The Villain Mom Awakens — Going Viral by Parenting on a Reality Show-Chapter 104: Xavier Family

Susan Hughes chuckled at his words. "You’re such a good boy, just what I’d expect from my great-grandson," she praised. "But Great-Grandma’s old teeth can’t handle these. Why don’t you eat these yummy candies for me, Ian?"

Susan Hughes took the little yellow duck crossbody bag she was wearing and put it on Ian. "It looks so cute on you." 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

She then turned to Naomi Kenway, took her hand, and said kindly, "Organizing this banquet must have been a lot of work."

"As long as you’re happy, it was all worth it."

Susan Hughes smiled, not holding back her praise. "I’m so blessed to have such a thoughtful granddaughter-in-law. Nia, you’re doing so much better than before. Grandma is so happy to see you grow."

A stir came from the main hall. The newcomer was also leaning on a cane; it was Susan Hughes’s dearest friend of several decades.

Susan Hughes’s face lit up with excitement. Supported by someone, she hurried over, her voice filled with disbelief. "Willow?! I can’t believe you came! It’s such a long way, and with your bad legs..."

Willow Warren reached out, and their two equally aged hands clasped. Only they could truly understand the emotion of that moment.

"I didn’t have to walk much. Nicole arranged for a car to pick me up. I heard this year’s birthday banquet wouldn’t be as boisterous as before, so I thought I’d come and join in the fun."

Susan Hughes quickly had someone bring a chair over so Willow Warren could sit.

Her already joyful mood soared to its peak the moment she saw her old friend.

Jane Chandler frowned, casting a complicated look at Naomi Kenway. ’I never thought she was actually this capable.’

Jane had tried to invite Willow Warren to banquets in the past, but Willow had always declined, citing her poor health. Who would have thought Naomi would be the one to convince her?

Jonathan Shaw was always very devoted to his mother. Seeing Susan Hughes so happy, his impression of Naomi improved as well. "You did a wonderful job with the banquet. Thank you for your hard work, Nia."

Jonathan Shaw was a man who commanded respect. He was often busy with work and traveled frequently, so Naomi rarely saw him.

"Dad, you’re too kind. It was my duty."

After some brief pleasantries, everyone took their seats as planned.

Jane Chandler frowned. "Aren’t there supposed to be speeches?"

This time, Susan Hughes was the one who answered. "We’re all family here. Let’s dispense with the tedious formalities. Unless you have some business you’d like to discuss?"

Jane Chandler was at a loss for words.

Jonathan Shaw shot her a look of disapproval. "This is Mom’s party. The most important thing is that she’s happy. Let’s not talk about anything else."

Jane Chandler gave a noncommittal response.

When it was time to present gifts, everyone in attendance offered theirs.

Naomi Kenway presented a birthday tapestry she had embroidered herself. "Pines and cranes for a long and healthy life. It’s not a valuable gift, but it’s a token of my affection. I hope you like it, Grandma."

The pine trees were embroidered with unyielding spirit, and the cranes looked utterly lifelike.

Susan Hughes accepted it with a delighted surprise, unable to take her eyes off it. She admired it endlessly. "Oh, my! This is simply marvelous. Nia, this is such a heartfelt gesture. Grandma is absolutely overjoyed."

Jenna Shaw gasped in amazement. "This embroidery is so exquisite! I can’t imagine how many days and nights it must have taken to finish. You’re so thoughtful, Sister-in-law."

Jane Chandler looked skeptical, finding it hard to believe Naomi could have embroidered it. "You’re always so busy filming. How could you possibly have time for embroidery? Besides, work this fine takes more than a little practice to master, doesn’t it? I had no idea you had this talent."

"Mom..." Jenna Shaw, sitting beside Jane, tugged on her sleeve and whispered her name.

Jane Chandler brushed her hand away, her eyes still fixed on Naomi.

"I learned a long time ago, but it’s true I haven’t practiced in a while. It took some effort to get back into it. If you’re interested, I can teach you when I’m free," Naomi replied calmly, as if oblivious to the insinuation in Jane’s tone.

Susan Hughes cleared her throat twice, and Jonathan Shaw cut in at the opportune moment. "Let’s save other topics for later. Right now, the focus is on celebrating Mom’s birthday."

"I was just curious. It was my mistake, it won’t happen again." Jane Chandler took out a handkerchief and lightly dabbed the corner of her mouth.

Surrounded by her dearest friends and family, Susan Hughes was in extremely high spirits. It wasn’t until five in the afternoon that a maid helped her back to her room to rest.

Anyone could see how pleased Susan Hughes was with the banquet Naomi had organized. Jane Chandler couldn’t find a single fault, no matter how hard she looked.

After the guests had departed, Jenna Shaw accompanied Jane Chandler upstairs. She couldn’t help but gush, "Sister-in-law is way more incredible than I imagined. That embroidery was absolutely magnificent!"

Jane Chandler sighed. "How do you know she’s the one who actually embroidered it? I only held my tongue because there were so many people around."

"Mom, you’re being too critical. Sister-in-law is already this perfect. What were you hoping for, a literal angel for a daughter-in-law?"

Jane Chandler turned away from her. "You’re just like your brother, always finding new ways to annoy me. That’s enough. You don’t have to follow me."

Jenna Shaw hesitated, then said, "I’ll go check on Grandma, then."

*

Ethan Shaw was swamped with work; he had only accompanied them back to the estate before leaving for the office again.

Ian rested his head on Naomi’s shoulder. "Mommy, why did Daddy leave again? I miss him..."

Naomi patted his back comfortingly. "But Mommy’s here with you, isn’t she? Everyone has things they need to do. Daddy is working hard, so we need to be understanding of him. Don’t you think so, Ian?"

’Actually, Ethan has been coming home more often lately,’ Naomi thought. ’He often comes with me to pick up Ian. He’s definitely making an effort to spend time with him and be part of his life.’ Although she didn’t know the reason for Ethan’s change, seeing Ian’s smile was enough to make her happy.

Ian Shaw nodded.

Naomi carried Ian into the house. "Mommy will be right here with you."

*

Liam Sherman noticed that Ethan Shaw had started working with even greater intensity, yet he was also going home much earlier than before. He used to leave at eleven at night, but now he was heading out five or six hours sooner. The rumor was that he was going to pick up his kid.

Sometimes, when work was unusually busy, Ethan would opt to handle his affairs from home, but he still left punctually at five or six in the evening.

Liam didn’t know what had caused this change in Ethan. ’When did he become such a family man?’ It wasn’t his place to ask, so he never did. Besides, with the boss leaving early, he had less overtime and was happy for the break.

After giving Liam Sherman a few brief instructions, Ethan Shaw picked up the keys from his desk and walked out of the office.

He could faintly hear his employees murmuring behind him:

"President Shaw has been going home really early lately. It’s like the sun is rising in the west."

"The boss’s mind is impossible to fathom. As corporate drones, we’d better just focus on our own work!"

...

Ethan Shaw arrived home around six o’clock to find the dining table already set for dinner.

Naomi had gotten used to Ethan’s new schedule. "You’re back? All done with work?"

Ian threw himself into Ethan’s arms. "Daddy, we were waiting for you to have dinner!"

Ethan carried him to the dining table. As he looked at Naomi across the table, a complex mix of emotions stirred within him.

’Right now,’ he thought, ’Naomi and I are just like any other ordinary married couple.’