Chapter 2

Sara Harvey sat on the plush VIP sofa in the Chanel boutique, rubbing her forehead. The Harvey family had recently reunited with their long-lost daughter, Selina, after twenty-one years. Initially, Sara had been thrilled, but spending time with Selina revealed a stark contrast to her other daughter, Ashley. Ashley, raised in the Harvey household, educated at prestigious institutions, and cultivated in the arts, embodied refinement.

The more Sara observed them together, the more out of place Selina seemed. Her manners were unrefined, giving the impression of someone far removed from the Harvey lifestyle. With Selina's upcoming marriage into the Clark family, this disparity was particularly concerning.

"Mom, shopping's done," Ashley's sweet voice interrupted Sara's thoughts.

Sara's face brightened. "That's wonderful. Selina, why are you still dressed like that? Change into the new Chanel outfit you received." Sara couldn't tolerate Selina's casual attire—a simple white t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers—clashing so sharply with the Harvey image. While they weren't unkind to those less fortunate, Selina's appearance was unacceptable, especially juxtaposed with Ashley's impeccable style. She felt profoundly disappointed in Selina.

Ashley added, "Mom, I told Selina she'd look great in the Chanel."

Selina interrupted, "I'm fine as I am. No need to make a big deal."

"Good? What's good about this? Your sister's looking out for you," Sara retorted.

Selina snapped, "Oh, bothered? Then live with it."

Sara stared, incredulous. "Excuse me! What is that attitude?" Is this the same Selina who was eager to please? Now she's giving me—her mother—the cold shoulder, she thought.

"I'm tired. I'm leaving, and oh, I have news to share," Selina announced, marching off, hand in her pocket, clearly finished with the Harvey family drama. The proximity to them churned her stomach.

But she hadn't reached the exit before the security gate blared. Selina was the cause.

A store clerk rushed over. "Miss, please let us check your bag."

Sara snarled, "Selina, caught stealing—again!"

Since Selina's return, two incidents of theft had occurred. Although nothing had been found on Selina, suspicion fell squarely on her, especially given the impeccable record of their long-term staff. The first time, the Harveys had harbored doubts. The second time, however, diamond fragments—matching missing jewelry—were found in Selina's pants.

Selina vehemently denied stealing, but the Harveys were growing skeptical. Twenty-one years away, raised in a rural environment, they worried she might have acquired unsavory habits. They'd been willing to overlook minor issues, believing she needed time to adjust. But shoplifting at Chanel? That was utterly unacceptable and deeply embarrassing.

Sara was furious. "Return what you stole and apologize."

"Calm down, Mom. We don't even know if there's a real problem. Maybe the alarm malfunctioned. It's not like Selina to steal," Ashley pleaded.

"Ashley, stop with the sympathy. You're too naive. You keep letting Selina get away with things," Sara countered.

"Mom..." Ashley's lip trembled, her eyes wide with distress as she glanced at Selina.

Selina merely returned a smirk.

Sara pointed at Selina. "Aren't you going to apologize? What are you waiting for!"

The store staff, clearly uncomfortable, exchanged uneasy glances. They were simply doing their job, and the idea that Selina, Sara's guest, could be a thief seemed implausible. They certainly hadn't anticipated this explosive confrontation. Seeing Selina's simple clothing, they began to suspect a deeper issue.

"If you find I didn't take anything, Mrs. Harvey, will you apologize for accusing me?" Selina's calm voice belied the simmering anger beneath.

Selina couldn't believe it—this woman, who had branded her a thief, offered no defense, and even considered sending her to a mental hospital for shock treatment, was her biological mother.

"You're saying you didn't steal! Then how come the alarm sounded the moment you walked past?" Sara's eyes narrowed.

Selina's voice was icy. "Go ahead and search me. If you don't find anything, I expect an apology, Sara."

"How dare you! I'm your mother!"

"I never asked for a mother like you. Are you scared to admit you might be wrong?" Selina challenged.

Sara felt the weight of Selina's unwavering gaze. Her confidence was unsettling, even for someone as experienced as Sara. Doubt began to creep in. Ashley's voice trembled as she interjected, "Mom, let's just calm down. Maybe there was a malfunction. If we check Selina, we'll know."

"Ashley, be quiet. This isn't your concern," Selina hissed.

"Selina," Ashley whimpered, hiding behind Sara, tears welling up. "Mom," she cried.

Sara, protective of her distraught daughter, bristled. "Selina! Have you lost your mind? Ashley is your sister! How could you be so cruel to her?"