Chapter 123

Selina raised an eyebrow. Viola wasn't entirely clueless. This wasn't about the Hudsons; creating a scene would be pointless, potentially incurring Trevon's displeasure and further straining their relationship.

Selina spoke coolly, "Since you're not here about the Hudsons, nor to get to know me, I presume you're here to pick a fight."

"Let's not use such harsh words, Selina," Viola retorted. "What I'm about to say is difficult, but you need to hear it."

Selina shrugged. "I'm all ears."

"Truthfully," Viola said, her eyes narrowing slightly, "I divorced Trevon's father when he was a child. Trevon is a Brady, and I couldn't take him with me. I haven't been the mother he needed, but I trust his judgment—and this time, I'm disappointed."

Viola continued, "Perhaps Trevon believes he's self-sufficient, that he doesn't need a powerful partner. With your background, you're not a match for him. Sokovian elite society demands more than a pretty face. I'm doing this for your own good. Staying with Trevon will only hurt you. It's better to accept a generous sum of money and leave now, with your dignity intact."

Viola had initially thought Trevon was merely toying with Selina, finding a pretty wife to quell the gossip. But his refusal to answer her calls regarding the Hudson matter spoke volumes. Even if Madelyn and Christina were beyond redemption, Trevon usually responded, if only for an explanation. It was clear Selina held a far more significant place in his heart than anyone suspected.

Unfazed, Selina replied with nonchalant ease, "Viola, isn't it tiring to stand and lecture? Shall we have some tea?"

Viola, having assessed countless people, recognized Selina's calm wasn't feigned. Adhering to her principle of "no move is better than a premature move," she sat down.

After sipping tea, Selina pressed her lips together. "Now, my answer is no."

Selina's refusal didn't surprise Viola. Nobody would easily relinquish the Brady family's wealth, especially now that Selina was married to Trevon. "You'll regret this," Viola said firmly.

Curling her lips into a slight smile, Selina replied, "Honestly, when I heard you flew back from overseas to see me, I anticipated trouble. But perhaps we could become surprisingly amicable in-laws."

Viola rolled her eyes. "Dream on. I may be Trevon's biological mother, but he has a stepmother too. I get along well with Samuel and Susie. If you want a good relationship with your mother-in-law, befriend Susie. Don't manipulate and make me look bad."

Viola and Samuel had parted amicably; after their divorce, he married Susie. Given it was his second marriage and Susie wasn't favored by his family, the wedding was small. Viola attended. When Viola remarried, she invited Samuel and Susie, a move hailed as remarkable on Twitter. It was unusual for wealthy exes to attend each other's weddings so peacefully. Their civility was genuine.

Selina propped her chin in her hands, her eyes sparkling. "You seem to have the wrong idea about me, but I admire your directness."

All Selina knew of Viola were rumors; meeting her and finding her open-minded and intriguing was a pleasant surprise, even if Viola's impression of her was simply "annoying." Not all Hudsons were difficult.

Viola waved her off. "Don't flatter me. I'm not buying it."

Hurried footsteps approached. "Mom!" Trevon returned, heading straight for Selina. He visibly relaxed, seeing she was unharmed. He knew Selina could handle herself; he simply worried she might hold back against Viola because of him.

"You're always by your wife's side; you think I'm some wicked mother-in-law? Seriously… A son grows up, and then you're nothing to him; his soul is snatched away by a woman."

Viola's eye roll was dramatic, confirming her prediction. Before returning, she couldn't have imagined her son so devoted to a woman. Life, it seemed, held surprises.

Trevon pressed his lips together. "Mom, why didn't you tell me you were coming? Straight to my wife? Trying to stir up trouble?"

"Darn it, you brat…" Viola was close to striking him with her shoe. Her son, whose "soul was stolen," dared to think that of his own mother.

"Not at all, honey. She was just looking out for me, wanting to get to know her daughter-in-law," Selina interjected smoothly. "I can tell she cares about our marriage. Don't misunderstand. Now, apologize."

Seeing the earnest look in Selina's eyes, and knowing her character—that not even his mother could provoke Selina without consequences—Trevon said, "Mom, I apologize. I was rushed."

Viola was speechless. Selina's words held more weight with Trevon than his mother's.

"Selina, don't flatter me. I'm leaving."

Trevon stepped forward. "Mom, won't you stay for dinner?"

"Your act has already filled me up! Dinner my foot!" Viola stormed off.

Watching her go, Selina smiled slightly. "Hubby, your mom is quite a character."

"She's always done as she pleases. Even as her son, I never really understood her. I just didn't want her to hurt you. Babe, did she say anything else while I was gone?"

"Only that I should divorce you, take a huge sum of money, and live the high life," Selina said, playfully nudging his chin and leaning into his embrace. "Sounds tempting, doesn't it? If I divorced you, I could take half those millions, right?"