Chapter 42

Nora grinned. Removing her JK outfit, she changed into comfortable homewear and styled her hair in double ponytails. Her little face flushed when she got angry—a perfectly inherited trait from her parents. She was cute, beautiful, and innocent, the quintessential rich family daughter.

"Well, Nora, don't be angry. You can hold my hand too," Selina offered, extending a hand. Nora took it, making a face at Trevon. "Selina's the best! Trevon, you should learn from her!"

Trevon turned to Selina. "If you spoil her too much, she'll become even more unruly. You know that, too, right?" He was, of course, the one who'd spoiled his sister.

The three walked into the villa, where Samuel and Susie Brady had been waiting. Seeing Trevon and Nora holding Selina's hands, they perceived a warm, harmonious scene. Initially surprised—they'd never seen Trevon so gentle with a woman—they were relieved to see Nora's evident fondness for Selina.

"Mom, this is my sister-in-law, Trevon's wife, Selina Harvey!" Nora announced proudly.

Selina nodded. "Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Brady."

Trevon greeted them as well. "Dad, Susie."

"Hello, come in and have a seat. Dinner's ready."

In the dining room, Nora whispered to Selina, "My parents cooked all this themselves. Trevon should have told you Mom was a three-Michelin-star chef in Frehur before marrying Dad. Dad gradually developed a passion for cooking under her guidance."

"Well, thank you for the dinner," Selina replied.

Everyone dined together. Samuel and Susie inquired about Selina, who answered clearly and rationally, neither obsequious nor arrogant. They were both charmed by her calm demeanor and saw no avarice for the Brady family's wealth or power in her eyes; only a mysterious, captivating depth. Her stunning beauty—delicate skin and a breathtaking aura—was undeniable. No wonder Trevon, usually indifferent to women, had fallen for her.

However, when asked about her family, Selina revealed she was an orphan, raised by a mentor after the Harvey family severed ties with her. A flicker of concern crossed Susie's face. She took Selina's hand. "It doesn't matter. Consider this your home from now on. I'm Trevon's stepmother, but I'm family, and you're my daughter-in-law." Her voice held sympathy and warmth.

Selina, momentarily stunned, returned the handclasp. "Thank you."

Chapter 42 (Continued)

"Honey, this lobster's Susie's cooking—a three-Michelin-star chef in Frehar. I love it. Try some," Trevon said, placing peeled lobster on Selina's plate. Samuel nearly fell out of his chair at his son's attentiveness.

"Alright," Selina smiled gratefully, taking a bite. "It's fresh and juicy, with a rich cheese flavor. Delicious! Susie's truly talented; the best lobster I've ever had."

Nora added, "Selina, this chili con carne is also Mom's best dish! It's spicy and delicious. Try it!"

"Okay."

Susie's eyes softened, observing their easy camaraderie. She'd initially worried the dinner would be disastrous, but it was exceeding her expectations. Selina was truly remarkable—she'd even managed to coax Trevon out of his usual reserved demeanor.

After dinner, Samuel summoned Trevon to his study.

"Your uncle pushed for a blind date while we were at the Brady residence for dinner. I never expected you'd marry someone after just a month at the Research Institute," Samuel stated, hands clasped behind his back as he gazed out the floor-to-ceiling window. "I haven't been much of a father, Trevon. I've been consumed by work since your childhood, and your mother and I... even when you found someone you liked and got married, I only heard about it secondhand."

Trevon nodded. "Dad, you work for our country. I respect that. I don't feel wronged. You don't need to dwell on it."

Samuel turned, walking slowly toward Trevon. Looking at his son's face, so much like his own, he saw a grown man, married, the head of the Brady family. Time, he sighed, truly flies. "Trevon, this is truly your choice, right? No one pressured you?"

Trevon replied calmly, "Dad, no one can force me to do something I don't want. That was true in the past, is true now, and will always be."

"Since she's the woman you chose, as your father, I can only tell you to protect her at all costs. This isn't a casual matter. She's not just your legally recognized wife but the woman you'll spend your life with."

"I know you have your own plan. You're a grown man, and I'm proud of you. I may not have spent much time with Selina, but I can tell she's a good girl. Be good to her."

Trevon's eyes flickered under Samuel's serious gaze. "I will, Dad."

Selina helped Susie and Nora clean up.

Susie remarked, "You're the guest. You don't need to do this."

"I'm Trevon's wife; we'll be family. It's good to get acquainted, and I enjoy doing this."

"The dinner was wonderful. Thank you, Mrs. Brady," Selina said.

"Selina, you're so sweet," Susie responded, liking her more with each passing moment.

Nora, leaning on Susie's shoulder, smiled. "Mom, isn't Susie wonderful? Trevon's so lucky to have Selina!"

"Yes, she is. What about you, dear? Did you have a boyfriend in college?"

"Mom! You're embarrassing me! You're so annoying! I'm not talking to you anymore!"

Chapter 49

Observing Nora and Susie's easy intimacy, Selina quietly placed the last washed dish in the sanitizer. It was a healthy, normal mother-daughter relationship, unlike hers with Sara. Oh, no. Sara had a precious daughter, Ashley, and that sort of bond was something Selina wouldn't experience.

Susie received a text message. Her laughter faded, her brow furrowing. "I have to attend to something. Please, have a seat."

Nora, seemingly sensing something amiss, said glumly, "Mom, is Uncle David causing trouble again?"