The Villain Mom Awakens — Going Viral by Parenting on a Reality Show-Chapter 102: Birthday Banquet

Ethan Shaw had received an elite, aristocratic education his entire life. He expected his son to follow the same path, enduring the same monotonous routine of study, day in and day out. He hadn’t understood when Naomi Kenway suggested canceling the tutoring sessions, but as he watched Ian change, he found himself gradually agreeing with her views on parenting.

Ian grew more lively and cheerful with each passing day. He was no longer the timid boy he used to be, and it was all thanks to Naomi.

A thought stirred in Ethan Shaw’s mind. After playing with Ian for a little while, he went upstairs.

In the bedroom, Naomi was hunched over a tablet, researching something. Pen in hand, she diligently jotted down notes on a piece of paper, occasionally pausing to think before resuming her writing.

Ethan Shaw watched her quietly for a moment before walking over. "What are you working on?"

Naomi finally noticed him. "You walk so quietly."

"You looked so focused. What is it?"

Naomi held up the paper. The words on it were crossed out and rewritten so many times you could see how conflicted she was.

"I’m in charge of Grandma’s birthday party, remember? I have to plan it properly, but it’s a little difficult." Naomi rested her head in her hand, her expression troubled.

She’d never actually planned a birthday party before. The only reference she had were the few parties she’d attended herself.

’I’ll have to stay in the Shaw Family for many years, and we’ll have to see each other during holidays. I can’t let the relationships get too strained. This birthday party is a good opportunity to get to know the rest of the Shaws. It would be best if we can get along. If someone is truly prejudiced against me, I won’t force it, like with Jane Chandler.’

"Planning a birthday party?"

"You didn’t know your mother put me in charge of planning the birthday party?"

Ethan Shaw’s brow furrowed slightly. He came over and sat down beside Naomi. "Do you have any ideas for the party so far?"

"I’m completely clueless when it comes to planning parties, but I just asked a few friends and learned quite a bit about it."

Ethan Shaw nodded and began explaining the usual flow of such events and the key things to watch out for. He had a knack for getting straight to the point, and Naomi learned a great deal from every word he said.

This fueled Naomi’s determination. ’The more Jane Chandler wants to see me fail, the more I’ll make sure I don’t give her the satisfaction.’

"In the past, Grandma’s birthday parties were huge celebrations. They’d invite half the dignitaries and influential figures in Veridia. But she’s getting older, and I don’t think we should put her through all that. We could skip complicated formalities like on-stage speeches and just invite close relatives and friends to celebrate at the old family estate. I’m sure Grandma would be thrilled to just be able to chat with her busy children and grandchildren."

When she finished, Naomi tilted her head slightly to look at Ethan Shaw, asking for his opinion. "What do you think?"

"That sounds very nice. It would be much more intimate than her previous parties. I think Grandma would like that."

Ethan Shaw took the paper from Naomi’s hands. He began to write down numerous names, carefully adding notes about their family connections and other details.

Ethan Shaw’s handwriting was flamboyant and flowing, a stark contrast to his usual composed and strict demeanor. It hinted at a wild, spontaneous side.

Naomi glanced at Ethan Shaw. For a moment, she couldn’t tell which version of him was real.

Ethan Shaw jotted down several lines with ease. "These are the families who are related to the Shaws. I’ve listed them all for you. Besides them, there are Grandma’s old friends, but most of them are getting on in years. It might be difficult to have them come over."

Naomi accepted the list like it was a priceless treasure.

Ethan Shaw went on to give her advice on the party’s decor and menu selection.

Naomi looked at Ethan Shaw with open admiration. "Is there anything you don’t know?"

Ethan Shaw raised an eyebrow. "I’m omnipotent."

"This is... really, thank you, Ethan Shaw."

Ethan Shaw stood up, his tone casual. "If you really want to thank me, you can make me some dessert soup. Just not too sweet."

"You don’t like sweets?"

Ethan Shaw spun around, his eyes locking onto hers. He seemed a little hurt. "I told you that last time. You forgot?"

Naomi scratched her head. "Sorry, I have a bad memory. I’ll make it for you tonight."

The look on Ethan Shaw’s face had already soured.

Long after Ethan Shaw had left the room, Naomi was still trying to figure out why he had suddenly gotten upset.

’Maybe it’s because he’s so used to being fawned over that he has zero tolerance for anyone’s oversight?’

Naomi didn’t dwell on it for long, however. She soon turned her thoughts back to planning the party.

*

The day of the party arrived quickly. Naomi had decided to hold it at the old family estate, inviting only close relations. The venue was decorated with a warm touch; knowing Susan Hughes loved longevity flowers, Naomi had bought them in abundance to adorn the space. She had done away with all the complicated formalities. The matriarch was getting on in years and shouldn’t be overtired; Naomi’s top priority was Susan Hughes’s own enjoyment.

It was still early, and none of the guests had arrived yet.

Jane Chandler stared at the completely transformed estate, then stormed over to find Naomi. "What is the meaning of this? Why have you changed the estate to look like this? And where is the hotel you booked? We need to be heading over there by now!"

Naomi was in the middle of directing several maids on where to place the longevity flowers. She glanced over at Jane. "The party is here. At the estate."

"The estate? How are you going to fit all the guests in here? Are you doing this just to spite me?"

Jane Chandler clutched her chest. She had known all along that Naomi would screw this up, but seeing it happen for real still left her feeling breathless.

"I only invited people who are close to the Shaw family for this party."

"This is absurd! A birthday party like this isn’t just about celebrating a birthday. It’s where deals are made, where you foster connections."

Naomi shot her a cool glance. "Business can be discussed anytime. What’s most important is that Grandma gets to relax and enjoy herself. Besides, didn’t you put me in charge of planning this party? Since you entrusted it to me, I have full authority. There’s no room for anyone else to interfere."

Naomi smiled. "Now if you’ll excuse us, we need to check on things over there. You’re standing right in the way."

Jane Chandler gritted her teeth in fury, but there was nothing she could do to Naomi. She had, in fact, put Naomi in charge of the party, so she really had no right to interfere now. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Fuming, she stomped upstairs.

"Sister-in-law?" A crisp, pleasant female voice called out. The newcomer was dressed in a casual t-shirt and shorts, her skin a healthy, sun-kissed tan, and her face lit with a confident, cheerful smile.

Naomi’s first impression of her was that she was absolutely radiating energy.

Before Naomi could even react, the young woman threw her arms around her. "It’s been so long!"

Her personality was as lively as it was warm.

"Jenna?"

"The one and only." Jenna Shaw let go of her. "I just got back from the airport."

Jenna Shaw was Ethan Shaw’s younger sister. She had gone abroad to study a few years ago. Their personalities were polar opposites; if it weren’t for their similar facial features, Naomi might not have recognized her at all.

Perhaps because Jenna Shaw had rarely come home over the past few years, her impression of Naomi was still a good one.