Chapter 302

The Hoggard family flatly refused the Jones family's demands. Kelly was with Charlie, they had a daughter, Serena—both direct Jones descendants. Cooperating with the Jones family meant risking their lives. The Jones family’s leaders grumbled but backed down, unwilling to antagonize the Hoggards. The Hoggards then quietly spread the news of their refusal. Yowhayton’s other major families were delighted; the weakened Jones family was ripe for the taking.

The sudden death of the Jones family's heir left the new leader floundering. Companies that had worked with the Jones family now favored Kelly, leaving the branch family vulnerable. The other families quickly poached partners and sowed discord. Within six months, the Jones family's global empire crumbled, their Yowhayton power drastically reduced. They were too busy fighting for survival to bother Kelly.

Meanwhile, in Zentiscape, Kelly and Charlie relaxed, relieved by the Jones family's troubles. Their film ventures were a mixed bag—some successes, some failures—but overall, they prospered. Kelly launched a website, attracting writers and quickly adapting successful novels and scripts. Her company thrived in alliance with Charlie's L&K Group.

Serena, their charming, mischievous daughter, was already developing a passion for makeup, secretly raiding her mother and grandmother's cosmetics. Debra, delighted, commissioned a custom line of children's makeup—natural, but fleetingly vibrant.

Serena loved it. She painted herself and, to Charlie's amusement and occasional dismay, him too. One day, he left the house unaware of his daughter's handiwork. His fans erupted upon seeing the photos. Stunned, then delighted, they snapped pictures of the comically made-up star.

Charlie, initially perplexed, quickly understood. He shielded Serena from the camera flashes as she giggled in his arms. His manager later explained the viral photos of the makeup-clad Charlie. It was both hilarious and irritating. His return to the public eye after years away, thanks to Serena, was unexpectedly huge.

News of his marriage and daughter was a sensation. Years of online pleas from fans for him to settle down culminated in joyous congratulations. Charlie's carefully guarded privacy protected Claire and Serena from the intense public interest.

"Mommy!" Serena, a whirlwind of three-year-old energy, ran into Kelly's arms on set.

Kelly scooped her up. "Behave yourself today?" She knew the source of Charlie's online makeover. Serena beamed.

Kelly pinched Serena’s cheek. "No more Daddy makeovers, or you'll be in trouble!"

Serena, snuggled against her mother, stuck her tongue out at her father. Charlie was speechless. Kelly smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. "He deserves it," she thought. Serena's mischief, she realized, was pure Charlie.