Chapter 104

Sara reached only one conclusion. Ashley feigned surprise. "Predicting the contest questions? Morn, is that for real?"

Jewelry design contest themes are usually limited. Given Trevon's resources, securing a renowned international jewelry designer to advise Selina wasn't impossible. Selina's initial inactivity could simply mean she was meticulously recalling details.

The more Sara considered it, the more plausible it seemed. Then, an unexpected voice challenged her: "Mom, that's not right. Selina designed it all herself."

"Manuel?" Both Sara and Ashley stared, astonished. Biting his lip, Manuel explained, "The judges were internationally renowned masters. Selina's winning piece, 'Shackled Hearts,' has been released, and I've seen the design. The detailed annotations and terminology couldn't possibly come from rote memorization…"

Manuel recognized the style and artistic touch instantly; it echoed the bracelet Selina had created – pure Angel style. Original and meticulously detailed, the design was simple yet chic, effortlessly standing out. This was no mere imitation; Selina had masterfully integrated the Angel style. It could even be said Selina possessed a deeper understanding of the Angel style than he did, despite his years of study.

Confronted by Sara and Ashley's gazes, Manuel realized he'd inadvertently defended Selina. Shaking his head, he fell silent, suppressing his emotions. Approaching the contest venue, he was stunned by a breathtaking floral display.

He immediately spotted Selina's initials amidst the flowers. The display already attracted a crowd, admirers snapping pictures for TikTok.

Ashley was furious; it was clearly Trevon's doing. The flowers' vibrant hues and glistening dew indicated they'd arrived that day. The extravagant display must have cost a fortune. For Trevon, it was a trifle; the sentiment mattered. Ashley resented the gesture, wishing it were for her. Selina, in comparison, was nothing.

Manuel's heartache stemmed from a different source. He instantly recognized the flowers' symbolism: Trevon believed Selina could win. How well did he truly know her? Suddenly, Manuel felt like a stranger. His understanding of Selina was superficial; her talent seemed insurmountable. As her brother, he knew less than an outsider, a painful realization.

Everyone harbored schemes; a restless night awaited them.

Chapter 101

In the car, Trevon and Selina returned to the Brady manor. Selina received a message from Lydia, announcing a celebratory dinner that evening to honor Selina and see Malcolm off. She replied "OK" and showed Trevon the exchange.

"So, that's the plan. I'm heading out tonight; you stay home and be good."

"And what if I don't want to?" Trevon had planned their evening, but someone else had intervened, much to his displeasure. His possessiveness stirred. He considered building a castle, installing a signal blocker, and keeping Selina confined, solely his own.

"Be good—obedience is endearing." Selina stroked Trevon's hair, calming him like a child. The driver, witnessing this unprecedented interaction, was shocked. He raised the partition, cutting himself off. He lacked the courage to observe further, fearing a fatal heart attack from the tension.

"Honey…" Trevon began, when his phone rang.

Recognizing the caller ID, Trevon answered with a raised eyebrow. After a brief response, he hung up. Selina smiled slightly. "Something at the company?"

"If you cancel your meetup with Lydia and Malcolm and stay with me, I can postpone even the most urgent matters. They're far less important than you."

"Wishful thinking."

As night fell, the trio, in summer attire, relaxed at a seven-star hotel's Seaside Bar, enjoying the evening breeze and the "Night Shimmer" cocktail.

"Cheers!"

Lydia took a generous sip, putting her arm around Selina. "Selina, I knew you were the best, but I saw on Twitter someone said your style is similar to Angel's. Is everything okay?"

"If push comes to shove, I don't mind my alias getting out. It's no big deal."

Previously, Selina preferred a low profile. Now, in a relationship with Trevon, and their marriage imminent, what could invite more criticism than being Trevon's wife? Nothing.

"Selina, if Trevon does anything disrespectful during this contracted marriage, tell Malcolm, and I'll handle him."

Malcolm had concerns. He'd missed the initial news and lacked details. While eager for Selina's separation from the Harvey family, a contract marriage felt uneasy; he questioned Trevon's character.

Selina was cherished by her brothers. Malcolm didn't want her associated with betrayal, but he wouldn't tolerate Trevon's disrespect. If so, he'd make him pay.

Lydia offered a sympathetic look. Even if Trevon genuinely loved Selina, he faced a difficult path ahead, given the brothers' possessiveness.

Selina sipped her drink and smiled faintly. "Don't worry, he wouldn't dare. After all, I'm the sister of a top Mumzik lawyer; he'll respect me. He has no choice but to be a devoted husband."

"That's good to hear." Malcolm stood. "You guys have fun. I need to handle something and will be back in an hour."

"Okay."

Shortly after Malcolm left, two individuals approached the Seaside Bar. "Alright, Manuel, quit sulking. You promised to help me celebrate my hospital discharge. Let's drink enough to forget today's bullshit!"