The Trending Topic Herself: The Villainess is the Superstar!-Chapter 74: Everything Is for Ian Rowe

James Wallace curled his lips but said nothing more.

Claire Brooks patted Miles Wallace on the shoulder and sighed, "You’re too young to understand these things now, but later you’ll see that the company’s operations are flawlessly handled, and your rising popularity proves it."

Miles Wallace was mixed-race, with more defined features, yet his appearance was too refined, sharpening his contours and leaving a sense of detachment.

His light blonde hair seemed to shine radiantly, and his deep blue eyes were like the ocean. It was unclear if he really listened, but Claire heard him respond lightly before putting his headphones back on.

Claire felt a mix of emotions. She felt very protective of Miles, who was the least talkative but surprisingly reliable, like a big brother to other members. There was a reason for choosing him as the leader of FREE in the first place.

Miles Wallace’s passion for music exceeded Claire’s expectations, but many things were beyond her control or change. Miles had a long way to go, and when he suppressed his true self to act in idol dramas to cater to market aesthetics, Claire knew he still had a long road ahead.

After getting off the car, Claire stopped Miles, who was heading to the practice room, and asked him to follow her to the office.

"There are some things I’m worried about, so I wanted to warn you. You’re participating in ’Great Survival Challenge’ with Maya Monroe and Jessica Young..." Claire frowned, "Now I’m not sure if having you on this show to build a public image is right or wrong. You should know Maya..."

Miles nodded slightly; he had often heard Julian Caldwell mention her.

"Maya Monroe loves to create rumors and tie people into love stories. You’re currently a top star, and I’m afraid Maya will pull you into some gossip. And Jessica Young, although she has a good audience connection, people in the industry know she’s not as simple as she seems, willing to do anything for fame. Stay away from both of them."

"I hear there will be special guests each episode. No matter who they are, as long as they’re women, keep your distance. You have too many female fans; it’s not suitable to create dating rumors. Just remember to keep a proper distance from other female artists. Recently, there have been many scandals, and fans are very sensitive. We must be extremely careful not to give others any opportunity to fabricate stories!"

Miles agreed.

*

Maya Monroe suddenly received a text from her mother, just a few lines showing her mother’s indulgent and cautious attitude.

Maya, it’s your dad’s birthday today. We’ve been waiting for you for a long time... Are you too busy with work? Mom understands, but please remember to take care of yourself. If you’re busy, don’t worry about coming over. It’s just a small birthday for your dad, nothing critical. But please send us some messages when you have time; we miss you a lot. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Maya was stunned for a few seconds, then quickly went upstairs to change clothes.

If it wasn’t for this text, she would have almost forgotten about the Monroe Family. Usually, she was focused on antagonizing Ian Rowe, achieving the "kicking out" milestone every month or two, but this time it had been surprisingly long.

Kiki Monroe needed more than just a successful love life and career; familial ties were also important to her.

Maya had to go deliver herself for Kiki now.

She unexpectedly ran into Ian Rowe outside the door.

"Where are you going?"

"It’s my dad’s birthday, I need to go over. Why are you back, honey?"

"I only have a video conference in the afternoon."

"Oh, oh." Maya nodded, then hurriedly said, "Time’s running short, I better get going!"

"Wait..." Ian stopped her: "Since it’s your dad’s birthday, I’ll go with you. But we can’t go empty-handed; what does he like?"

Maya couldn’t understand why he was so proactive: "My dad likes..."

Damn it! The original character’s memory didn’t have any related information; the original didn’t know, so Maya certainly knew less!

Ian called out to Vincent Summers: "Go to the collection room upstairs and bring down the vase from the top shelf."

Maya was pondering what felt odd today; it was because typically loudmouthed Vincent hadn’t said a word. Previously, he would start with sarcastic remarks.

Vincent frowned and asked again, "Really take the antique vase from the top shelf, Ian? That’s..."

Ian glanced at him: "Go quickly."

Vincent pursed his lips, giving Maya a glance.

Just when Maya thought Vincent would start berating her, the usually loud Vincent had become a silent mute, quickly trotting upstairs.

Maya was still thinking about Vincent’s strangeness: "What’s with Vincent today? I’m not used to him being so quiet and restrained."

Ian asked her in return, "You’re not fond of this version? He’ll never ridicule you again..."

"Just feeling a bit unfamiliar and curious."

Soon, Vincent hurried back down, having thoughtfully put a gift box around the vase. If it were truly a gift box, it would surely lower the vase’s value, but looking at the material, it was likely to prevent any mishaps with the vase en route.

Vincent said to Ian, "Ian, I’ll have someone transport the vase to the Monroe Family."

Ian nodded.

Maya was quite surprised: "Is it really necessary to fuss over a vase this much?"

Ian’s eyes hinted amusement: "Fragile."

But from his eyes, Maya read another message: Very expensive.

After all, she, this penniless simpleton, couldn’t afford to reach so high...

Vincent’s efficiency was unparalleled; soon, he was driving over.

"Let’s go."

Maya stood still. She actually didn’t want him to accompany her; after reaching the Monroe Family, running into Kiki would require following the storyline, and having Ian present was truly inconvenient.

Despite her thoughts, she had to make every effort to appear as if "everything was for Ian Rowe."

"Honey, you have so much work, I wouldn’t burden you with accompanying me. Didn’t you just say you have a video conference? I think you should go back to the meeting; you can hold it at home, at the office, wherever, but don’t delay your work, honey!"

"The meeting can be postponed."

Maya inwardly cursed Ian for lacking tact, unable to take the hint.

"Since it’s a scheduled meeting, how can it be canceled so easily? Honey, you’re a model in the company, and if this causes gossip, I’d be heartbroken..."

"They wouldn’t dare say anything," Ian retorted, "Get in the car."

"Honey, my family can be a bit much, perhaps I should..." Maya thought she had made it clear enough for him not to understand?

As for the antique vase... consider it Ian’s friendly contribution.