Chapter 47

Selina took Lydia and Malcolm to a Sokovian barbecue restaurant, a little outside the downtown area. Its quiet location allowed for casual parking.

Lydia put her arm around Selina's shoulder. "It's summer, but you chose a barbecue. Are you a spicy food enthusiast?"

Selina smiled. "I haven't had barbecue in ages. I suddenly craved it. And despite the location, this place is delicious." In her past life, as a Harvey, she'd never frequented such an establishment. The Harveys considered barbecue lower class; they dined exclusively at high-end restaurants, enjoying meals crafted by Michelin three-star chefs. To please them, Selina had endured bland, overpriced food, seasoned with little more than salt.

Now free from the Harveys, Selina felt liberated. The restaurant buzzed with activity, the barbecue aroma mingling deliciously with the cool air conditioning.

Malcolm recounted how Sara and Ashley had attempted to bribe him, only to be scared off by the reporters Selina summoned. Lydia laughed. "No wonder people love dealing with scum! I'd feel great too! Let's see if Ashley and Sara are trending on Twitter."

Lydia searched, finding the news already circulating. She happily scrolled through comments, responding from various accounts. "Selina, look! Ashley's hair is a mess! She looks terrified! It's hilarious!"

Selina glanced at a picture of Ashley, usually so composed, now kneeling amidst reporters, her hair disheveled, her face pale and strained. Selina imagined Ashley's rage upon seeing the trending photo and the accompanying comments.

"Alright, Lydia, let's order," Selina said. Malcolm gave Lydia a reproving look, then glanced worriedly at Selina.

Selina smiled reassuringly. "It's okay, Malcolm. I have no attachment to the Harveys. They're strangers now, and I've paid my dues. Since they chose to offend me, I won't be lenient. Don't worry, they won't be a stumbling block. More importantly, I have you two. I only want you. They don't deserve me."

She held Lydia and Malcolm's hands. "I like that, Lydia. The Harveys are blind not to cherish us. As long as you're happy, I'll do anything."

Overwhelmed by Selina's words, Malcolm and Lydia felt a pang of guilt. Discovering Selina's biological family had brought both joy and apprehension. They rejoiced in her finding her family, yet worried that it would distance her. Their bond was deep, but not as strong as biological ties, especially a family Selina had longed for twenty-one years. Selfishly, they feared something more important might diminish their place in her life.

Selina, Lydia, and Malcolm happily enjoyed their barbecue. Before leaving, Selina went to the restroom. Washing her hands, a familiar figure appeared in the mirror. Recognizing the woman, Selina turned off the tap. The woman, unsure of her identity, stared.

Tentatively, she asked, "Selina? Is that you?"

Selina replied indifferently, "You've got the wrong person," and began to leave.

"No! You are Selina! Stop! I need to talk to you!" The woman pursued Selina. When she reached out, Selina pushed her aside.

The woman glared. "Selina, why did you push me? You've gone too far!"

Selina said coldly, "I told you, I don't know you. You're a stranger pestering me. Are you a thief?"

"You don't know me? I'm Renee, Manuel's girlfriend! We met at the Harvey residence!" Renee, previously appearing gentle, her expression hardened. "You're Manuel's sister! Why did you frame him? Tell me!"

"Miss, behave yourself. I have nothing to do with the Harveys. As for Manuel, he deserves it. You must know why he's in jail. He'll stay there."

As Selina turned to leave, Renee pleaded, "No, you can't! I won't let you frame Manuel! He adores you, you're family! The Harveys searched for you for years. Why betray them? You're ungrateful!"

Selina stopped. A cold aura emanated from her, causing Renee to shiver. The air grew noticeably colder.