Chapter 19

Manuel and Caleb were stunned. They had been certain Selina had obtained money from the wealthy Harvey or Brady families to purchase a Lamborghini. But a gift from Lydia? That was unexpected. "So, you guys were talking a big game earlier, right? Cat got your tongue now?" Lydia challenged, her glare hardening as their faces fell. She clearly relished their embarrassment. "What's it to you if I gift my sister a car? Are you going to call me a thief, too?"

Manuel and Caleb were speechless. The revelation didn't fit their preconceived notions. When did Selina, a virtual unknown, acquire a wealthy sister? And Lydia, impeccably dressed, was she secretly involved with a rich man? Suddenly, a voice from the crowd cut through the silence. "Isn't that… Lydia from The Rose—the band's badass drummer?"

"You're right. And isn't that the guitarist who rocked Starlight Club the other night?"

"Totally! I was at that show! She killed it!"

"I saw a clip on Instagram! Couldn't see much, but now it all makes sense!"

While the crowd gossiped, Manuel and Caleb remained bewildered. They knew about Starlight Club; The Rose must be hugely successful to play there. But Selina, from such humble beginnings, playing with The Rose? Impossible.

Lydia tossed her hair. "Yep, that's me. And this is Selina—The Rose's ace shredder."

The crowd erupted, seeing their idols in person. For Manuel and Caleb, however, the fanfare heralded trouble.

Things were escalating rapidly. They attempted to leave discreetly when two police officers arrived. "Who called the police?"

Selina stepped forward. "I did. This guy," she said, pointing at Manuel, "accused me of theft and tried to assault me. The staff and security will corroborate that."

Manuel's face paled. "Selina, would you really go this far?"

With a cold laugh, Selina showed no mercy. "Yes, this far. You're dead to me." Lydia interjected, ready to defend her friend.

Since Manuel refused to back down and Selina was unwilling to reconcile, the officers, unable to mediate, escorted everyone to the station to give statements and gather evidence.

Over at Insight Group, Trevon sorted through papers in his quiet office. His secretary, Andrew Brady, peeked in. "Mr. Brady, you have a message."

"Go ahead," Trevon replied, his eyes gleaming with curiosity as he learned of Selina's confrontation at the Lamborghini dealership.

Andrew reported back and then left. He didn't know Selina's true background, but this was the first time Trevon had his team follow her. The direct updates to Trevon were unusual. Andrew had never seen him so preoccupied with a woman.

Trevon slammed the file shut and stood, pulling on his black suit. "Andrew, hold the fort. Push everything to tomorrow."

Caught off guard by Trevon's frosty demeanor, Andrew confirmed, "Got it."

Trevon stormed out, a whirlwind of purpose. Andrew's pulse raced. He took a moment to compose himself, but it was clear—things had taken a significant turn. Trevon, the workaholic CEO, known for his punctuality, had just left the office in a hurry—for the first time ever. If this became known, those who knew him would be astonished.

At the police station, the evidence heavily favored Manuel's guilt, and he looked utterly defeated.

"Wait, officer, hear me out! They hit Manuel several times—doesn't that count for something?" Caleb pleaded in a last-ditch effort.

Selina retorted, "Didn't you learn anything? That wasn't assault; it was self-defense. You started this whole thing by calling me a thief."

Caleb bit his tongue, realizing his mistake. Influenced by Manuel's and Selina's humble origins, he'd jumped to conclusions. They had been the aggressors. But he couldn't stand by and watch his friend be arrested. Suddenly, rushed footsteps announced the arrival of Sara and Ashley. "Manuel!" they called out.

Manuel's composure crumbled at the sound of their voices. He stood abruptly, asking, "Mom? Ashley? Why are you here?"

Sara, frantic, looked at him, "I came as fast as I could… Honey, are you hurt? Who hit you?" Her heart pounded at the sight of Manuel's bruised face.

Lydia couldn't resist a taunt. "Really? Can't handle your own mistakes without your mommy? That's pathetic."

Sara was furious, and Lydia's attire only intensified her anger. She turned to Selina with a scowl. "Selina, who are these questionable friends of yours? Dressing like that—it's an insult to our family's reputation!"

Selina, remaining calm, gave Sara a withering look. "Watch your words, Mrs. Harvey. I severed ties with your family, remember? My friends are none of your concern. Keep talking, and you can join your son in this legal mess."