The Villain Mom Awakens — Going Viral by Parenting on a Reality Show-Chapter 54 - 55: Gold Medal Agent Laura Grant

"Naomi Kenway??!" Luke Lowell’s mouth hung slightly open, his brow deeply furrowed. "How can that possibly be Naomi Kenway? She looks nothing like that! The Naomi I know is a total battle-ax, not this beautiful!"

Ethan Shaw set down his pen, not wanting to argue the point. "Why are you suddenly back from abroad? Weren’t you on a world tour?"

"The tour ended three days ago. You don’t care about me at all, cousin." Luke Lowell shrugged, still fixated on the beautiful woman he’d just glimpsed. "Come on, cousin, let me see that hottie again. Even if you won’t give me her number, at least let me get an eyeful!"

The popular idol, a master at winning over his countless fans, put on a cute act. "Just one more look. Don’t be so stingy, cousin!"

Ethan Shaw, getting a headache from his pestering, had no choice but to hand the phone over again. "I told you, it’s Naomi Kenway."

Luke Lowell snatched the phone as if afraid he’d change his mind and studied the beautiful woman in the picture.

The longer he looked, the more something felt off. ’How does she actually look a little like Naomi Kenway?’

He squinted, examining it more closely. Those eyes... that nose... that really was Naomi Kenway!

Luke Lowell’s eyes widened in shock.

’When did Naomi Kenway get this beautiful?’

’How could a person’s entire aura change so drastically?!’

Seeing Luke Lowell staring, completely transfixed, Ethan Shaw felt an unfamiliar flicker of annoyance. He snatched the phone back, though his expression remained neutral.

"So... did your wife get plastic surgery?"

Ethan Shaw didn’t answer.

"I’ve got a sharp eye, and it doesn’t look like it. Her features are the same." Luke Lowell mused aloud, "Incredible. Truly incredible! Looks like Naomi Kenway’s skills with makeup and clothes have leveled up quite a bit!"

Ethan Shaw’s gaze remained on the screen. He wasn’t sure when he’d started paying attention to Naomi Kenway’s social media.

At first, he’d just glimpse it by chance, but soon it became a frequent habit. By the time he realized something was off, he’d already been staring at her profile for ten minutes.

The mother and son in the photo were both beaming, and the corners of Ethan Shaw’s mouth lifted into a small smile. But he was also puzzled. He still couldn’t figure out the reason for Naomi’s transformation. His experience told him that such drastic changes were always motivated by personal gain. And yet...

Something crossed Ethan Shaw’s mind, and his brow furrowed deeply.

Luke Lowell watched from the side, taking in every one of Ethan Shaw’s expressions—from the smile to the deep frown. This was so unlike his stoic, unshakable cousin.

Luke Lowell glanced at the phone again, his mind filled with questions.

*

With the variety show on hiatus, Naomi Kenway found herself unusually idle. Her reputation was so bad that almost no brands dared to approach her for endorsements. Likewise, producers of films and other shows seemed hesitant to invite her, wary of her past behavior. Unless she was willing to fund a project herself, it was nearly impossible for good opportunities to come her way.

Although her reputation had improved recently, many producers and directors remained skeptical. The occasional offer for a small endorsement or a script for some minor villainess role would come directly to Naomi, because her agent, Lindsay Woods, had already "resigned."

She could barely manage the variety show on her own, but she wasn’t skilled at securing other projects. She realized she had to find a new agent.

She had already reported the situation to Interplay Agency, but the candidates they found were mostly unknown rookies. Naturally, the established, successful agents wanted nothing to do with the mess that was her career.

Naomi Kenway strolled out of The Rose Garden with a watering can in hand, her steps unhurried.

’Since no one is coming to me,’ she thought, ’I’ll go to them.’

*

Laura Grant had once been Interplay Agency’s top agent. She had launched the careers of countless award-winning actors and actresses. The legendary Kiera Sherman, who reigned supreme in the entertainment world, was a star of Laura’s own making. But three years ago, Laura had suddenly announced her retirement, disappearing abroad without a trace.

Rumors swirled around Laura Grant. Some said she had made enough money and simply wanted a break. Others claimed she’d been forced to leave the country after offending someone powerful...

But just recently, she had made a high-profile announcement of her return. With Kiera Sherman now semi-retired, Laura Grant would be taking on a new client.

The news sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Countless celebrities were now scrambling, practically tripping over each other for a chance to be chosen.

And Naomi Kenway’s target was Laura Grant.

’With my terrible reputation, Laura would never agree to meet with me,’ Naomi thought. Nevertheless, she leveraged the power of her wealth, pulling strings to secure a meeting.

The meeting wasn’t at a high-end club or a golf course, but at a cat cafe. Naomi had done her research on Laura Grant beforehand, and upon learning of her love for cats, she had promptly chosen a venue to appeal to her tastes.

Naomi adjusted the silk scarf at her neck and slowly pushed the door open.

Laura Grant had a sharp, short haircut and wore a well-tailored utility dress. She was cradling a cat, and her usually stern, cold face was softened as she cooed at it.

Sensing Naomi’s approach, Laura Grant gently set the cat down. Her expression reverted to a cool indifference as her eyes swept over Naomi. "Two-twenty. I’m pleased to see you’re not late, Ms. Kenway."

"I meant to set out earlier, but I seem to have kept you waiting regardless." Naomi sat down across from her. "What would you like to drink? It’s on me."

Her tone was different from what the rumors suggested. Laura Grant raised an eyebrow in faint surprise before calmly ordering a coffee from the server.

Her gaze returned to Naomi.

"I heard your previously atrocious personality was all an act forced on you by Lindsay Woods?"

Naomi didn’t answer. Facing such a shrewd woman, she had to be careful. "What do you think?"

"I don’t buy it." Laura Grant took the coffee from the server and took a sip, speaking with conviction. "Your acting isn’t that good."

Naomi smiled. "You’re right. But I believe everyone does foolish things when they’re young and reckless. I’ve changed."

"And how am I supposed to know if you’ve truly changed?"

Laura Grant’s voice was cold, but Naomi didn’t show any fear.

"The fact that I’m sitting across from you right now—isn’t that the best proof there is?"

Laura Grant paused mid-sip, then set her coffee cup down.

’She had a point.’

’Naomi’s looks were outstanding, she was acting far more reliably than before, and she had a solid fan base.’

’But...’

Laura said seriously, "Since you went to the trouble of inviting me, I felt I should at least hear you out. However, your current situation isn’t enough to interest me. Perhaps I should be more direct: I already have a better candidate in mind..."

"...and you’re probably familiar with her. It’s Renee Jennings."

With that, she stood up. "Thank you for the coffee, but I don’t believe we have anything more to discuss."

"Wait," Naomi called out. "You’ve already built such a legendary reputation. Is your real reason for coming out of retirement simply to repeat your past glories?"