Hollywood: The Greatest Showman

Chapter 237: Family Confrontation

Renly had often imagined what it would be like to return to London.

Perhaps he would slink back with his tail between his legs, having failed in New York, with all his perseverance and efforts proving futile, confirming George and Elizabeth's predictions. Or maybe he would return triumphantly, with a successful acting career, greeted by a crowd at the airport, announcing his return in a blaze of glory.

Of course, Renly hoped for the latter.

However, reality rarely matches our imagination. He returned to London much earlier than expected, and it wasn't as a failure or a star; his career was just beginning. When he took on the role in "Like Crazy," he had considered this possibility, but he agreed to it without hesitation.

He wasn't afraid of returning to London; he didn't have any aversion to the city itself. He just disliked the invisible shackles of family, which seemed to bind his every word and action, from his actions to his thoughts, from his appearance to his soul. Every step had its rules, and any deviation could lead to criticism.

More importantly, these criticisms were usually whispered behind his back and conveyed through meaningful glances. Face-to-face, people would still display friendly faces, but they would slowly distance themselves, silently confining the person in a corner. That suffocating and repressive feeling had no outlet for release. If he were to vent openly, people would look at him like he was crazy, not stopping or judging him openly, but using silent judgment to calm everything down.

This pressure and scrutiny made it hard to breathe. There was no space for dreams, freedom, or even existence. Everyone seemed to be turned into a delicate Barbie doll, with no soil for personality or thoughts to grow.

In his previous life, he had experienced this kind of life; in this life, he wouldn't repeat the same mistakes.

Returning to London, although he wasn't a successful actor, he had taken solid steps on his dream path. It might be a small step, but for him, it was the happiest time of his two lives. He had found himself and persisted, which was the greatest victory.

Moreover, this return to London was for filming. For Renly, it was a sweet journey.

"How was dinner? Did you enjoy it?" Matthew walked downstairs with Renly, and Haiter was already standing by the coat rack at the door.

Renly smiled brightly at Haiter. "Thank you, Haiter. The dinner was delicious."

Haiter bowed slightly in response, then pulled out a coat for Renly. Standing beside them, Matthew said, "I'm going to Notting Hill. I'll be back after work on Friday. If Father and Mother ask, just say I have a friend over, don't mention Renly."

Renly chuckled. "By Friday, even if Haiter doesn't say anything, everyone will know."

As they walked towards the door, Matthew continued, "Are you feeling alright? The jet lag must still be affecting you, right?" Without waiting for Renly to answer, Matthew realized, "You probably slept the whole way, didn't you?" Sleeping was one of Renly's favorite things; he once slept for over forty-eight hours without eating or drinking, making people suspect he had passed out.

Renly's laughter confirmed it.

"Even so, you're starting work tomorrow? That's a tight schedule," Matthew's voice echoed down the street as Haiter opened the door. Before them was the tree-lined path of Green Park, the tall trees standing like guardians of a treasure, solemn yet romantic with the arrival of autumn—one of London's favorite dating spots for young couples.

Matthew's words trailed off as they both stopped. A sleek black BMW sedan was parked before them. Despite its modest appearance, the custom wood interior and shimmering paint exuded understated elegance.

A tall, elegant, elderly figure stood by the back door, hands clasped in front. As they approached, he opened the car door and bowed respectfully. "Welcome home, Master Renly," he said before turning slightly to acknowledge Matthew, "Master Matthew." He also nodded to Haiter behind them.

The drizzle had mostly stopped, with only a few scattered raindrops. The chilly air made them shiver; this seemed like a different season compared to Los Angeles.

"Philip, how did you know..." Matthew's surprise was evident.

Standing before them was the Hall family's butler, Philip Dunbar. Like Haiter, the Dunbars had served the Hall family for generations. At sixty years old, Philip had been the butler for nearly forty years, longer than George and Elizabeth had been in the family.

Matthew turned to look at Haiter, eyebrows furrowed in reproach. "Haiter?" Though unspoken, the meaning was clear: Philip couldn't have found Renly so quickly without Haiter's help.

But Renly remained calm, patting Matthew's arm. "I've been in London for eight hours. It would be more surprising if Arthur hadn't heard."

Besides, as a laughingstock of London's high society, many eyes were likely on him. Green Park was a hub for aristocrats.

"Master Renly, you should have let me pick you up at the airport," Philip said with a hint of reproach. "London's weather has worsened suddenly, and the air quality isn't good. A call ahead would have made things easier."

Renly stepped forward, patting Philip's arm with a warm smile.

Philip had practically raised him. In aristocratic families, parents rarely directly raised their children, expressing affection was restrained. Nannies usually acted as mothers, and butlers as fathers, making blood ties seem less significant.

So, seeing Philip made Renly especially happy. Despite the years, Philip looked unchanged, just as Renly remembered.

Philip wore a white shirt and black three-piece suit, with the dark gray plaid vest being the only hint of nonconformity. His white hair was neatly combed back, and he wore white gloves for outings, indicating he had driven himself rather than summoning a driver.

Seeing Philip healthy, Renly felt more at ease. "So, Arthur does know I'm back."

"Master Arthur is concerned about you," Philip's reply confirmed Renly's suspicion.

Arthur knew of his return immediately but didn't call or visit, instead using Philip to make contact. This was how aristocratic family relationships worked.

"Let him worry then," Renly joked, getting into the back seat without hesitation. "Matthew, are you coming?"

Matthew sighed, got in beside him. Philip closed the door, nodded to Haiter, then got in the driver's seat.

"Philip, to Notting Hill," Renly instructed as Philip started the engine.

"Master Renly, the Master and Madam are still at home waiting for you."

"Today's Monday. Mother should be at Piccadilly Street, with a gallery party tonight. She won't be home before eleven. As for Father, he's probably at the club? He loves reminiscing with the old gentlemen, sipping brandy and smoking cigars in this weather."

Renly spoke calmly, predicting these scenes without needing to go home. This had been the routine for the past twenty years, nothing surprising.

"Honestly, Arthur probably hasn't told them I'm back yet?" Renly watched Philip's silent expression in the rearview mirror, chuckling. "Arthur will wait for your report on my situation before telling them; he's not rash."

Last year, Renly had cut off all contact with the family after rejecting George and Elizabeth's "opportunity." There had been no contact since, except running into Edith by chance. But they still closely monitored him, not out of concern, but to avoid embarrassment. They needed to keep track of his whereabouts.

If he had returned to London in disgrace, they would have hidden him away, cleaned him up, and then let others know. If he had returned successful, they would have observed from a distance, ensuring his appearance and manners were presentable.

Philip remained silent, the atmosphere in the car growing heavy.

Renly smiled slightly, having guessed correctly but feeling no joy. In his previous life, he gained family but lost freedom. In this life, he found freedom, perhaps at the cost of family. One couldn't be too greedy, right?

"Notting Hill, Philip," Renly repeated. This time, Philip didn't object.