Chapter 110

"Alright, honey, I've got it. I'll sweet-talk Susie a bit during dinner and help bridge the gap between you two, even though she's not your birth mother. I can tell Susie and Mr. Brady are a great match. That's good."

"Thanks for that, honey... And why did you switch back to calling him Mr. Brady?" Trevon frowned slightly, sensing the formality.

"I'll call him whatever I fancy. Don't forget, I'm the one bringing home the bacon. I say east, you don't dare say west, or you might just make me mad and lose a wonderful wife," Selina replied firmly, leaving no room for argument. She wasn't one to pamper Trevon; she believed that excessive obedience breeds being taken for granted.

"Whatever you say, honey," Trevon said, ending the call. He slouched comfortably on his sofa, a small smile playing on his lips, his gaze warm and tender. Was this the feeling of having a home, a devoted woman waiting for him? Trevon hadn't always known this feeling, but he understood now, and just in time. Meeting the woman he loved most at his best was life's greatest fortune.

Then, Samuel called.

"Dad."

"I heard from Susie that they've invited Selina to dinner, something about celebrating her winning that jewelry design contest."

"Yeah, Selina told me."

"I've been trying to contact Charm online lately, to no avail. Trevon, have you had any luck?"

Trevon's heart skipped, remembering his conversation with his father. Samuel had discussed Charm at length, willing to establish a specialized underground division for this enigmatic figure, offering vast resources, funding, and security. Little did Samuel know that the famed web hacker, always close, was Selina!

"Sorry, Dad, I haven't got anything..."

Samuel didn't doubt him. With national resources at their disposal and still no clue about Charm's identity, it wasn't surprising that many countries were eager to secure Charm's services. Samuel's only hope was that Charm was a Clusian patriot.

Black-hat hackers who remained anonymous were difficult to recruit, Samuel knew, but the hope of having Charm on their side to aid the country's growth spurred him on.

"I understand. Try to make time for that dinner. Don't be a stranger at home. Susie misses you. I used to think you were too young, without a life partner, so I didn't push it. But now you have Selina, you know what I mean?"

Trevon paused, then said with a knowing smile, "I do, Dad... and thanks."

"What are you thanking me for? We're family. And I'm glad you've grown up sensible, that my and your mother's failed marriage didn't affect you negatively, and that you've accepted Susie. You're busy, I'll let you go."

"Okay."

Hanging up, Trevon couldn't help but wonder what Samuel's reaction would be upon discovering that the Charm he craved was Selina. That would be a sight to see.

Chapter 110

Selina pulled up to the cozy diner with Susie and Nora, apologizing as she set down her bag. "Sorry I'm late; traffic was a nightmare."

"There you go, even the best can't beat a traffic jam," Nora chuckled, knowing Selina's driving skills were exceptional. But even she had to concede to the downtown crawl.

"Don't let this place fool you, Selina. It might not match the fancy restaurants Trevon has taken you to, but the owner, a good friend of mine, has amazing skills. You have to try their grilled chicken. It'll have you licking your fingers, I promise!"

"I'll hold you to that."

Chatting about family matters with Susie and Nora, Selina blended in seamlessly, often making Susie laugh.

"Mom, I've always said, my brother scored big time landing a wife like Selina. Gorgeous, smart, eloquent, and a genius to boot!"

"Will you ever stop with the sweet talk?" Susie playfully flicked Nora's forehead before turning to Selina. "Selina, don't mind her. I've spoiled that girl rotten. She speaks her mind too freely."

"Not at all, I love that Nora is genuine... she sees me as her sister, and I feel the same about her."

Susie was touched, but something bothered her. "Selina, you and Trevon haven't gone public with the news yet, but the Brady family... they know, don't they? Have they contacted you?"

"No."

Susie referred to the elders in the Brady residence. Even the Hudson family knew of Selina's existence, implying the Bradys couldn't be unaware. Yet, they hadn't contacted her. Selina suspected they thought Trevon was merely toying with her; a temporary arrangement.

"They're not easy to deal with, still not acknowledging my existence... With families like these, social status is everything. Samuel is like that, and Trevon, being the heir to the Brady family, carries that weight. If you ever meet them, be careful."

Susie shouldn't have said these things, but she liked Selina and believed Trevon was sincere. She hoped they wouldn't end up as helpless as she was.

Nora, usually cheerful, was also somber. "Selina, be careful... I seriously dislike those people. Even when everyone's happy, they still give my mother a hard time..."

Patting Nora's head, Selina assured her, "It's okay, I've got this."

The entrees arrived. Susie clapped. "Enough with the mood-killers. We're here to celebrate Selina's victory. Let's enjoy the food. Try this, Selina, it's really good."

"Yeah!"

Suddenly, three figures burst into the diner.

"Barry! That wretched woman is here! Time to pay back what you owe me!" David, accompanied by a burly man, rushed in and, seeing Susie, flipped the table, sending dishes flying. Nora cried out, "Uncle David, have you lost your mind?"