey sought to diminish her presence amid the tense atmosphere. As an avid reader familiar with the plot, she knew very well about the battle between Abner and Eric.
[This atmosphere is too awkward. Will it be like this in the future? I really want to move out, but I will lose two million yuan.]