Chapter 46
Ashley longed to snatch Malcolm and Trevon away from Selina. Such exceptional men deserved to be around her, not a "bumpkin" like Selina! Selina didn't deserve them!
However, to avoid further complications, Ashley complied. She knelt, promising to remain there until Selina forgave Manuel. "Okay, Selina! I'll kneel until you forgive Manuel and calm down!"
Sara's heart ached. As she reached for Ashley, Ashley feigned resistance. "No, Mommy. As long as this saves Manuel, I'll do it, even kneeling. Selina's just angry; she'll forgive him eventually."
"Mrs. Harvey, Ashley's right. If you want to help your son, you can sacrifice your daughter's time and legs, can't you?" Selina added, "After all, a prison record stains Manuel's life, and Ashley will be heartbroken. Let her do it."
Selina relished Ashley's plight. Otherwise, Ashley's efforts would be wasted.
Sara glared. "Selina, are you indifferent to Ashley's sacrifice? You're family! Without my husband and me, you'd be nothing! And Manuel is your brother!"
"I've repaid my debt. We're not family. Don't shed crocodile tears!" Selina slammed the door, shutting them out. Their faces fell.
Sara pleaded, "Ashley, get up!"
"No, Mommy. I'm silly; this is the only way to save Manuel and appease Selina. I won't let her hurt him!"
"Selina's fooling you!" Sara protested.
Ashley shook her head. "Mommy, Selina's my sister. I believe she's not cruel." Seeing Ashley's resolve, Sara relented.
Inside, Selina and Malcolm discussed the case, confident of victory. Malcolm glanced at the monitor. "Ashley's still kneeling, with Sara."
He looked at Selina. "What will you do?"
Selina smiled coldly. "I told them that if she kneels long enough and shows sincerity, I'll consider letting Manuel go. It depends on her endurance."
"Many people are interested in this," Selina added, hinting at publicity.
Ashley knelt for forty minutes, her feet numb, her body trembling. It was unprecedented. Sara couldn't bear it. "Ashley, enough!"
Ashley was about to give up when someone shouted, "I found her!" Cameras flashed. Reporters swarmed, questioning Sara and Ashley.
"What performance art is this?"
"Why is Ms. Harvey kneeling?"
Selina's scheme was revealed. Sara pulled Ashley away. As Ashley stood, her legs buckled; she cried out in pain.
The reporters were ecstatic. This was a headline-grabbing story.
"Stop it!" Ashley cried. She hadn't wanted this publicity.
After the commotion, Selina and Malcolm emerged.
"They're gone," Selina said. "Malcolm, let's eat. I'll call Lydia."
Selina then contacted Trevon, telling him she was busy with Malcolm and Lydia and wouldn't be home for dinner. She also mentioned a performance for Lydia's brand.
Trevon, in a meeting, frowned upon seeing her message. He felt a twinge of unhappiness, sensing the many important people in Selina's life. He then instructed his secretary. The secretary nodded and left.