Chapter 130
"Handling a project worth hundreds of millions is no small feat. I've got to take the reins myself, Honey. Making money isn't easy, especially when I'm trying to build a little treasure chest so you can splurge anytime without worry. I need to work even harder now," Trevon murmured, gently stroking Selina's hair.
Before, he believed earning enough money was sufficient. What mattered most was combating boredom and proving his worth. But now, with a wife, no amount seemed enough. Knowing how generous his wife was, always ready to provide for herself and her friends, he feared he wouldn't be able to keep pace unless he built a substantial fortune. He wanted to be the best, to surpass any other provider in Selina's life, ensuring she felt solely his.
"Good thing it's just us here, Mr. Brady," Selina chuckled, a hint of sarcasm coloring her voice. "If you said that out loud, I'd be worried about eggs flying your way and splattering all over me."
A vein throbbed on Selina's forehead. For a tycoon like Trevon, hundreds of millions were commonplace, but for ordinary wealthy people, these were astronomical sums. It seemed Trevon didn't fully grasp the struggles of the average person, still insisting that "Money isn't easy to earn."
Even Selina felt the urge to set Trevon straight. Sure, she was adept at making money, but she was far from her husband's level. Then again, if she damaged that handsome face, she'd only have herself to blame for her indulgence. It would still be her loss.
"Different worlds, Honey. You should realize just how exceptional a man you've found. Be more aware of that from now on," Trevon chuckled.
Others might find such a statement arrogant, but from Trevon, it was simply a reflection of his unwavering confidence, born from a lifetime of success.
"Wow, Honey, you're so cool! Falling for you more and more every day! I better run now or I'll miss my appointment," Selina quipped, grabbing her purse and hurrying out, leaving Trevon alone in his suddenly quiet office.
Sighing, Trevon realized falling in love could make one sentimental and anxious—quite unlike his usual demeanor.
Selina drove Trevon's Maybach, parked at the company, arriving just in time for her 3 PM appointment at Sokovis's premier antique appraisal house.
"Selina, over here!" Lydia waved.
"Sorry, Lydia, am I late? Didn't keep you waiting, did I?" Selina apologized.
"No worries, just treat me to the most expensive milkshake later," Lydia replied.
"Tell me what you want, and I'll buy the entire shop just to serve you whenever you come by," Selina joked as they entered the appraisal house.
The receptionist, recognizing Lydia, greeted her warmly. "Lydia, your visitor has been waiting a while."
Lydia leaned in. "Alright, sweetie, where's your boss?"
"Looking for me, Lydia? A clear voice sounded as a man in a traditional white robe adorned with flying cranes, a Buddhist bead bracelet, round glasses, and a sleek hairdo approached with a folding fan. Lydia, with her arm around Selina's shoulder, introduced, "Neil, this is Selina. I've told you about her."
Extending her hand, Selina greeted, "So, you're Neil. Lydia always mentions your name. It's an honor to finally meet you."
Neil's eyes lit up. "Oh! And what exactly has Lydia told you about me? I hope it's not all my shortcomings."
Selina listed Neil's impressive credentials, then touched her chin thoughtfully. "Neil, I'm curious. When you were abroad, you discovered several ancient sites and unearthed ancient codes, stunning the global archaeological community. Everyone hailed you as the future star of archaeology. So, what made you suddenly decide to come back to Sokovis and open this antique appraisal house?"
"It's because I made a promise to someone. The day she wants to join me in archaeology, I'll close this place and take her along," Neil replied, his gaze drifting towards Lydia.
Lydia smiled. "Whenever I'm done playing rock star, let's do it!"
"You have my word. Then it'll be up to my bodyguard here to keep me safe," Neil chuckled.
"I've got it covered," Lydia assured.
Selina observed their exchange and the unspoken understanding between them, choosing not to interrupt. She sensed Neil's awareness of his feelings, but Lydia hadn't quite grasped them yet. Given Lydia's playful nature, Neil had a long road ahead if he wanted to win her heart.
Selina knew she needed to keep an eye on Lydia. Neil seemed like a good match, and if Lydia truly fell for him, it wouldn't hurt to encourage it. In her previous life, Selina had been too preoccupied with her own family to notice the people around Lydia, including any potential suitors. She had been remiss, but thankfully, she had a second chance.
"Sara, I must say, the antique appraisal house you recommended is truly exceptional. I'm very pleased, though it's a pity the boss here is so hard to meet. I heard he's a genius in the field…"
"I've only met him twice, but he's indeed a very talented young man," Cora shared with Sara, both laughing and chatting as they emerged from the inner room. Cora was speaking when she stopped, spotting Selina and Lydia. Pointing at Selina, she exclaimed, "What are you doing here?"
Neil, puzzled, asked, "You know each other?"
Lydia, holding her forehead, replied, "It's a long story, but no worries. Consider it a workout. Let's see how Selina handles this mess. Got any popcorn?"
"Knowing you love snacks, I've already got some ready for you," Neil responded, producing a bag.
"And grab me a soda," Lydia added.
Sara noticed Neil's closeness with Lydia and realized he must be on Selina's side. Sara wondered, for the first time, "How vast is Selina's network?" After learning that Selina was also known as Angel, Sara could no longer view her as merely an uneducated country girl or Trevon's trophy wife.
"Have you lost your mind? People come to an antique appraisal house to appraise antiques, not to spout nonsense like you're doing now," Selina retorted.
"You!" Cora seethed. She wondered, 'How dare Selina be so bold? Could it be that Trevon didn't reprimand her after he found out she had offended us last night? No… that couldn't be possible!'