Chapter 76
When Sienna wasn’t involved, both Lydia and the five Jenkins brothers would show Phoebe a degree of so-called generosity. Even from the unexpected photos to the team’s involvement, everything had spun out of Leon’s control. He thought it would be best if Phoebe returned to the company under his management. That way, he could prevent her from carelessly stirring things up and save himself the trouble of cleaning up after her impulsive messes.
Leon said decisively, “Alright, I’ll go find her tomorrow. I’ll offer her the best contract, one that comes with all the same benefits as the company’s top female stars. This time, she shouldn’t have any complaints or pull any stunts.”
As for coming home, Leon believed that if they offered Phoebe a way to gracefully return, she would take it. He knew that, being his biological sister, Phoebe genuinely yearned for family closeness. They shared a blood bond. There was no grudge that could last forever between them. Squabbles were natural.
The other four shared a similar outlook. They felt confident that if they just extended an olive branch to Phoebe, she’d happily return. After all, they were family. There was no reason to be so harsh. Besides, if Phoebe hadn’t tried to constantly compete with Sienna, they wouldn’t have reacted so angrily toward her. As long as Phoebe could get along well with Sienna, they would care for her just as warmly.
Hearing Lydia’s words, Sienna felt a twinge of discomfort. Being the biological daughter really makes all the difference, she thought. Even after things got this bad, with their relationship practically severed, they still want her back.
However, since this was all going according to her own plans, Sienna had no intention of stopping it. Instead, she chimed in supportively, “Yes, it was all just a misunderstanding on Phoebe’s part. Leon, you should definitely coax her back.”
“Then, I’ll apologize to her myself and clear up everything about the photo and the matching pendants.”
Sienna added, deliberately setting a trap, “I’m sure that once I and Reece explain things clearly to her, and she understands it’s all innocent, Phoebe will see reason.”
Leon replied, “An apology isn’t necessary, but you certainly should clarify things between you and Reece. There’s no need for your relationship to be affected by a man.”
Everyone at home genuinely hoped Phoebe and Sienna could get along peacefully. Previously, he was disgusted with the entire matter. Now that he understood the prior mess with Sienna and Phoebe’s boyfriend had been a misunderstanding, he felt relieved.
Leon thought it was Reece’s fault that he had failed to juggle the relationships, leading to such a massive misunderstanding. It was ridiculous, given how many years he’d lived. Leon’s anger was directed at Reece, whose actions had led to conflict between his two sisters, with Sienna bearing the brunt of public criticism, complicating their PR efforts. Phoebe, too, had jumped to conclusions, resulting in…
Leon decided that after reconciling with Phoebe, he’d have her post a clarifying tweet stating she’d misunderstood the nature of Reece and Sienna’s relationship. Having Phoebe, the person involved, publicly clarify the situation would be far more effective than any PR campaign they could arrange. Sienna would emerge from the scandal unscathed, with no further insults thrown her way.
As for Reece, if Phoebe refused to make up with him, they would arrange for her to meet another affluent young man. After all, Phoebe was their biological sister, and they could discipline and guide her, keeping her from acting out, but they would never let anyone bully her, not even Reece, one of Leon’s friends.
Once everything was settled, Lydia felt tired and went upstairs to her room. After she left, the five brothers offered Sienna a round of comforting words. Cain instinctively reached out to put his arm around Sienna, but just as he extended his hand, the family’s housekeeper suddenly appeared, promptly reminding him, “Cain, Mrs. Hill requested that you all maintain appropriate distance and decorum.”
Before heading upstairs, Lydia had specifically instructed the housekeeper and other staff to keep a close watch on the brothers around Sienna. If any of them stepped out of line, the staff were to speak up and intervene.
Chapter 76
Seeing the housekeeper’s impassive face, Cain withdrew his hand sheepishly. “What a load of nonsense,” he muttered, annoyed. Does Mom really need to have someone monitor us like this? It makes us feel like we are doing something shady. It’s ridiculous, he wondered.
