"Can your brother give me an autograph? So many of my friends adore him!"
Stella smiled slightly, responding graciously, "Of course! It's just an autograph."
"Can I get your autograph? I bet Leo Grant won't refuse."
"Wow, Stella, your brother is coming over! Is he really going to talk to you? Oh my gosh, pinch me! This can't be real!"
At that moment, Stella Grant fully believed her friend's speculation. Maybe their dad had sent her brother over. Since he was coming to pick her up, she might as well give him some face and show off a little in front of her friends.
With that thought in mind, she straightened her back and smiled at Leo Grant as he approached.
When Leo walked over, she eagerly greeted him with a sweet "Brother."
Stella was confident; who wouldn't like a sweet and considerate girl?
But to her surprise, her dear brother didn't even glance her way and walked right past her as if she were invisible. Stella felt like she had just become a puff of air.
She was momentarily stunned.
It wasn't just her; her friends standing nearby were just as shocked.
"Stella, why are you just standing there?" one of them asked.
"Did you not speak loudly enough? Your brother probably didn't hear you."
Stella gritted her teeth, forcing a smile as she reminded herself not to feel embarrassed. Then, she hurried to catch up with Leo Grant.
"Brother, why are you the one picking me up today? I haven't seen you in ages. I really miss you!"
When she spoke again, Leo Grant seemed to snap back to reality.
"Oh, you're here too."
Without pausing, Leo headed straight for the checkout counter.
Stella Grant was puzzled. Did he just see a shirt he liked and was planning to buy it for her?
Unsure of his intentions, she could only stand there and wait.
A few of her friends noticed and came over, giggling.
"Stella, your brother walks with such style!"
"Is he going to pay for you?"
"He's so rich and sweet, a rare find!"
Stella felt herself floating with their compliments, almost ready to take off. Inside, she was bursting with pride, but her face still wore an innocent expression.
"My brother has always been like this. I tell him not to buy so much, but he never listens. It's so embarrassing."
As soon as she finished speaking, envious glances were cast her way.
"Hey, little sister! Big brother, come pick out some clothes. I'll pay for you!"
As soon as she heard the word "sister," Stella was about to go over, but someone else got there first, stepping ahead of her.
When Stella looked up, she saw a figure that shouldn't be there, and her anger flared, her eyes nearly bulging with rage.