The Villain Mom Awakens — Going Viral by Parenting on a Reality Show-Chapter 92: Audition Invitation

[Naomi Kenway was obviously holding it together for the first few questions, but she finally snapped when that hater brought up Ian. Ian is her Achilles’ heel. I’d like to see anyone claim she’s only being nice to Ian for publicity now!?]

[I heard the person who started the rumor has already been sent a lawyer’s letter. People who just go around smearing others like that should go do some jail time!]

...

With the matter resolved, Naomi Kenway had turned a crisis into an opportunity, gaining a significant number of new followers.

When Naomi Kenway woke up, the space beside her was still empty. ’Did Ethan Shaw not come home at all last night?’

Naomi Kenway went downstairs for breakfast and asked about Ethan Shaw while she was there.

"Sir returned at ten-thirty last night, but he left for the office at four this morning."

Naomi Kenway took a bite of her bread and nodded.

Since it was the weekend, Ian Shaw was still asleep. Naomi Kenway specifically told the nanny not to wake him, but to let him sleep in.

Naomi Kenway found some time to visit the Interplay Agency and chat with Laura Grant about the future direction of her career.

She was getting good offers for variety shows, but when it came to film and television roles, there was nothing.

"Besides the villainess roles, could you help me get other types of characters? It doesn’t have to be a hit show. With my current reputation, I have to prove myself and work my way up, step by step."

Laura Grant paused, slightly surprised, then nodded. "If that’s what you want, I’ll start looking." 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

To her, Naomi Kenway’s determination showed that she was serious about making it in the entertainment industry.

Her phone rang. With a permissive nod from Laura Grant, Naomi Kenway answered. The caller was, to her surprise, Ruby Preston.

"Ms. Preston."

"Naomi, something came up and caused a delay the last couple of days, so I haven’t had a chance to contact you. I’m currently preparing a film called *Youth*, and there’s a role that would be a great fit for you. I was wondering if you’d be interested in coming in for an audition?"

*Youth* was a massively popular IP, adapted from the novel of the same name by a famous romance writer. The original book has a huge fanbase and tells a story of youthful heartbreak and growth. The male and female protagonists spend ten years breaking up and getting back together, only to end up with their own separate families. It was widely hailed as a tear-jerking masterpiece.

The announcement of *Youth*’s film adaptation had caused a huge sensation. The male and female leads were already confirmed to be A-list actors Jude Shepherd and Yara Preston, with the other roles to be cast through open auditions. A part in this film was a hot commodity, and it had been the subject of feverish discussion among the agency’s artists for the past two weeks.

Naomi Kenway was instantly tempted. "I’m free. Thank you, Ms. Preston. This is a wonderful surprise."

"Don’t thank me, Naomi. You helped me out a lot on the variety show, and I haven’t forgotten it. I’m sending you the relevant materials now. The audition is right around the corner, so you’ll need to prepare well."

After hanging up, Naomi Kenway told Laura Grant what had happened.

"*Youth*? Was that an invitation directly from Ruby Preston?" Laura Grant nodded, then smiled. "This is a major production. If she called you personally, the role you’re auditioning for definitely won’t be some background character. Seize this opportunity. It could lead to some big surprises for you."

"Did she mention a date?"

Naomi Kenway checked the message from Ruby Preston. "Ten days from now."

"Ten days?" Laura Grant frowned. "That’s a little tight. I’m not sure if cramming will be enough."

Naomi Kenway was already looking through the script Ruby Preston had sent. She was to audition for the role of the third female lead, Hugh Chandler—the female protagonist’s best friend, who also had her own romantic subplot. Hugh Chandler was born into wealth; she was willful and arrogant but fiercely loyal to her friends. After a disaster struck her family’s factory, she was forced to drop out of school and fend for herself. She endured countless hardships before eventually succeeding in founding her own company. It was a story of rising from the ashes.

Laura Grant read over the character details and nodded repeatedly. "This is a fascinating character. Her growth arc is crystal clear—from her initial flashy arrogance to her forbearance and resilience during her lowest moments, and finally, the mature composure she gains after weathering so many storms."

"The film is primarily a heart-wrenching tear-jerker, but for the character of Hugh Chandler, her romantic subplot seems almost insignificant compared to her personal journey." Laura Grant nodded again. "I really admire women who can fight their way out of hardship."

Then she sighed. "But you know, the more complex a character is, the more difficult they are to portray."

Naomi Kenway nodded. She didn’t shrink from the difficulty; on the contrary, she felt a thrill of excitement at the prospect of a challenge.

’I like a good challenge,’ she thought. ’A bland, mediocre life is just so boring.’

Her phone chimed with a notification. It was a message from Ruby Preston:

[I noticed you at that one banquet. Back then, you were like a hedgehog with all its spines raised—haughty and untouchable. But when I ran into you on the variety show, I discovered you’re an incredibly resilient person. You’ve grown so much since I first saw you; the way you speak and carry yourself is completely different. I don’t know what brought about this change, but when I look in your eyes, I see Hugh Chandler.]

[I hope we have the chance to work together again; I really enjoyed my time with you. I know the timeline is tight, so feel free to ask me anything. I’d be happy to help.]

Naomi Kenway was touched. She sent a message back to Ruby Preston, thanking her.

"So, what’s your plan for the next few days?" Laura Grant asked.

"I’m going to focus completely on this character."

"Good," Laura Grant said. "I’ll clear your schedule of any non-essential appearances. I know a good acting coach; I’ll introduce you. Use this time to practice as much as you can."

After finishing her conversation with Laura Grant, Naomi Kenway left the office.

As she reached the ground floor, a familiar figure swept past. It was Renee Jennings, and the man whose arm she was holding was likely the renowned actor, Christian Lynch.

Renee Jennings stopped in her tracks and glanced back.

"What is it, Renee?" Christian Lynch asked in a gentle voice.

Renee Jennings tightened her grip on his arm, as if drawing courage from him. "I just saw one of the other guests from the variety show. Let’s go say hello, Christian."

Christian Lynch nodded. "If she’s a friend of yours, it would be rude to ignore her."

The two of them walked over to Naomi Kenway.

Renee Jennings noticed Naomi Kenway only had an assistant with her. ’I’ve heard for a while that she and her husband don’t get along,’ she thought. ’So it makes sense he wouldn’t be out and about with her.’

"Naomi, long time no see." Renee Jennings noticed the weary look on Naomi Kenway’s face and gloated inwardly.

Christian Lynch’s voice was polite enough. "Hello, I’m Christian Lynch."

"Hello," Naomi Kenway said, completely unsure what the two of them wanted. ’Judging by that smug look on Renee Jennings’s face,’ she thought, ’they can’t possibly be here just to flaunt how great they are as a couple, can they?’

"Naomi, this is the first time I’ve ever seen you at the agency. I was starting to think you never came in. But that makes sense. Someone as rich as you, Naomi, doesn’t need to come groveling at the agency for opportunities like the rest of us."