Chapter 122

Quinton's accusation, brimming with frustration, was unlike his usual demeanor. It revealed his underlying resentment toward Selina. "Besides," he exclaimed, "who does Selina think she is? Pretending to be just another face in the Harvey family, laughing as we dance to her tune. If she had revealed herself sooner, wouldn't all this have been resolved?"

Ashley interjected opportunistically, "Exactly! I'm puzzled why Selina didn't tell us she's Angel. I'm so proud to have such a capable sister!"

Manuel felt a pang of guilt. "Dad, Selina is your own flesh and blood. So what if she isn't Angel? Does she deserve this cold treatment?" The pain was almost unbearable. He understood Selina's loathing for the Harveys, her desire to marry Trevon and escape them. Their cruelty had wounded her deeply.

Quinton was taken aback by Manuel's defense, momentarily speechless.

Sara intervened, "Manuel, you shouldn't speak to your father like that. He's just upset. He didn't mean it."

"Mom, I know," Manuel replied, "because I treated Selina the same way. If she weren't Angel, I'd probably still hate her. We've hurt her deeply. I have to uncover the truth, root out the problem within the Harveys, and give Selina the closure she deserves!" He turned and left, leaving a tense silence.

Ashley gritted her teeth. She'd hoped driving Selina away would prevent her from competing for love and inheritance, but Selina had thrived, marrying Trevon and revealing her identity as Angel. Now, all eyes were on Selina.

Quinton cleared his throat. "Manuel is right. It's unacceptable that someone with such malicious intent was among us. We must investigate thoroughly."

Sara said, "Darling, let me handle this."

Ashley, tears welling, pleaded, "Mommy, I want to help! I always believed Selina wasn't a thief, even when she was framed. I can't forgive those villains!"

Sara's heart ached. Ashley's initial trust in Selina, despite their prejudices about her background and upbringing, was genuine. "Alright," Sara conceded, "let's investigate together!"

"Yeah! I'll do my best!" Ashley replied, determined to keep a close eye on Sara's investigation.

A peaceful half-month passed. Selina, tending her garden and enjoying life with Trevon, found the tranquility oddly unsettling. She was sipping tea when Devin arrived urgently. "Mrs. Brady, trouble's brewing. The Hudsons have arrived."

Selina sighed. "Is it Trevon's birth mother?"

"Yes, ma'am. They're not easy to handle. Should I say you're not here?"

"Happiness or calamity, fate can't be avoided forever. I knew they'd come. Hiding is only temporary. As Trevon's wife, I must face them. Why should I hide?" Selina headed for the living room.

Devin immediately texted Trevon to return home.

Viola Hudson, impeccably dressed and strikingly attractive, arrived. Selina instantly recognized her as Trevon's mother; she saw a clear resemblance.

As Selina assessed Viola, Viola did the same, acknowledging Selina's beauty. However, remembering Trevon's identity, she pushed aside certain thoughts.

Selina extended her hand. "I've heard so much about you, Viola."

Viola didn't shake it, arms crossed. "You know why I'm here."

"You're here to get to know Trevon's wife better, from a mother's point of view?" Selina asked innocently.

Viola shook her head. "Selina, you're clever. Don't play dumb."

"So you're here because of Hudson family matters?" Selina countered, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.

Viola scoffed. "That's not it, silly! Don't you understand Trevon? He's headstrong. I may have given birth to him, but I didn't raise him. It's unlikely he'd listen to me."