Chapter 22

Sara began, "Look, forget about them. I don't believe for a second Trevon is truly into Selina. Besides, the Brady family will never welcome her without the Harvey family's support. First things first, we need to deal with your brother's mess."

Sara's words soothed Ashley. She regained her composure, convinced Trevon was only playing with Selina. To Trevon, who was wealthy, giving a luxury car to someone like Selina was insignificant. This was the man Ashley desired—generous to a fault, even with his possessions. No wonder Ashley found him so appealing.

Selina guided the car down a quiet side street. Lydia suddenly said, "Okay, I'll get out here, Selina."

"Lydia, do you need a lift home?" Selina asked.

"No, I'm fine," Lydia insisted. She gave Trevon a stern look. "You seem smart, so I won't lecture you. But if you mess with Selina while I'm not around, you'll answer to me."

"Don't worry, Lydia. Selina's safe with me," Trevon assured her. Confident in his promise, Lydia swaggered off.

Trevon lounged comfortably in the passenger seat, hands locked and legs crossed, and snuck a peek at Selina. "So, how's the ride?"

Selina replied with a quiet "Hmm," and continued driving toward the Brady manor. Despite her composure, the twinkle in her eye betrayed her excitement. The Bugatti's engine rumble thrilled her, quickening her heartbeat. Trevon noticed and smirked. "Handling the lawsuit against the Harvey family, any lawyer in mind?" he whispered.

"No worries, that's my area of expertise. And trust me, the Harveys won't know what hit them!" Selina's grip on the wheel tightened, her gaze sharp. She was finished being the Harvey family's doormat. It was time for payback.

Trevon couldn't help but admire Selina's radiant beauty, bathed in sunlight. He found her fiery spirit compelling.

Once they arrived, Selina offered Trevon the car keys.

With a hand in his pocket, Trevon looked slightly annoyed. "I said it's yours."

"Really? This is the only one. No regrets later?"

"Look, when I say something, it's as good as done. Even in a contract marriage, you're mine for the year. Money's no object for me." Trevon leaned in and added softly, "As my wife, for everyone to see, you deserve the best."

"Thanks," Selina acknowledged without fuss. She had to admit she adored the car. Driving it was exhilarating. It truly lived up to its reputation as the country's sole special edition Bugatti Veyron.

She promised, "Remember, no perks without playing the part. For the next year, I'll be the wife you need."

Trevon smiled. "So, shouldn't we be all lovey-dovey and arm in arm walking into the house? Let's get the word out fast about my wife. Save me from my nosy relatives trying to set me up."

Selina grinned and hooked her arm in Trevon's. Together, they strolled towards the house, a picture-perfect couple. After dinner, Selina returned to her room. A text from Lydia buzzed her phone: [Hey Selina, should we involve Malcolm? He's the top lawyer in Mumzik.]

Selina: [No need. It's a minor issue. No reason to bother Malcolm.]

Lydia: [Oops, I was chatting with Malcolm and sent him your message by mistake.]

Selina was speechless. Her phone immediately blew up with calls from Malcolm Weber. Rubbing her temples, she answered. "Malcolm,"

"What's going on, Selina?" Malcolm wondered.

Cornered, Selina explained everything to Malcolm, her older and more accomplished fellow student.

Malcolm was furious. "Those Harvey jerks! Picking on my dearest Selina. Don't worry about the lawsuit, Selina, I'm on it. I'm booking a flight back to Sokovi to handle it."

"Malcolm, actually…" But before she could finish, he hung up. Selina was touched by his quick action, but this lawsuit was insignificant. Getting Malcolm involved felt like using a bazooka to swat a fly.

Shaking her head at Malcolm's impulsive reaction, Selina texted Lydia: [Can you believe Malcolm's a lawyer?! His hotheaded nature is the opposite of a legal eagle.]

Lydia typed back: [Selina, you know how he is. He's proving a point, especially to the skeptics. Don't forget, we were all mentored by the same genius, so we understand each other's passion. Selina, you've always been the star. Freed from the Harvey family, find your own path.] Selina replied: [I got it. Lydia.]

What next? Post-"rebirth," Selina's sole mission had been to sever ties with the Harvey family, which she accomplished. But now what? First, honor her contract marriage with Trevon. No rush—there's a lifetime ahead to explore, she told herself.

In his office, Trevon listened to Devin's report on how Lauren and Madelyn were dismissed for interfering with Selina. Absently flipping a paperweight, backlit by his desk lamp, Trevon's lips twitched. "Your thoughts, Devin!"

Devin paused. "She's courageous but could cause trouble. Those were Trevon's mother's relatives, after all."

"She's not afraid. And they can't touch her—not with me backing her up."

That eased Selina's mind. What mattered was whether Trevon would support her. With Trevon on her side, nothing could shake her standing with the Brady family. Devin knew Trevon was a force to be reckoned with. Just then, Trevon's phone rang. He groaned, massaging his forehead. "Speak of the devil."