Chapter 151: Choosing Her Godson Over Her Own Daughter

After Linda finished her speech, she paused, waiting for the Quirks' reaction. The silence stretched, her nervous fingers, which had been twirling her necklace, stilled. A bewildered expression crossed her face as she looked around. She met a series of restrained expressions; her words hadn't been received as hoped.

"What do you mean? You're not even willing to help with this small favor?" Linda's voice, laced with disbelief and frustration, turned specifically toward Selena. Her disappointment was palpable, as if Selena had personally betrayed her. Caught off guard, Selena stammered, "Haven't you ever been online? The last person who tried to ruin someone in the entertainment industry ended up ostracized by their own family!" David, with a slightly amused look, chimed in, "Furthermore, they once tried to court our daughter-in-law, but the outcome was" His voice trailed off, prompting subdued chuckles from the others as they glanced toward a seemingly innocent Isabella.

Linda countered confidently, "How can it be the same? Considering our long acquaintance, shouldn't those youngsters show me, an elder, some respect?"

This remark was poorly received. The Quirks found her tone presumptuous. Isabella retorted, "Show you respect? Have you ever given the younger generation of the Quirk family any money or gifts? Why should we show you respect?"

Isabella's focus on money surprised them, yet her logic was undeniable. Christopher echoed her disdain: "You expect respect as an elder, yet you've never shown us any generosity. How can you expect help in return?"

Linda's irritation grew. "Selena, do you think your parents would believe me if I told them you wouldn't help me with even this small favor?" she threatened.

This shocked the younger Quirks, unaccustomed to elders reporting them to their parents. Selena remained composed. "Our family has never used our influence to bully others. Moreover, this involves Bella's future reputation in the entertainment industry. She's determined to be fair and just, without favoritism."

Isabella muttered, feeling the awkwardness, "Mdm. Selena's clearly brainwashed by the internet and making things so awkward for me!"

Despite the tension, Selena stood firm. The rest of the Quirk family struggled to suppress their amusement.

Linda, taken aback by the resistance, quickly defended herself. "I never intended to intimidate anyone. I'm simply warning you that Scarlett's character is questionable. As for your so-called 'fair judge,' make sure she's thoroughly scrutinized in the next round. We can't let her manipulate my godson!" The Quirks knew of Linda's godson but weren't interested in her personal affairs, widely considered a joke within their circles. A significant part of her divorce was rumored to be due to her excessive affection for him.

Linda had a daughter with her ex-husband, but she showed little affection toward her, lavishing attention instead on her godson. Their lack of blood relation was obvious; otherwise, her behavior would have raised more questions. Her unfair treatment of her daughter was truly disheartening. After repeatedly neglecting her daughter, who suffered severe psychological issues, her ex-husband's family demanded a divorce, believing even a stepmother would provide better care. Custody went to the father, severing almost all contact between Linda and her daughter. Linda showed no interest in reconnecting.

Her explanation for this disinterest was bizarre: she claimed to have dreamt her daughter was a past-life nemesis destined to ruin her. While absurd, such beliefs sometimes took hold among the affluent.

Now, Linda sought Selena's help—a woman she disliked—for her godson, highlighting his greater importance to her than her biological daughter. The Quirks were intrigued. How had Linda adopted Javier as her godson? Isabella, particularly curious, paid closer attention.

Linda aggressively proposed strategies against Scarlett, acting like Javier's mother—a meddling mother-in-law. Isabella mused, realizing Linda was an admirer of Javier's father, Mr. Randall Goodman.

The Quirks, familiar with the gossip, instantly understood. Is this a case of loving someone and everything related to them? Linda had pursued Mr. Randall with her wealth, but he rejected her. His relationship with Mdm. Pearson, and their military connections, prevented Linda from aggressively pursuing him. Heartbroken by Mr. Randall's death, Linda helped Mdm. Pearson care for Javier, eventually adopting him as her godson and loving him as her own.

This revelation left the Quirks speechless. Isabella continued her internal monologue: Linda's visit was likely motivated by spite. The mention of a bet further piqued their interest.

"I'm not one to gossip, but it seems Mdm. Pearson, after meeting Scarlett, found her acceptable. Yet here's Linda objecting. Javier wants to reconcile, but Linda's so opposed she came to us hoping we'd intervene. But there's no need—Scarlett doesn't want to return to that situation."

The Quirks were surprised. They'd expected Freya to be a harsh mother-in-law, but she seemed pleased after meeting Scarlett, contradicting online portrayals. Unfortunately, Freya was unaware of her son's true nature, while Scarlett was all too aware, making Linda's objections moot. Linda, acting more like a doting parent than a godmother, seemed intent on controlling her godson's life and relationships.

But what exactly happened to Javier? Both Linda and Freya seemed unaware of what happened, so what did Scarlett discover that prompted the breakup?

Linda, noticing the distracted looks, snapped, "Were any of you even listening?"

The Quirks politely assured her they were, though their interest stemmed from Isabella and Christopher's upcoming match, not Linda's drama.

Linda's frustration was evident. If not for her godson, she wouldn't have endured this ordeal. Freya had previously been her ally against Javier's undesirable partners. Why hadn't she realized something was amiss with Scarlett? Had she not promised Javier secrecy, she would have taken legal action against Scarlett from the start.