Chapter 78

Rebecca quickly answered the video call. "Charlie!" Her mood brightened at the sight of him, and she called out happily.

Charlie's eyes lit up. "Becky, I was just taking a break, so I called you back. About that variety show—don't go. I don't have any free time right now to go with you. If you go alone, given Ben's despicable nature, I'm afraid he'll maliciously manipulate the plot for ratings. He'll make you suffer and flatter Janet to create tension and attract attention. Don't put yourself through that."

Rebecca smiled, her eyes crinkling. She nodded. "Okay, then I'll call Lynn later and let her know I won't be attending."

Charlie was overjoyed simply looking at Rebecca. Becky is such a good girl, he thought. Having a younger sister feels so nice!

"By the way, Becky, after your aunt's birthday celebration in a few days, I'm taking you somewhere!"

Rebecca was surprised, then delighted. "Where to?"

Charlie chuckled enigmatically. "I'll tell you then. Just focus on preparing for the birthday celebration. I happen to have two days off in a few days, and I'll come pick you up!" He had everything planned, and Rebecca felt reassured as she nodded. "Okay."

"If there's nothing else, I'll hang up now. The director is calling me for my night shoots, and I'm already running late!" Charlie said with a smile.

"Okay," Rebecca agreed.

"Here I am, coming soon... I'm really coming..." Charlie anxiously responded before quickly ending the video call.

As the call ended, Debra couldn't help but feel a bit jealous. "He knew I was beside you, and he didn't say a single word to me."

Rebecca was taken aback, then realized. She carefully explained, "Maybe… Charlie just forgot?"

Debra sighed helplessly. "Forget it. He's just afraid I'll pressure him into getting married. It took quite a bit of courage for him to call you even knowing you're with me."

Chapter 78

Speaking of marriage, Rebecca remembered she was twenty-six, and Charlie was a bit older. At his age, he really ought to get married.

But the thought of Debra pushing Charlie and his helplessness amused her. "Marriage is a big thing, and Charlie should take his time to find someone he likes," Rebecca said seriously.

Debra sighed. "We thought the same thing before. But it seems like our family is cursed. Adrian, Bryce, and Charlie all refuse to date, let alone get married. It's driving me crazy." Rebecca was stunned. Debra was right. Since reuniting with her family, she hadn't seen any girlfriends of her three brothers, and Adrian and Bryce were likely quite grown up.

"How old is Adrian?" Rebecca asked.

Debra glanced at her and sighed again. "He'll be thirty-five this year." Rebecca was helpless. Thirty-five, it's definitely time to get married! she thought. "Forget it. Let's not talk about them anymore. They'll ruin our mood." Debra shook her head.

It was getting dark without Rebecca realizing it, and Patrick knocked on the door. Rebecca and Debra both looked towards the door.

Patrick smiled. "Dinner is ready. Let's go downstairs and eat."

Rebecca and Debra reacted. Debra handed the baby to the nanny and stood up, telling Rebecca, "Come on, let's go downstairs for dinner."

Dinner was rich, featuring a balanced mix of meat and vegetables, with different dishes each day. Rebecca never tired of eating and always had an appetite. After dinner, Rebecca called Lynn back and told her she wouldn't be participating in the variety show recording.

Lynn wasn't surprised. "Alright, then take a few days off to rest. There will be an audition opportunity soon, and I'll bring you to check it out. The character information will be sent to you in advance. Spend the next few days studying and embodying that character, thinking about how you want to play it."

Rebecca quickly nodded and thanked her. "Okay, thank you!"

Chapter 78

Cynthia's birthday party was just around the corner.

Early the next morning, Rebecca woke up and got ready. She packed her gifts and prepared to leave for Cynthia's house.

Since Cynthia was a member of the Mitchell family, Debra couldn't go with Rebecca to the party before their relationship became public. Debra repeatedly reminded Rebecca before she left that if she encountered any trouble, she should just go home and ignore irrelevant people.

Patrick was also very concerned and wanted to send a female bodyguard to protect her. Rebecca declined with a smile.

However, Patrick and Debra still arranged for a bodyguard to follow Rebecca, waiting with the driver in the car. The bodyguard could provide timely protection if needed.

Rebecca couldn't refuse and agreed.

A while later, Rebecca set off. Sitting in the car, she watched the scenery slip by, feeling the time pass quickly. Three years ago, to save money for Cynthia's medical treatment, she married Theodore, and Cynthia underwent surgery right after her wedding. Cynthia's surgery went smoothly, and after recovering, she was discharged.

Later, Cynthia said she wanted to develop abroad and pursue her dream of studying fashion design. Rebecca supported her, and personally saw her off at the airport.

Initially, she often called Cynthia, worried she wouldn't adapt to living abroad alone. Cynthia also cared about her, frequently asking about her married life and fearing she would have a hard time in the Edwards family. Cynthia knew Rebecca was in graduate school at Twin Ivy University, and was reassured when she learned Rebecca hadn't let her married life deter her from pursuing her goals.

Chapter 78

Later, when Theodore woke up, Rebecca happily told Cynthia the good news, which further reassured and delighted Cynthia.

At that time, both she and Cynthia felt the gloomy days were over and the future would be wonderful.

But no one anticipated that Janet would fall in love with Theodore the moment he woke up. What followed was something Rebecca didn't want to recall.

Rebecca didn't want to tell Cynthia about any of this. Cynthia and Janet were blood relatives, and she didn't want to make Cynthia choose between them.

Over time, her contact with Cynthia gradually decreased until now.