Chapter 150: Selena Is Not One to Be Trifled With

Selena's interference stemmed from problems with her son's previous girlfriends. She'd used her connections to investigate them, exposing their flaws. Fearing her son would be misled, she'd pressured him to break up—a control he dared not defy.

The Quirk family was shocked. While parental affection was understandable, her actions were extreme. They couldn't label her an "evil mother-in-law," though; she hadn't simply dismissed people based on personal preference, but because she perceived genuine flaws.

"However," someone noted, "her son didn't need help going astray. Bad seeds rot on their own. Thankfully, Scarlett wasn't blinded by love and quickly avoided him. Otherwise, Freya might have intervened again."

Astonishment rippled through the group. "A bad guy? That mama's boy?"

Rosalie, a former fan of Javier and Scarlett, was particularly affected.

Javier, a rapper and Selena's son, enjoyed moderate fame thanks to his mother and ex-girlfriend. He was handsome, inheriting good genes from his mother, which attracted many admirers. His relationship with Scarlett had been highly publicized; paparazzi often captured their intimate moments, even showcasing displays of affection that charmed netizens. One memorable incident involved Javier carrying Scarlett offstage after a performance, a moment that further cemented their public image as a loving couple. Netizens jokingly called Javier a lucky man, pampered by his mother and girlfriend. Scarlett's expressions indicated a genuine investment in the relationship.

No scandalous information about Javier surfaced online, not even from Christopher, a colleague in the industry. He knew Javier dabbled in music for fun, not profit, relying largely on family support, perhaps even his girlfriends' for expenses. Moreover, Scarlett had never spoken negatively about him after their breakup, simply citing incompatibility. The reason for their split remained unclear.

The Quirk family was intensely curious about what made Javier so bad. Isabella, however, lost interest after learning of the breakup.

Suddenly, Selena's phone rang. Recognizing the caller, her expression subtly shifted.

After answering, Selena greeted the caller casually, then frowned. "What? You're coming soon?"

Everyone was surprised. It was late; a visit at this hour seemed impolite.

Selena glanced at Christopher and Isabella, her surprise evident. "You want to meet with Christopher and Isabella to discuss the next episode?"

Discreetly covering her phone, she gauged their reaction; she would decline if they weren't amenable.

David interjected, "Your childhood friend? Let her come!"

The atmosphere changed, anticipating conflict. Except for Isabella, everyone sprang into action. Evian and Rosalie rushed their mother to the makeup room. While a professional makeup artist wasn't available, Rosalie's artistic background proved sufficient. David and Christopher rummaged through the family's jewelry. Alexander directed Alfred and the housekeepers in preparing for guests.

Isabella then recalled something. Selena had a long-time childhood friend, constantly jealous of Selena's beauty and accomplishments, and prone to comparisons. Selena, averse to conflict, usually defused situations by calmly ignoring her friend's behavior. The Quirk family's generally low-key lifestyle, including their understated jewelry, had been a frequent target of the friend's ridicule. They had long suppressed their resentment. The friend's unexpected visit spurred their protective instincts.

Isabella wanted to help, but there was little room for her to contribute, so she quietly supported Selena. Selena, however, felt the preparations were excessive. "There's no need for this," she said. "I've never competed with her. Petty rivalries are pointless. I know my own happiness, right?" Seeing her family's efforts, she recognized she couldn't stop them. She wasn't inferior because of comparisons. She was happy.

The other Quirks, however, wouldn't tolerate the friend's behavior. They insisted on demonstrating their superiority.

A stunning array of jewelry and collectibles was displayed. Everyone tried to adorn Selena, until she finally relented, settling on a Rockefeller emerald necklace. She sat, radiating understated elegance.

Seeing their eagerness, Selena said, "We should focus on why she's visiting. How is she involved with Chris and Bella's show?"

They were jolted back to reality. Why had she come?

A car pulled up. Alfred ushered in a well-dressed woman, who immediately drew attention with a massive emerald necklace, coiled thrice around her neck.

Isabella, despite her disinterest in jewelry, recognized it from a video; it had fetched a hundred million at auction—more valuable than Selena's.

Regret washed over the Quirks. They hadn't attended such auctions, preferring their own pursuits.

"It's been a while," the woman greeted, her glance lingering on Selena's necklace, a smirk playing on her lips.

Selena, maintaining her composure, replied, "Oh, yes, since your divorce. That's a beautiful emerald necklace. Divorce settlement?" The woman scowled.

The Quirks stared at Selena, astonished. Even Isabella was stunned. Selena had outmaneuvered her rival with a single sentence.

The woman, though angry, sat down. Isabella recalled the woman's name and the situation's significance. The most crucial point hit her: the woman's godson was Javier. Javier, dependent on women for his whole life!

Everyone was shocked. Could there really be such a connection?

The woman, touching her emerald necklace, stated her purpose: "I'm here for my godson, Javier. I want you to eliminate Scarlett from the upcoming competition." The implication of a similar request in the past hung in the air.