PART 4: A Hollywood Welcome
PART 4: A Hollywood Welcome
Designer wardrobes replace worn-out thrift clothes.
By the next morning, the reality of my new life began to collide with the practical logistics of living with three protective brothers who had fifteen years of missed birthdays to make up for in a single weekend.
At 9:00 AM sharp, a knock sounded at the penthouse door.
Julian answered it, revealing a team of four private stylists from Rodeo Drive carrying rolling racks filled with gorgeous designer clothes, shoes, and accessories.
“Alright, team! Operation Wardrobe Makeover is officially underway!” Julian announced happily, clapping his hands.
I stared at the racks of silk blouses, tailored jeans, and cashmere sweaters in absolute panic.
“Julian, I can’t wear this,” I protested, crossing my arms over my faded thrift-store hoodie. “This stuff costs more than our old trailer.”
“Nonsense,” Julian laughed, gently turning me around toward the racks. “You’re a Vance now. You wear what makes you feel like the queen you are. Besides, tonight is your official welcome dinner, and we’re taking you to the best restaurant in Beverly Hills.”
Before I could argue further, Leo jogged down the stairs holding a custom mechanical keyboard wrapped in glowing RGB lights.
“And once you finish playing dress-up with Hollywood over there,” Leo grinned, setting the keyboard down on the kitchen island, “we’re setting up your new battlestation in the guest suite. I already ordered three curved monitors and a custom gaming chair with lumbar support.”
I couldn't help laughing, the lingering anxiety of the police precinct and the estate threats finally melting away under their absurd, overwhelming affection.
Liam walked out of his home office holding a sleek black laptop, sliding it across the marble counter toward me.
“Your college enrollment papers for UCLA are finalized, Summer,” Liam said smoothly. “Your tuition, housing, and academic stipend are fully covered by the trust. You start classes next month.”
I looked from Liam to Julian, and finally to Leo.
Just a week ago, I had been sitting on a sagging mattress in a leaky Midwestern trailer, peeling mandarin oranges while my mother fought her final battle against cancer.
Now, I was standing in a multi-million-dollar penthouse with three brothers who were rewriting my entire universe.
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“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “I... I don't even know how to begin to thank you guys.”
“You don't have to thank us for anything,” Liam replied, stepping forward and pulling me into a warm, grounding hug. “Just being here with us is the only gift we ever wanted.”
