Sorry My Step-Uncle, I'm Not Your Backup Plan novel Chapter 79

"Brother, I want to be in the photo too," Grace called out, suddenly suppressing the jealousy in her eyes and using an artificially sweet tone. She walked over and wedged herself between Gabriella and Asher.

Victoria let out an exaggerated gasp.

Sebastian turned to her with concern. "Victoria, what's wrong?"

Victoria replied with mock seriousness: "Good Lord, what an enormous third wheel! I'm practically blinded by it."

Despite hearing Victoria's comment, Grace remained firmly planted between Gabriella and Asher, her skin evidently thick enough to withstand the barb.

Seeing that Grace had no intention of moving, Victoria leisurely folded her selfie stick and turned to Grace with a patently false smile. "So sorry, Grace, but we've finished taking photos. If you want a group shot, why not take one with Drake and your little friends?"

Grace restrained her impulse to lash out, instead forcing a smile as she linked her arm through Asher's. "Then I'll just take a few photos alone with my brother."

Gabriella lowered her lashes, her gaze falling on Grace's hand.

Asher extracted his arm, giving Grace a cold look. "Aren't you a bit old to be clinging to your brother? Perhaps it's time you found yourself a boyfriend."

Even with Grace's impressive ability to maintain appearances, she couldn't hide her dismay at Asher's suggestion that she find a boyfriend. Her carefully constructed expression showed cracks, and her eyes revealed genuine hurt.

"Brother, why can't I be close to you now that I'm grown? You used to dote on me so much."

Asher's manner remained cold and distant. "That was then, this is now. Grace, you need to understand boundaries."

Grace's recent behavior had made her intentions painfully clear to Asher. Only because she was his sister had he spared her the embarrassment of exposing her true feelings publicly.

He'd also noticed Grace's hostility and jealousy toward Gabriella. Since Gabriella disliked Grace, it was his duty as Gabriella's partner to make his position clear and provide her with security.

Asher's words stunned Grace. "Brother, we're siblings—what boundaries could possibly be needed?"

Victoria made a disapproving sound. "You're really playing the 'Blackwood sister' card, aren't you? What boundaries would be needed between an unrelated adult man and woman? I wonder."

Grace's eyes welled with tears as she looked up at Asher pitifully.

Asher remained unmoved, his tone indifferent. "Victoria is right. Though we are siblings, we have no blood relation. You shouldn't behave in ways that might cause misunderstandings."

As Grace attempted to say more, Asher sidestepped her and took Gabriella's hand. His dark eyes were deep and concerned. "Gabby, we've finished with the photos. Shall we continue?"

Gabriella curved her lips into a smile, her glance toward Grace filled with triumphant challenge. "Sister, if you want to take photos, stay and take your time. My fiancé and I will go ahead."

Inwardly, Gabriella mocked Grace. Perfect performance—you've truly mastered the art of playing the damsel in distress. The title of "pick-me queen" belongs to no one but you. Unfortunately for you, your brother has an excellent pick-me radar.

After sunset, the temperature dropped rapidly. The stream brought a distinct chill to the air, and the increasing humidity made everything feel considerably colder.

Asher pulled a thick jacket from his backpack. "Gabby, put this on."

Grace, having no outdoor experience, was unaware of the significant temperature differences between day and night in the mountains. Now she stood shivering in her lightweight hiking clothes.

Seeing Asher give Gabriella his jacket, jealousy burned within her.

Gabriella had just put on the jacket and walked a short distance when she heard someone cry out behind them.

She instinctively turned around, but the winding mountain path and surrounding trees obscured her view of what had happened.

A moment later, Eliza, one of Grace's friends, came running up to them, calling out urgently: "Asher, Grace has twisted her ankle!"

Asher frowned but asked: "Is it serious?"

Eliza's anxiety appeared genuine. "It looks quite bad. She can't walk. Please come and see."