Chapter 12

Ashley sobbed. "No, don't get hot-headed, Manuel. It's not Selina's fault. I probably did something wrong without realizing it."

She thought Manuel was about to become violent, and she reached out to restrain him, shaking her head with tears in her eyes. Her tears dampened Manuel's arm, igniting his protective instincts. Manuel, with his matinee idol looks inherited from Quinton and Sara, seemed barely able to contain his rage. His glare at Selina suggested he was ready to verbally attack her at any moment.

Selina, meanwhile, remained composed. She found the situation amusing. Having no emotional investment allowed her to see their actions for the pathetic spectacle they were. Manuel was using words like "monster" to defend his dear sister Ashley, but he failed to see his own hypocrisy—Selina was his sister, too.

Quinton finally intervened. "Selina, you get one last chance. Apologize, and maybe I'll let all of this slide."

Selina met Quinton's piercing gaze without flinching. Quinton, the picture of success in his sharp suit and athletic build that belied his age, exuded confidence. Hand in pocket, he projected an air of unyielding authority.

The old Selina might have caved to please her father, but she was no longer that wide-eyed girl.

Quinton noticed Selina's steadfast resistance and barely frowned. "Why the defiance? Are you trying to embarrass us? Is this some kind of joke?"

"Respect goes both ways! I don't owe you anything," Selina snapped, giving him a defiant middle finger.

The room fell silent. No one expected this—not from Selina. Quinton looked as though he'd been slapped, stunned into speechless surprise.

Sara growled, "He's your father, Selina! He took time off work for you today—"

"I'm done being the Harvey family's problem, and I'm officially moving out. Is this what you wanted? Let's wrap this up, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey," Selina said, cutting her off. Her patience was wearing thin.

"You're my mother! How can you talk to me like that, you ungrateful girl?" Sara was distraught. She couldn't believe this was the shy girl she remembered.

"Mother? Really, Mrs. Harvey! Seems like you only have eyes for Ashley. Did you ever truly see me? Isn't my leaving exactly what you wanted?" Selina sneered.

"Selina, if you're still upset about that Chanel store incident, I've apologized. What more do you need?" Sara dismissed it as a tantrum. "Why can't Selina be sweet like Ashley?" she mused.

Selina refused to engage. She grabbed her documents and went to the counter to change her address. She was done reliving the painful parts of her past. The Harvey family had taken enough from her—a lifetime's worth. Now, she was starting fresh, and the Harveys were history. Good riddance.

"Honey, I'm at my wit's end with Selina. It's all you," Sara sighed, rubbing her temples, as if passing the blame to Quinton.

Quinton's hands clenched into fists, his tone seething with rage. "Selina, my patience is wearing thin. You're on thin ice, young lady." He believed his stern warning would deter Selina. She had left her humble beginnings to become a Harvey—a significant social upgrade. Quinton had ensured she lacked for nothing; she was living the high life. He doubted she would walk away from the perks and potential inheritance just to make a point. In Quinton's eyes, she was merely acting.

Now Quinton looked down on Selina more than ever. Sneaking around the mansion like a commoner was bad enough, but actively seeking his attention! He'd seen that tactic before. He couldn't believe she would stoop so low—Selina always had a talent for disappointing him.

At the counter, Selina slammed down her passport. "I'm here to change my address."

The clerk, accustomed to family drama, glanced at Quinton's group and said cautiously, "Miss, you might want to talk this over with your family first..."

Selina interrupted, colder than ever, "They're not my family."

Quinton made a face like he'd just bitten into a sour apple. He would have ejected her immediately, but the resulting public spectacle? Not ideal for the Harvey family's image or business.

"Dad, Mom, you can't just abandon Selina. She didn't mean it; she's just venting," Ashley pleaded, attempting to soften their hearts, but only succeeding in irritating Quinton further. "Ashley, stop. You're too sweet and naive. Selina is not worthy of being your sister or a Harvey."

Manuel added, "Ashley, drop it. Forget about Selina. She's a monster."

With none of her family supporting her, Ashley broke down. "Dad, Mom, Manuel," she sniffled, "Mom, didn't you say Selina had to get married before she could be removed from the family records? She's not even dating anyone; she can't just leave us."

Ashley's reminder sparked an idea for Sara. "No way am I signing off on this, Selina. You don't just walk in and out of the Harvey family," Sara revealed her strategy. She was tired of Selina's drama. Kicking her out after finding her after twenty-one years would be a social disaster. Sara was sure Selina was just being melodramatic; she would come around. With Sara's look at Quinton, the family prepared to leave. Without their help, Selina stood little chance of reversing her decision.

Suddenly, someone rushed in. "Honey, sorry I'm late!"