Secret Wife, Real Billionaire

Chapter 139 Overwhelmed

Catherine emerged from the office, disheartened and overwhelmed with distress.

A sudden realization struck, prompting her to swiftly dial her studio’s number.

The imperative was clear, requiring prompt deletion of the post.

Any further exposure could spell her downfall.

+25 BONUS

Yet mere removal wouldn’t be enough. To thwart her imminent predicament, the optimal strategy was to

safeguard her university enrollment. As long as she retained her student status, the precarious “rumors” would

likely crumble on their own

Renee received a call from Naomi, inviting her to chfor her birthday celebration.

Apparently, the Hudsons wanted to celebrate her birthday for the first tsince she started working for them.

Even though Nana's birthday was the following week, they planned to celebrate a few days in advance.

“Marcelo, | think I should go to the Hudson's house today for Nana's birthday.She really wantsto come.

Would you like to accompany me?“Renee inquired of Marcelo.

“I have something to do today, “Marcelo declined, directing Chad to arrange a birthday gift for Naomi in his

stead.

If his physical presence was unattainable, his gift would convey his regards.

Renee, anticipating his busy schedule, wasn’t taken aback, though a hint of disappointment lingered.

“Nana had expressed a desire to meet you,” she sighed.

Naomi had subtly implied her curiosity about Renee’s choice of a life partner since she kept praising him the last

tthey met. “Perhaps another occasion, “Marcelo replied, citing a prior commitment to fetch Vivian from the

airport.

Moreover, his sentiments toward Naomi of the Hudson family were rather indifferent.

As Renee was on the verge of nodding, Marcelo’s hand descended upon her head, tenderly tousling her hair.

“What's this for?“Renee asked, confused.

“Ensure they don’t mistreat you over at the Hudson residence.”

Renee harbored no expectation of mistreatment. “I'd just wish Nana a happy birthday; | don’t intend to engage

much with the others or stay long.”

Her strategy was to disregard Rocco, Grace, and Catherine, treating their words as fleeting gusts of wind.

Renee was pleasantly surprised as both Rocco and Grace treated her warmly during the visit. They even

purchased a birthday cake for Naomi.

Acting in the role of a responsible father, Rocco inquired about Renee’s work and life.

His equanimity persisted despite Marcelo’s absence, knowing that Marcelo’s gift had been duly delivered.

Prior to dinner, Renee sang a birthday song for Naomi.

‘Nana, you haven't made a wish,” Renee gently reminded Naomi, who had already blew out the birthu.., andles.

“No worries!“Naomi smiled and said, “Renee, cover; | have something to discuss with you.” Guiding Renee,

Naomi took her to the room.

1/3

Chapter 139 Overwhelmed.

+25 BONUS

On this occasion, she wasn't in a storage room; instead, she occuped a standard guest room on the ground floor.

“Renee, | observed Marcelo isn’t with you today. Is something wrong?” Naomi hadn't spotted anyone with Renee.

“No need to worry, Nana. He was occupied today. I'll introduce him to you next time.”

Naomi discreetly let out a sigh of relief.

Recalling the previous call to Rence, where Marcelo had picked up, Naomi wanted to avoid dealing with the

pressure from that young man’again.

“Renee, there’s something I'd like your assistance with,”Naomi requested.

Rence smiled, gripping Naomi’s elderly hand. “Nana, today is all about you. Just letknow what you want;

there is no need for formality.”

“Your sister has run into sissues at school. Knowing you're an honorary alumna of the University with good

connections, could you lend her a hand?”

“What happened to her?”

Renee took a moment to register that the “sister” Naomi mentioned was Catherine.

“I'm not entirely sure. The school wants her to leave.” Naomi sighed with concern. “She's still so young, dropping

out seems too harsh.”

Ellie replied, “Hold on,Nana. I'll investigate and get the details.”

Renee checked the university forum but found no details about Catherine.

Consequently, she reached out to Howard for information.

Howard promptly responded on Wktkkp,

“Catherine copied her major assignment, failed the final exam, bribed the activity coordinator, and there were

admission problems. There was initially a post about it on the forum, but it was deleted by her studio’s contact at

the university.”

Howard then asked, “Renee, why do you inquire about this? Is the Hudson family pressuring you to conceal

Catherine's actions?

11

Renee was surprised.

How did Howard find out about her connection with Catherine?

But now wasn't the tfor inquiries. She replied with gratitude and set her phone aside.

Renee clarified, “Nana, the problems Demi caused are significant. I'm only a graduate; | can’t impact the

university's policies.”

“Renee, you haven't given it a shot. How can you be certain it won't work? You just don’t want to help

me! “Catherine burst into the room, pointing at Renee with an accusation. “Did you create that forum thread? It

must be you. No one else wishes to witness my failure!”

“So, you're here. “Renee rose from beside Naomi’s bed, casting a cold gaze at Catherine. “Since you were here,

why didn’t you joinwhen | was singing the birthday song for Nana?”

Upon entering, Renee spotted Catherine's bag and coat on the coat rack.

Catherine remained silent, merely locking eyes with Naomi.

“Renee,please lend a hand to Catherine just this once, for the sake of me!” Naomi implored, gripping.

e’s hand, “If

Catherine gets expelled, she'll beca laughingstock. Today is my birthday, and fulfilling this wish is my

birthday request. You won't disappoint me, will you?”

2/3

Chapter 138 Overwhelmed.

Renee gazed at Naomi with disbellet,

A sudden realization dawned on her that Naomi now seemed like stranger.

+25 BONUS

She questioned why Naomi had an early birthday celebration. It appeared the birthday was merely a pretext,

with the true motive being to enlist her assistance for Catherine.

Now it made sense of Grace's unusually friendly demeanor.

It was understandable for Naomi to plead for Catherine, given that she was a very kind woman.

However, utilizing a birthday wish as a manipulation tactic felt like a betrayal.

Renee's heartfelt birthday wishes now felt like a cruel joke. She arrived with joy, only to find herself ensnared in

a trap and manipulation.

Naomi, the person she once knew and respected, now felt like a piercing blade in her heart with what she was

doing, making each breath an arduous endeavor.

If Catherine now meant more to Naomi for sreason, what significance did she hold?

Observing Renee's silence, Catherine wore a triumphant expression, while Grace, positioned at the door, let out

a mocking chuckle.

The issue wasn't raised directly, indicating a prearranged scenawhere Naomi played the mediator.

Catherine was uninterested in pretending niceties towards Renee, which explained her earlier absence.

“I must leave; | have other things to do.“Renee wanted to leave without further delay.

“Renee, you can’t go! You haven't given your consent! “Catherine obstructed her path, determined not to let

Renee leave until school matters were resolved.

“Renee!” Naomi’s tone pressed for her agreement. 1

Renee closed her eyes, wrestled with her trembling fingers, and took a deep breath to regain composure. “I... I'll

find a solution!”

Catherine scorned Renee, “Quite the honorary alumna, wielding influence and connections.”

She was subtly alluding to Renee’s abuse of privilege.

“Hey, Renee, are you leaving so soon?” Rocco frowned upon seeing Renee hastening away.

He had hoped to maintain a good relationship with this exceptional foster daughter.

Grace restrained Rocco, who was attempting to keep Renee, stating, “She has other pressing matters to

address.”

“Will she help Catherine?“Rocco inquired, “If she’s unwilling, don’t force her.”

Otherwise, reconciling Renee’s connection with the Hudson’s family would be more challenging. “Certainly, she

will,” Grace contemplated with a concealed sneer.

She believed she was the sole genuine caregiver for Catherine in this family. She wasn’t oblivious to Rocco's

attempts to win over Renee.