Chapter 114
The next day, after chauffeuring Trevon to work, Selina adjusted his tie. Trevon lowered his gaze, producing a small white perfume bottle. "Honey, I thought I might spritz some perfume on you," he said, longing for Selina to share his scent.
Selina's eyes crinkled with amusement. "Go on."
After applying the perfume, Trevon leaned close, inhaling gently. "Lovely, as is my honey."
"Of course," Selina replied, gladly accepting the compliment. But the next moment, her cheek received a light kiss, flushing it red. "Honey, that's not fair."
"Honey, you've been holding out on a carnivore, denying him meat. You're the one being unfair. Do you know how hard it is for your honey to restrain himself?"
Bemused by Trevon's frustration, Selina wondered if she was truly to blame.
After Trevon left, Selina retreated to the gym for yoga, contemplating Brilliance's third-anniversary commemorative piece. A phone call shattered the silence—it was Nora.
"Selina, there's big trouble," Nora blurted out urgently.
Selina's heart skipped. "Is it something to do with Susie?"
"No, it's not about my mom. It's complicated; just check the trending topics on Twitter—it's blowing up."
Relieved it wasn't about Susie discovering David's injury, Selina focused on the Twitter trends. Her brow arched imperceptibly at the top trend: "[Selina is copying.]"
Comparative images and details of Selina's winning "Shackled Hearts" design were juxtaposed with three pieces by a designer named Angel. The case, initially compelling, claimed the author, a lifelong Angel fan who even majored in jewelry design because of her, felt "Shackled Hearts" strongly resembled Angel's style.
The comments were dominated by hired trolls: "[They call her a fairy? She's nothing but a plagiarist.]" "[Even though I can't afford Angel's limited editions, I'm still a fan. Boycott Selina.]" "[I have Angel's 2020 Christmas limited edition (photo)/ Gorgeous, interested parties can leave a message.]"
The unsuspecting public, swayed by the narrative, furiously attacked Selina. In the anonymity of the internet, people vented emotions without regard for truth or fairness, expressing outrage for the thrill of it. Seeing the smear campaign, Selina felt not anger, but amusement. "These people are despicable," she thought. "Selina won with her own talent."
Nora, fuming, had already begun defending Selina on social media but was overwhelmed by the trolls. She called Selina immediately.
Selina was about to respond when Trevon called. "Nora, Trevon just called. I'll consult with him first. Take care of Susie, and let me know immediately if she seems upset."
"Of course. You needn't worry about Mom. I'll take good care of her," Nora replied.
Trevon spoke calmly. "Honey, some bad guys are trying to bring you down. Let me take care of this for you."
To Insight Group's PR team, this was a simple matter. Selina had significantly altered the design elements; at best, it was a tribute. Countless designers emulated Angel's style. Legally, it held no water. And more importantly, Trevon suspected Selina was Angel. He wasn't certain, but…
"Honey, I'm sorry," Selina said, surprising Trevon. "Honey, what happened?"
"I told you a lie," Selina confessed.
Trevon felt the answer forming. "Honey, are you Angel?"
"Wait for a surprise. I'll handle this," Trevon replied.
"Alright, honey. If you don't want to, we can drop it. This secret will be safe with your honey alone," Trevon said, his sole fixation being the exclusive possession of Angel.
"Honey, undoubtedly many have guessed it by now. Ever since I joined Brilliance, I knew I couldn't hide behind this mask much longer, especially when…" Selina's mouth curled into a cold smile. "I have a grand gift to deliver to the Harvey family."
Selina wished to avoid recognition, not for fear of trouble, but she wouldn't become a shadow, hidden from the slander of scoundrels. The scandal broke during breakfast at the Harvey residence. Quinton, about to leave for Harvey Group, returned home to share the news with Sara and the others.