The Trending Topic Herself: The Villainess is the Superstar!

Chapter 297: Kiki Monroe’s Comeback

Since Leo got on the nanny car, he has been silent.

Rose always ensures he has enough time to think and process his emotions, so she doesn’t ask, only reminding the assistant not to disturb him.

This is their way of interacting; he will speak up when he has something to express, and Rose knows there is no need for any prompting.

It was a long time before Leo laughed, with a mocking tone.

"My life is a complete failure, like a flawed product dying a natural death; perhaps the outcome is destined to be a failure..."

Rose sensed that Leo was referring to something specific, and she comforted him as she usually did: "I don’t know why you feel this way, but your thinking is off. You’ve won so many awards and become a household name. If this is considered a failure, then I don’t know how to define success."

"Your perspective always stays on the level of performance art, but life is much more complex than that."

Leo stared at her, his warm amber eyes seeming briefly to fall into silence.

"Did something go wrong in your life...? I mean outside of work. We are friends, and I will help you."

Rose said slowly, "You’re in a bad mood right now, and I don’t want you to remain in this slump."

Leo’s lips curled inexplicably as he said, "Rose, do you think I’m inferior to Ian?"

"Ian...?"

"The president of Valerius Group and the Rowe Family’s heir," he spoke lightly, his voice betraying no emotion.

Rose’s brow furrowed and then relaxed: "In my heart, you are the unique Leo; there’s no need to compare yourself to others."

"So does that mean I’m inferior?"

Rose, known for her strictness and coldness, never softened her words. For the first time, she felt Leo was somewhat unreasonable.

"You know that’s not what I mean."

Leo laughed shortly, but then fell silent.

"Leo, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Since you chose to abandon the family business and enter showbiz, you are already successful from a career standpoint."

Leo stopped talking. He seemed to be pretending to sleep, his eyes closed, with no one knowing what he was thinking.

*

Maya received a message from Eric early in the morning, saying he would join the crew today to play a role in a movie.

Yolanda had once mentioned to her that Eric’s impulsive and straightforward nature was a headache and hinted Maya should take care of him more.

Maya thought Yolanda’s judgment was quite poor, given that those who know her understand she is reckless and utterly unsuited for such delicate work.

Finding it hard to refuse, Maya agreed reluctantly.

On the first day, Maya took Eric to enjoy all the local delicacies around.

"Sis-in-law, I still think the food at the old home is better; the food outside doesn’t have the same taste."

"You must be homesick, right? Visit grandma more often when you have free time."

"If I go there too often, won’t grandma get sick of me?"

"You lived under the same roof with grandma for over ten years, and she never complained about you. Old people often have sharp tongues but soft hearts..."

Suddenly, there was some commotion ahead. It seemed someone important had arrived, and a crowd gathered. Maya saw the short and stout assistant director hurriedly squeezing into the crowd.

Eric’s attention was drawn: "Which big star is it? They must be quite popular. But flashing such a grand style without fear of being criticized for acting high and mighty."

"Not necessarily popular."

Maya squinted slightly, sensing a sudden unease.

The crowd suddenly dispersed, and the person talking and laughing with the director was none other than someone very familiar—Kiki.

In just a few short months, the other’s temperament had seemingly transformed drastically. She no longer appeared as cautious and timid as before, and held her slender neck high.

Her aesthetic had also undergone significant change, with the adorable pure white dress replaced by a vibrant pastel yellow, adding a touch of girlish charm and innocence. The outfit was likely custom-made, resembling a master’s style.

Eric exclaimed in surprise, his voice tinged with noticeable aversion: "Why is it her? Wasn’t she already shelved? How come she’s suddenly making a comeback? She really is the resilient cockroach..." he sneered.

Maya shared the same confusion—how did Kiki make her comeback? Who helped her?

Despite her curiosity, Maya didn’t want to waste time watching Kiki put on a show.

"Eric, we’ve seen enough here; let’s head back."

Eric no longer wanted to stay the moment he saw Kiki, turning to leave with Maya.

Kiki quickly noticed Maya and Eric in front of her and directly strode towards them, followed by a grand entourage, boasting at least a dozen bodyguards.

"Stop, Maya!" It was Kiki’s voice.

Maya, of course, didn’t heed her, continuing to lead her companion away without pausing a step.

"Can’t you hear me telling you to stop?!"

Until two bodyguards blocked the way.

Maya turned, looking thoroughly impatient, with hostility apparent in her gaze: "What’s this supposed to mean? Bullying me because I didn’t bring bodyguards?"

Kiki walked over slowly, stopping in front of Maya: "So what if I told you to stop, why didn’t you?"

To this, Maya let out a light laugh, her eyes slightly narrowing, not even bothering to properly look at Kiki: "So what, who do you think you are?"

"You..." Kiki’s mood was undoubtedly displeased after being rebuffed: "You sure are sharp-tongued."

"I don’t care about you. Hurry and make these two flies buzz off, or else..."

Kiki’s expression showed none of her previous weakness; it seemed she had found some backing, no longer being as cautious:

"Or else what can you do?"

Maya slowly took out her phone, raising it, with the camera aimed at Kiki. She smiled: "Want to garner some more attention?"

Kiki’s face darkened, and as two bodyguards rushed over, Maya kicked them over with one movement, one falling directly onto the other.

The originally tough bodyguards were like powerless chicks before Maya.

After withdrawing her foot, Maya twisted her wrist slightly, thankful to Ian’s supervision. Since strengthening her training, Maya sensed her physical condition had significantly improved, hitting harder.

Eric seemed angered by the situation, and he shielded Maya:

"What’s this all about?! Why bully my sis-in-law?! Come at me if you have anything!!"