Chapter 136

Trevon moved to Selina's side, gently but firmly placing a hand on her shoulder. Selina yawned languidly. "Our goal is achieved. Can we go now? It's dreadfully boring here. I want a shower and bed."

Trevon glanced at Timothy and Ashley on the dance floor. "Honey, shall we dance?"

Selina arched an eyebrow. "Humph! Are you trying to humiliate them?"

"Yes, and you can help me. We haven't danced together in ages, honey. I'm afraid you can't beat me."

"Who do you think you're talking to? I'm afraid you can't keep up with me," she retorted, knowing he was teasing her.

After their dance, warm applause erupted. Ashley, blushing slightly, murmured to Timothy, "You were so good."

Timothy playfully scratched her nose. "You led me, Ashley. You were the best." Hand in hand, they left, the audience showering them with admiring – and envious – glances. Felix clapped, a pleased expression on his face. It seemed Timothy and Ashley's engagement was imminent, a prospect Felix had long desired. He'd wanted to replace Selina with Ashley as Timothy's fiancée for some time. A missing Ms. Harvey was unsuitable, especially considering Ashley Cora's hints about Selina's shortcomings. But Ashley had refused to hurt Selina, forcing them to abandon the plan. However, Selina's return changed everything. Felix had no interest in her, let alone marrying her to Timothy. Selina's severed ties with the Harvey family and subsequent secret marriage to Trevon had humiliated the Clarks. With this, Felix felt Ashley's refusal to pursue Timothy was no longer a possibility.

The next dance began. Trevon appeared on the floor, taking Selina's hand, eliciting enthusiastic cheers. Ashley paused, unable to resist watching, despite her internal admonishment to ignore Trevon and "the bitch." Trevon and Selina swayed to the music, their tender gazes locking. Their intimacy, the palpable love in their eyes, set them apart from the rest. The earlier impression made by Timothy and Ashley faded; all eyes were on Trevon and Selina. It seemed a rule—everyone gravitated to them.

Jealousy consumed Ashley. Watching them, she longed to be in Selina's place. Lost in this fantasy, she unconsciously pinched Timothy. "Ouch!" he exclaimed.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Timothy. I accidentally hurt you. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Ashley, stop looking at them. The more you look, the angrier you'll get. Let's go."

"Yes."

Out of sight, out of mind. Ashley lowered her head, hurrying away with Timothy. She felt defeated by Selina, unable to retaliate; all she could do was flee.

The applause following Trevon and Selina's dance was even more enthusiastic than before. It was a mixture of appreciation and flattery; both the head of the Brady family and the renowned jewelry designer deserved such deference. Felix's heart sank. Looking at Trevon, he recalled the recently lost project. Looking at Selina, he remembered his wife's extravagant thirty-million-dollar spending spree designed to one-up Selina. Overwhelmed with distress, he simply turned and left. His purpose – seeing Charles – had been thwarted; there was no reason to witness Trevon and Selina's happiness.

The evening concluded in laughter and celebration. Selina linked arms with Trevon and left the hall, entering their Maybach. Felix waited for his car, his countenance grim. He still managed a greeting. "Good evening, Mr. Brady."

Trevon responded indifferently. "Curious why Charles suddenly agreed to work with me?"

Felix, indeed curious, listened. "Mr. Clark, have you heard about the conflict between my wife and Timothy at the charity auction?"

"Conflict?" Felix was surprised. He knew Cora had spent lavishly on antiques to spite Selina, using a combination of personal and joint funds. Regret was pointless now. He could only focus on rebuilding the Clark Group.

"Afterwards, your son called my office, slandering my wife. I was already considering the cooperation plan, but tonight, I came to seal the deal." Trevon and Selina departed, leaving Felix seemingly stunned. The message sank in. Cora and Timothy had provoked Selina, costing the Clark Group over two hundred million dollars.

In the car, Selina snuggled into Trevon's arms, her fingers tracing circles on his chest. "Honey, I didn't expect you to be so vindictive. You amazed me."

Trevon stroked her hair. "What's wrong with being vindictive, honey? You know my reputation."

"But you're always so aloof, striking down enemies silently. It's shocking to see you confront someone so openly."

"Because the Clarks offended you, honey. They deserve more than if they'd angered me."

"Wow, honey, I love that." Selina laughed, feeling utterly spoiled. "I behaved so well today. Shouldn't I get a reward? When Felix returns, your ex-fiancée and that old woman will be punished."

Trevon chuckled. "You're jealous, honey. I can sense you gritting your teeth when you say 'your ex-fiancée.'"

"Then feel it." Trevon leaned in to kiss her lips, but Selina dodged, leaving him with a kiss on her cheek. It wasn't enough; he wouldn't let her go until he kissed her lips.