The Villain Mom Awakens — Going Viral by Parenting on a Reality Show-Chapter 158: Welcome Banquet

Naomi Kenway threw her energy back into the film set. After the recent fever incident, she discovered the looks she got from those around her had completely changed.

The looks of speculation and doubt lessened, replaced by admiration.

As the days went by, Naomi treated every scene with exceptional seriousness. She was using her actions to prove to everyone that her successful audition had been no fluke.

Yara Preston felt genuinely guilty for several days. Whenever she remembered the incident, she felt deeply ashamed. Ultimately, she knew it was her own pettiness that was to blame.

Naomi was the first to notice that something was off with Yara. She found that Yara seemed to be intentionally avoiding her and was always holding back a bit during their scenes together.

After they finished filming the scene, Naomi went to find Yara.

"Naomi?" Yara Preston was resting in a chair while an assistant fanned her. The moment she saw Naomi, she shot up from her seat, her voice a little unnatural. "You... What brings you here?"

Yara’s assistant brought a chair over for Naomi, who sat down across from her. "Iris, has something been on your mind lately? I can’t help but feel you’re holding back when you’re acting. I’ve seen your scenes with other actors, and it seems... you’re only like this when you’re filming with me."

Now that Naomi had called her out, Yara froze for a moment. Then, as if she had come to a decision, she said, "That time you had the high fever... I misunderstood you. It was my fault for being so judgmental. I don’t know... can you forgive me?"

This time, it was Naomi’s turn to be stunned. She never thought the fever incident was what had been bothering Yara for so long.

Seeing Naomi didn’t answer, Yara’s confidence faded. "I’d understand. I was too aggressive back then. You have every right not to forgive me. I’ve been feeling so guilty these past few days. It feels much better to finally say it out loud."

Naomi snapped out of it. "No, that’s not it. I just didn’t expect it was because of that." She held out her slender, fair hand and raised an eyebrow. "I never took it to heart at all. You don’t need to let it weigh on you so much. I hope you can get back on track soon so we can give the audience an even better performance together. What do you say?"

Yara Preston reached out her own hand. She had already thought of many ways to make it up to Naomi, but she never expected Naomi hadn’t taken it to heart at all.

’So Naomi was actually this easy to get along with...’

The moment their hands clasped, they buried the hatchet.

The sun was scorching. After returning to her trailer to touch up her makeup, Naomi Kenway received a call from Laura Grant. Laura asked about how things were on set, and after learning that Yara Preston had apologized to Naomi, she nodded slowly. "I’ve interacted with Yara a few times. She’s an acting fanatic—very sincere, but not great at socializing. It’s good that you’ve cleared the air. That should prevent any more friction during filming."

A horn sounded, calling her to the set for the next scene. Naomi said goodbye to Laura Grant and hurried over.

The scene was between her and Yara Preston, and Naomi could clearly feel that Yara was much more relaxed.

The two of them had perfect chemistry, and they finished almost every scene in a single take. This earned them praise from Ruby Preston: "Excellent! Both of you were fantastic!"

Naomi and Yara glanced at each other. Seeing the smile in Yara’s eyes, Naomi smiled as well.

Naomi finished her filming for the day early and got into the Shaw Family’s car to head to the old family estate. Ethan Shaw would be bringing Ian.

Jenna Shaw had finished her studies abroad, and a welcome-home dinner was being held for her at the old family estate tonight, attended only by the family. In a few days, a grand banquet would be formally held, to which elites from all walks of life would be invited. At that time, the news of the upcoming engagement between Jenna Shaw and the Ford Family’s eldest son, Walter Ford, would be announced.

When Naomi arrived, she happened to run into Ethan Shaw. Ian leaped into her arms. Naomi reached out and ruffled his soft hair, then took his hand, and the family walked in together.

Susan Hughes sat in the seat of honor, with Jonathan Shaw and Jane Chandler beside her. Jenna Shaw was sitting next to Jane, and the two seemed to be deep in conversation. Jenna wore a bright smile.

The first to notice them was Jenna. Her eyes lit up, and she walked over. "Brother, Sister-in-law, you’re here?" She then bent down and picked Ian up. "Ian, it’s me, your auntie. How come it feels like you’ve gotten a little chubbier in just a few days?"

Ian was a little unhappy to hear Jenna say he was fat. He kicked his little legs, wanting to be put down. "Ian’s not fat! Ian got taller!"

Jenna was amused by him and ruffled his head. "You’re such a little smarty-pants. Auntie has a present for you. We’ll see if you like it later!"

Her gaze then turned to Naomi. "And for you too, Sister-in-law. I got you a present as well. I hope you like it."

Naomi smiled. "Thank you."

"What about me?" Ethan Shaw cleared his throat, his eyes full of amusement as he looked at Jenna.

"Of course I didn’t forget you, Brother!"

Jane Chandler listened from the side, looking like she wanted to say something but held back. She glanced over at Susan Hughes but ultimately chose to remain silent.

Susan called out, "Come, come sit down. We were just waiting for you."

"Come here, Ian. Let Great-Grandma see if you’ve gotten chubbier."

Jenna returned to her seat beside Jane. Jane leaned close to her ear, her voice tinged with displeasure. "Naomi has a weird and terrible temper. Why waste your effort on her? If you ask me, there’s no need at all."

Jenna was unconcerned. "Mom, what are you saying? Since Naomi is my sister-in-law, isn’t it only right to prepare a gift for her? Besides, it’s not like our family is short on money."

Jane shot her a look. "This isn’t about money. Since they’re going to break things off sooner or later, there’s no need to work so hard to maintain the relationship."

Jenna’s eyes widened. She covered Jane’s mouth. "Mom, you can’t just say things like that!"

Rebuffed, Jane slapped Jenna’s hand away. "You really do get more disobedient the older you get."

She shifted to the side a little and suddenly met Naomi’s gaze. Her heart skipped a beat for no reason, and she gave an unnatural cough or two.

Jonathan said to Jenna, "Now that you’re back, it’s time to settle down. Don’t go fooling around like you used to."

"When did I ever..." Jenna retorted, disgruntled.

"Rest for two days, then go to the company. Have your brother arrange a position for you. Start from the bottom to hone your skills. Your brother also started from the bottom. As long as you do well enough, I’d even give you my position as chairman."

All descendants of the Shaw Family, no matter what career they chose, had to complete an internship at the company for a set period. The right of inheritance was not based on seniority; the most capable would rise to the top.

Hearing this, Jenna became a little listless. "Chairman? I’d rather not. I have no interest in managing a company. I’d go crazy staring at paperwork my whole life. Besides, no matter how capable I become, could I ever surpass my brother?"