Chapter 38

According to Lauren, Selina Harvey had been abandoned in the countryside for two decades, receiving no formal education beyond middle school. Ill-equipped for high society, Selina lacked basic social graces and etiquette. Her only assets seemed to be her appearance and figure, suggesting a path toward becoming a wealthy man's trophy wife. Yet, Trevon, a man known for his virtue and aversion to romance, had fallen for her, showering her with lavish attention. Lauren found this inexplicable and kept the secret to herself.

Shannon, upon hearing this from Lauren and Madelyn, was utterly shocked. The thought that this woman was Trevon, CEO of Insight Group and the youngest Brady heir's wife, overwhelmed her. Fearful of the consequences, she prioritized avoiding trouble with Trevon's wife above her friendship with Madelyn.

"Miss, I'm so sorry," Shannon stammered. "Madelyn's my longtime friend, and we're close. Madelyn, please, let's just forget the necklace. Next time, I'll hook you up with any new items or collaborations with Angel—no more mistakes." Shannon's choice to side with Trevon's wife over her friend was stark. The Hudson family's daughter paled in comparison to the highly respected Selina Harvey, considered Sokovis's most esteemed woman.

"What? No way, Shannon! That necklace is mine!" Madelyn retorted, furious. She couldn't believe Shannon, her friend and the Carlier store manager (a position Madelyn had secured for her), would betray her like this, all for the sake of Trevon's seemingly insincere relationship with Selina.

"Madelyn..." Shannon was conflicted. "Why involve me in your conflict with Trevon's wife? I could lose my job!"

"You can't just jump the line, Selina. Madelyn ordered it, and she loves it," Lauren interjected, attempting to mediate. She couldn't risk the social fallout of Selina, Trevon's senior by marriage, being publicly upstaged by a younger woman.

Selina refused to yield. "Why should I back down? We're practically the same age. Your tactics aren't working, Lauren."

Lauren bristled. Lydia, witnessing Madelyn and Lauren's frustrated expressions, found the situation immensely amusing.

"But I don't want to continue upsetting Madelyn as her cousin-in-law," Selina suggested. "It's unfair to the store manager. Let's bid for the necklace. Highest bidder wins. Fair enough?"

Relieved, Shannon readily agreed. Ignoring store policy, she nodded enthusiastically. "Great idea, Ms. Harvey!"

Madelyn felt something was amiss. "You're using Trevon's money—my family's money—to create conflict within our family!"

Selina retorted sharply, "No money? Then why are you here? Don't act rich if you're broke."

"Broke? How dare you call me broke! You're just a gold digger!" Madelyn snapped. Selina responded with a swift slap, silencing the room. Lydia whistled in appreciation.

Tears welled in Madelyn's eyes. "You hit me!"

"Yes, I did," Selina retorted. "Trevon and I are married, and I'm your cousin-in-law. You were rude. Since your family failed to teach you manners, consider this a lesson. You're welcome, Lauren."

Lauren rushed to Madelyn's side, furious. "You crossed a line, Selina! Who do you think you are?"

"If you're upset, talk to my husband," Selina replied confidently. "He promised to spoil me. Now, since they can't afford it, I'll take it. Let's avoid making our family a laughingstock. Pack it up, I'll pay in full with my black card."

"I can afford it! Don't think you can walk all over me just because you're with Trevon! He's been deceived!" Madelyn declared, tears streaming down her face. The necklace was crucial; losing it would humiliate both her and the Hudson family.

"Fine, I bid three million dollars, double the original price," Selina announced casually. Madelyn and Lauren gasped at the blatant use of Trevon's wealth. Seeing their hesitation, Selina pressed, "Why the silence? Not going to challenge me? Ms. Wells, pack it up."

"Five million dollars!" Madelyn yelled, spurred on by Selina's provocation. Lauren subtly urged her on.

"Five and a half million," Selina countered.

"Five hundred thousand more!" Madelyn shouted.

"Alright, it's yours," Selina conceded, surprising Madelyn.