Chapter 98
Rebecca couldn't forget her desperate pleas to Theodore, met only with mockery. She had cared for him for years, earning not an ounce of his trust. Though circumstances seemed to be forcing his hand, these events were inevitable. Rebecca's father and brothers merely expedited the process.
Michael's illegitimate children were a reality. Given Gifford's position in the company, these children held significant weight in Michael's eyes, nearly equaling Theodore's importance. Sooner or later, the Edwards family's secret offspring would be revealed, sparking a power struggle between the heir and the illegitimate children.
Michael controlled most of the Edwards family shares. To secure his inheritance and status, Theodore had to obey Michael's commands. Michael intended to leverage the heir's marriage for the company's benefit. Theodore simply chose between love and profit earlier than expectedโa choice that was always coming.
Ultimately, Rebecca was always left behind. Her father and brothers hastened the process, ensuring she witnessed Theodore's true nature. This ensured she wouldn't forgive, return to, or trust him again, only to be hurt once more. Patrick gazed at his daughter intently before breaking into a happy smile, nodding repeatedly. "That's my girl. Well done."
Rebecca's ears flushed at her father's words. She knew her perspective differed from her parents' and brothers', a consequence of her upbringing at Mitchell Villa. However, she was determined to change that. She knew she would become stronger, more confident, and better.
Patrick cheerfully added, "We'll just wait and see then. It won't be long before Theodore comes crawling back begging Becky for a divorce." Rebecca's face lit up at his words.
Debra also breathed a sigh of relief. This outcome felt preferable to enduring Theodore's antics at every meal.
Rebecca stayed home for a few more days, quietly awaiting Theodore's request for a divorce. Instead of his plea, she received a message from Lynn about several advertising offers. Lynn asked if she wished to accept them.
Rebecca hesitated, speechless. Seeing her hesitation, Lynn sighed in relief and suggested, "Becky, given your current situation, I wouldn't recommend rushing into endorsements now. Both Reverse Days and Lovey Princess are about to air. I believe that after these shows air, you could become very popular. By then, your net worth could increase hundreds of times. Taking these endorsements now might lower your standards and not be worthwhile."
Rebecca nodded in agreement, "Mm."
Janet had accepted a role in the fantasy drama, Disciple Meets Master, at the Aotori shooting base some time ago. After months of hard work, they had completed nearly three-quarters of filming. The remaining scenes would take about another month.
Ben Hofmann, the director, had already compiled the footage and discreetly submitted it for review. If all went well, the show could be completed by year's end, perfectly timed for a Christmas airing on the popular Starlight Spectrum Network.
Why not the top-rated Horizon Network? Because Horizon Network had already allocated their Christmas slot to Reverse Days. Disciple Meets Master couldn't compete. Ben and his team settled for the next best option, Starlight Spectrum Network, which was almost as good.
He believed Starlight Spectrum Network also had high ratings. Airing Disciple Meets Master on Starlight Spectrum Network, especially as a holiday program, would ensure its success.
With both Reverse Days and Disciple Meets Master airing simultaneously at Christmas, many in the industry speculated which channel and show would garner higher ratings.
Amidst the celebrations, Janet noticed that Rebecca's show, Lovey Princess, had surprisingly passed TV review and was also scheduled for the holiday season, albeit on a smaller channel. She couldn't believe it had become a TV drama. I remember very clearly that Lovey Princess was just a low-tier web drama before! she thought. Could Charlie have done this for Rebecca again? Why? What does he see in her? Rebecca is just an older woman who has had children. What does Charlie see in her?
Janet couldn't understand it; she didn't find Rebecca pretty at all. Since childhood, she'd considered Rebecca unattractive. Yet, she couldn't help but wonder why Rebecca attracted so many men, even wondering if Rebecca was better at seducing men than she was.
When Janet considered the word "seduce," her racing heart calmed. She pondered, If Rebecca can seduce men, why can't I? I am younger and prettier than her. If Charlie simply likes women who have just had childrenโฆ I am one too! If I try hard enough, could Charlie like me?
Janet harbored no feelings for Charlie, even feeling disgusted by him due to his past public insults. But he was the man Rebecca desired.
Janet couldn't stand the sight of Rebecca. She wanted to destroy anything Rebecca possessed, even a man. Janet wondered if Rebecca would be devastated if she took Charlie away from her. The idea of Rebecca's despair, sorrow, and hopelessness, mirroring her own feelings when Rebecca took Theodore, brought unexpected relief. She remembered Rebecca's shattered vulnerability and secret tears.
Just as Janet was lost in thought, Lisa's voice startled her. "Janet."
Janet jumped, snapping back to reality. "What is it?"
Lisa was startled by Janet's reaction, sensing a coldness in her gaze. "You're up," Lisa reminded her.
Janet finally snapped out of it. She shoved the script into Lisa's hands and walked toward the stage. Lisa stood frozen, holding the script. Watching Janet return to the stage, she sensed something was amissโa twisted, unnatural expression. She concluded that Janet might have psychological issues and need therapy.
Chapter 99