Chapter 200

"Stop pretending!" Brittany accused, her voice tight. "Paisley's a famous screenwriter, your daughter's powerful. Why do you still need me?"

Christina pulled Brittany into a hug. "Brittany, no matter what, you're my daughter. I won't abandon you."

Brittany shoved away, surveying the dilapidated house with disdain. "So, I can stay here? Is this even livable?" She shuddered, imagining cockroaches.

Christina felt helpless. Gregory had been ruthless, kicking Brittany out and reclaiming her credit card. For years, Brittany had lived like a princess, relying on Gregory's money. She'd never saved, squandering her meager earnings from acting gigs.

Christina’s situation wasn't much better. She’d always lived frugally, investing in gold and silver for Brittany's future. They never anticipated this. Desperate, Christina had brought Brittany back to her parents' old house.

"Brittany, hang in there," Christina said gently. "Once I sell the jewelry, we'll get a better place." Brittany, calmed by her mother's presence, broke down. "Mom, I'm so miserable! Everyone online is attacking me!"

"Ignore them, sweetheart. I'm here for you."

"Mom, do I have no future?" Brittany's despair tugged at Christina's heart.

"Of course you do! I'll help you. No one will bully you!" Christina's gaze flickered to Brittany's phone, landing on Nion's Instagram profile, her expression hardening.

Meanwhile, Paisley shivered, a sudden chill running down her spine. "Achoo!"

Lucy, her assistant, offered coffee. "Herbal tea instead? You look pale."

Paisley smiled faintly. "Just a tickle in my nose."

Lucy teased, "Thinking about getting back with Dominick? Honestly, ignoring his personality, the man's a knockout."

Paisley bristled. She remembered Serena. It was the weekend, and she'd promised to take her daughter out, a promise broken due to work. This morning, Serena had been devastated, her lower lip jutting out like a stubborn pout. Guilty, Paisley imagined Serena still upset.

But Serena wasn't upset. From somewhere else, a child's delighted cry rang out.

"Max, higher! Higher!"