Sienna wasn’t pleased either. Lydia even had someone keeping an eye on them now. It was quite annoying. She realized that while others were home, she’d need to be more careful. If Sienna ended up annoying Lydia, who might report everything to Elliot, it could work against her. Sienna not only needed to keep her five brothers close but also had to make sure Lysha and Elliot didn’t start leaning toward Phoebe over her.
The next day, Phoebe took Brenda to get a fresh new look. Brenda’s appearance was naturally striking and alluring, but in the past, to annoy Finnian, Ophelia, and her family, she’d gone out of her way to rebel. Brenda changed her hairstyle and color weekly, and her wardrobe veered toward an edgy, unconventional style. Later, she’d toned it down for Frank, reverting to black hair, wearing it straight, and dressing in a more polished, professional style. But Phoebe suggested that Brenda choose a look that suited her personality better.
Brenda agreed. It was time to reclaim her own identity and style, so she got her hair permed and dyed it a smoky, ash-blue. She even dragged Phoebe to the mall to buy a new wardrobe filled with bold, glamorous, and seductive pieces. Trying on a wine-red satin slip dress, Brenda admired herself in the mirror. “I look amazing!”
Phoebe nodded in agreement. “Absolutely gorgeous. You really let Frank hold you back for too long.”
For Frank’s sake, Brenda had endured wearing clothes that she didn’t like for a long time, such as professional attire. Brenda rolled her eyes, instantly joining in the criticism. “Exactly! Not only did he hate strapless dresses, but if he saw me in anything that didn’t cover my knees, he’d get all annoyed.”
“One time, I wore a dress with a cutout in the back, and he gave me the cold shoulder for the entire day. Thinking back now, what a waste of time. That idiot totally held back my glow.”
Brenda slipped on a backless gown next and admired her silhouette. “I love this. My hair falls just right, showing off my back in glimpses. It’s so sexy and beautiful, all wasted on Frank who never appreciated it.”
She turned to Phoebe. “At least you get it. You never gave up what you loved just for Reece’s sake.”
Phoebe, while deeply caring for Reece and their family, never allowed herself to be molded by anyone else’s preferences. Brenda recalled that Reece didn’t like either of them going motorbiking or racing. Since Brenda wouldn’t listen, he tried convincing Phoebe to stop, saying that he didn’t like it, but Phoebe just kept riding with her anyway, never giving it up just to please him. Eventually, Reece had to accept it.
Whenever they argued, if Phoebe felt she wasn’t in the wrong, she didn’t apologize or try to make peace with him just to smooth things over. When Phoebe returned to the Jenkins family, they wanted her to leave the entertainment industry, suggesting she go abroad to study economics or management. Phoebe refused outright. If anyone in the Jenkins family tried to belittle her in favor of Sienna, Phoebe wouldn’t simply take it. She’d always fire back. Phoebe could be incredibly warm and caring to those she held dear, but she wouldn’t let anyone change who she was.
Brenda, looking back, felt she’d been foolish. To get back at her parents and gain their attention, she’d rebelled on purpose. Then, to please Frank, she altered so many of her interests and whenever they fought, she was usually the first to apologize.
Phoebe gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Hey, at least you’re waking up to it now.” Phoebe tried to talk Brenda out of changing herself for Frank in the past, urging her to stay true to her own likes and dislikes. But Brenda had been so invested in him, chasing him despite Phoebe’s warnings.
Sometimes, Phoebe even suspected that Frank might have been subtly manipulating Brenda’s thoughts. Brenda nodded firmly. “Right. My life is just getting started!”
Brenda looked back into the mirror, a mischievous smile on her face. “Look at us. Honestly, the more I look, the more I think beauties like us should be admired by as many people as possible.”
Phoebe, who was also trying on a dress in a similar shade but a different style, chuckled as she gazed at the mirror. “Absolutely. How is it that the two women in this mirror just keep getting better looking?”
Their laughter was interrupted by the sound of Phoebe’s phone ringing. She glanced down at the unknown number flashing on the screen and answered. “Hello!”
Since she hadn’t hired an assistant yet, Phoebe was still managing her own affairs in the entertainment world. Unknown numbers often meant potential new projects or connections, so she made a habit of picking up.