MTLNOVEL Chapter 15: chapter 15
The day carried on in the usual rhythm of privilege. Summer was curled up on the cream velvet chaise in the family lounge, nestled between Liam—who was scrolling through his phone—and Davis, who was lazily braiding strands of her hair like it was his full-time job.
"You shouldn't keep your hair down too much," Davis mumbled. "It's too pretty for pests to see."
Summer laughed softly. "Are you saying I should go around bald?"
"Could work," Liam smirked. "Or just wear a sign that says 'Touch and Die.'"
Travis, seated across from them with a tablet in hand, barely glanced up. "Not necessary. Anyone who tries won't have hands left."
> "System Alert: The Bellani brothers' overprotectiveness is off the charts. Host's safety is approximately 3000% above average." Sham Sham chimed in.
'As it should be.' Summer smiled inwardly.
---
Her phone buzzed. A notification from the stock exchange app. Summer's eyes sparkled.
"Oh, look at that." Her fingers flew expertly across the screen. "Another 60K in. Sham Sham, deposit it into the Swiss account."
> "Confirmed. Host remains an investment queen."
Davis leaned over, peering lazily. "What's this one?"
"Oil futures," Summer hummed. "It was bound to spike."
Leo, walking in with a glass of whiskey, chuckled. "Our little princess talks stocks before she even has her second coffee."
Summer grinned. "You guys raised me this way."
---
"Speaking of," Leo settled into the armchair, "the auction on the cruise ship is in three days. You still want to go?"
Summer blinked. "Of course. Grandpa said I could pick an art piece for the villa."
"Mm." Leo tapped his glass. "Good. Take Davis and Liam with you."
"Obviously," Liam piped. "She's not going anywhere without us."
"And Travis?" Davis asked casually.
Travis didn't look up from his tablet. "I have work."
Summer pouted. "Boo. No fun without Travvy."
His eyes flicked up, meeting hers. The usual blankness softened slightly, only for her. "I'll try."
> "System Notice: Travis is considering abandoning his entire research lab for Host's whim. Probability: 67%."
'Sham Sham, don't expose him.' Summer giggled internally.
---
As the conversation mellowed, Vittorio walked in, cane in hand, silver hair impeccable as ever. His gaze swept the room, lingering fondly on Summer.
"Little star," he called, "Come."
She hopped off the chaise immediately, walking to him like a kitten summoned by its owner. "Yes, Grandpa?"
He placed a hand on her head, then gently hooked the jade hairpin by the side of her hair. "This… belongs on you."
The weight was familiar, almost comforting now. Warm. Alive.
"You," Vittorio continued, voice steady, "are the Bellani princess. Walk like it. Speak like it. Never forget it."
"I won't," Summer whispered, fingers tightening on the hairpin.
---
Ciara stood silently just beyond the doorway, hidden but close enough to hear. Her teeth sank into her lower lip, eyes flickering with envy and frustration.
How? She clenched her fists. Why is it always her?
---
Back inside, Summer leaned lazily against Davis's side again. "You think it's weird?"
"What is?"
"That I love doing nothing... but also making money while doing nothing." She stretched like a spoiled cat.
Davis snorted. "It's not nothing if you're outsmarting half the market. You're just built different."
Liam grinned. "Exactly. And if anyone has a problem with it, they can take it up with us."
---
> "Host currently enjoys maximum comfort levels. Daily task complete: Maintain princess energy. Reward: +500 charm points." Sham Sham chimed.
'Good. I accept.'
---
The afternoon drifted into evening, the house filled with the smell of roasted herbs and freshly baked bread. Chef Marco had clearly gone all out, knowing the princess of the house didn't like leftovers.
The family gathered for dinner—without Simon or Ciara, as per Vittorio's explicit instruction.
Liam piled her plate like a mother hen. "Eat this. Good for skin."
Davis added next. "And this. Omega-3."
Leo poured her juice. "Finish that, then you can have tiramisu."
Travis quietly pushed the salt away from her. "Too much sodium."
Summer leaned back with a dramatic sigh. "If anyone saw this, they'd think I'm five."
Vittorio chuckled. "No. Just my precious little star."
---
> "System Note: Host's luck is at max level. Family support unlocked. New optional task: Attend the auction and obtain one hidden item. Reward: 50K credits + Lucky Draw Spin."
Summer's lips curved. 'Now that… sounds fun.'