Chapter 475
Darren''s sudden rise to stardom was like a stroke of luck for the whole Brooks family, casting a
serendipitous glow on each of them.
Quick to capitalize on the momentum, Rainbow Entertainment snatched up Darren''s management
contract, securing their chance to build the brotherly brand alongside Stephen, the other half of the
dynamic duo.
The PR team, sharp as ever, revealed Darren''s rtionship with K, quashing the persistent online
rumors that the Brooks family was cursed with bad luck.
As a result, the Brooks family''s business ventures flourished.
Still, Melissa could not shake a weight on her heart.
Since Scott was taken away, the Brooks family had never reached out to Vivienne. Though Melissa''s
heart ached for the girl, she could not find the proper excuse to see her.
To Melissa, Vivienne was family. Despite theck of blood ties, Vivienne was the daughter of her
dearest friend. The thought of severing that connection was unbearable.
Melissa had heard from K about Vivienne’s secret support for the Brooks family. She knew Vivienne
was not cold-hearted; she would repay kindness tenfold.
The reason Melissa hesitated to contact Vivienne, unlike K and others, was guilt.
The Brooks family had never treated Karen well, and now her daughter suffered the same fate. How
could Melissa not feel remorse?
Now that Vivienne had helped Darren be an overnight sensation, Melissa could no longer hold
back. She decided it was time to reach out.
Gathering her children, including K, who was on set, she initiated a video call andid out her n.
"I want to invite Vivienne for dinner, and you all need to be there. Treat her like your own sister. Got it?"
Melissa was not just nning a dinner; she wanted her children and the adults to strengthen ties with
Vivienne and avoid leaving her in the cold. If Vivienne ever faced trouble at the hands of Percival, the
Brooks family would have her back.
K and her siblings had no objections, and Darren certainly could not miss it. After all, he still had the
parrot.
Only Ashley seemed perplexed. "Mom, Vivienne has brought nothing but trouble to our family, and you
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still want to think about her? She''s like a jinx; nothing good happens when she''s around!"
"Ashley!" Melissa snapped, her brow furrowing in anger. "Think about it. Who really brought our family
to this point – Vivienne or the older generation''s misdeeds?"
Ashley, mouth agape, could not find the words to argue. Deep down, she knew that both Judith and
Scott had only been exposed by Vivienne because they hadmitted crimes. The family''s downfall
was not Vivienne''s fault.
But why did Vivienne have to be so harsh about it? Could she not have handled things more gently
instead of turning the Brooks family into a public spectacle?
Due to the scandal, K had been bullied in the industry, Darren had missed out on opportunities to
shine, and Ashley herself could not even hold her head up at school. Furthermore, Charlotte Redwood
had taken over her spot as the student representative at thest school anniversary – all because of
Vivienne.
Ashley could not forgive Vivienne, no matter what.
Seeing no further objections, Melissa made her decision. "Carl, your father is away on business, but
you need to be there. You''ll be representing both your parents, do you understand?"
Carl nodded, ncing at his watch. "Aunt Melissa, if we''re done here, I need to head out. There''s
urgent business at the office."
"Go on, then."
As Carl rushed out and K ended the call, Darren hurried off to an appointment, leaving Ashley and
Melissa alone in the living room.
Melissa turned to her daughter, pleading, "Ashley, you''re young and don''t yet see how Vivienne''s
actions have ultimately benefited the Brooks family. When you grow up, you''ll understand that without
her, not just our family but even the Edwards could have been dragged down."
Melissa''s husband, Vance Edwards, worked abroad on confidential national matters, and Ashley,
though unclear on the specifics, knew her father''s position was too sensitive to bepromised.
Despite understanding the gravity of the situation, Ashley remained stubbornly unforgiving towards
Vivienne.
Seeing Ashley''s sullen face, Carl tried to lighten the mood. "If you agree to go this time, I''ll let you join
me as my navigator at next week''s racing event."
Ashley had long begged Carl to take her to a race, eager for the thrill. He had always refused, citing her
age, but now he offered a golden ticket.
Her mood instantly lifted. "Fine, I''ll go to the dinner. Happy now?"
Melissa exhaled in relief. "Just don''t give anyone a cold shoulder at the table, alright?"
After finishing her piece, Melissa stood up and made her way back to her room, pulling her phone from
the pocket of her worn-out jeans. With a few swipes and taps, she dialed Vivienne''s number.
The call was unexpected for Vivienne. "Aunt Melissa, what''s up?"
Hearing the affectionate ''Aunt Melissa,'' Melissa''s emotional dam broke, and tears began to stream
down her cheeks.
Vivienne was taken aback. "What''s wrong?"
"We''ve got time," Vivienne replied without hesitation.
The truth was, Darren could not keep a secret to save his life; he had spilled the beans right after their
family video conference.
"Sure, we''ll be there on the dot."
After hanging up, Vivienne let out a slow breath, a subtle smile on her lips. Her heart felt warm.
But she could not help but wonder, aside from Aunt Melissa, how many others were actually looking
forward to her return. Co?tent оf Draмa?ovеls.cом
Soon after, Vivienne and Percival walked in, their armsden with thoughtfully selected gifts for
everyone.
"Vivienne, you shouldn''t have," Melissa protested as she enveloped Vivienne’s hand with a warm,
weing grasp.
Vivienne did not pull away, saying, "Mr. Wolf insisted."
Percival chuckled. "It''s the least I could do."
The stage was set for a joyful reunion, but Ashley, detached and brooding in her corner, could not resist
sniping, "Hypocrites."