Chapter 109

"Alright, Cora. Stop talking and leave. I need to speak with Selina," Sara said, her words cutting through the Harvey family's pride. Their reputation was their most prized possession, and with so many people present, any slip from Cora could be disastrous for the Harvey Group.

Cora fell silent, stunned by Selina's unexpected firmness. She'd never taken nonsense from anyone, skillfully masking her strength within the Harvey family. To this elite circle, money was insignificant; connections, power, and reputation were paramount. A slight blemish on their reputation could cost them hundreds of millions.

However, Cora couldn't accept Selina's dismissal so easily. Selina's secret marriage to Trevon felt like a betrayal of the Caleb family, a rejection that deemed them unworthy. If this became public, it would deeply wound the Caleb family's pride. This was why Cora despised Selina so intensely.

Under her breath, Cora hissed, "Don't think being Trevon's wife protects you. You're just a plaything, a decorative vase he'll discard."

Expecting a retort, Cora was surprised by Selina's calm response. "My success as Trevon's wife is my concern, and I don't need your judgment. Perhaps you should worry about yourself—like how everyone discovered your husband's hotel rendezvous two years ago."

"You!" Cora recoiled; her husband's infidelity was a painful memory. While infidelity was common among wealthy men, Quinton's unwavering devotion had been exceptional. The scandal had cost a fortune to suppress, and Cora's reputation had suffered greatly.

"Selina, enough! You can't keep provoking your aunt," Sara chided.

"Why should I listen to you, Sara? You're not in my league," Selina retorted before turning her back on them and walking away.

It felt liberating. Did they think she was still the same pushover? Before addressing their issues, Selina would first assess whether they were even worth her time.

At the airport, as Selina entered her Lamborghini, Sara rushed up, banging on the window. "Selina! Get out of the car! You must apologize to your aunt!"

Selina rolled her eyes. "Are you serious? If you want to apologize, do it yourself." Despite severing ties with the Harveys, Sara still acted as a maternal figure, expecting an apology. The Harveys were beyond redemption.

Putting on her sunglasses and accelerating, Selina left Sara in the dust. Sara stumbled, her face brushing against the Lamborghini's exhaust. She bit her lip, remembering Selina's former eagerness to please. This new Selina was harder to handle; at least the old Selina wouldn't have hurt her family this way.

Selina arrived at Brilliance. A call from Nora invited her to dinner with Nora and Susie to celebrate her championship victory.

"OK," Selina replied, pocketing her phone and heading to the office. At Brilliance, the designers looked up in admiration. They rose to congratulate her, captivated not only by her victory over Derrick but also by her perfect score—a historical first. Her design, Shackled Hearts, had awed them from the start. They were prodigies, but their talents paled in comparison to hers.

Derrick approached, smiling. "You're the star designer now."

There was no jealousy in his voice, only genuine respect. He suspected Selina might be the legendary designer Angel, given the striking similarities between her work and Angel's boundary-pushing designs like Foxfire Elegance. Madge had hinted at this possibility to Derrick, particularly given Selina's sudden appearance and the nature of her work.

"Lead Designer Derrick. I'm not interested in competing for positions. I'm here to finalize the copyright for Shackled Hearts, then I'm taking an extended leave."

"Understood. Your paperwork is ready," Derrick replied, walking away. Christina watched, seething with resentment, unable to gain Selina's favor.

She checked her WhatsApp, receiving a message from Madelyn. A determined look crossed her face as she responded.

By five o'clock, Selina had finished her business. She called Trevon, telling him about dinner with Nora and Susie.

"Enjoying the dinner?" Trevon's voice held a hint of sarcasm, making Selina chuckle.

"Why don't you join us? Though, you might not enjoy our girly talk. And Samuel seems absent."

Trevon sighed. "Just get along with them. I'll be waiting at home."

Selina teased, "Even someone as powerful as Trevon is wary of family drama."

"Honey, I'm human, not a deity. And Susie is my stepmother."

Only with Selina did Trevon share such personal thoughts. He genuinely wished Samuel and Susie well, but a distance remained between himself and his stepmother.