Chapter 48

"Manuel dotes on me? Hahaha," Selina laughed, a sound so unrestrained it ached her stomach. From an outsider's perspective, it seemed Manuel did lavish affection upon her. But the truth was, for Ashley's sake, he treated her with cold violence and indifference, never believing her, always viewing her as a thief. Whenever trouble arose, Selina was instantly blamed; it was always her fault. Why had they brought her back? Why had they destroyed the Harvey family's peace for so long? Was it all because of this supposed adoration?

To the Harveys and Manuel, Selina's presence was like a deadly virus; a careless breath risked shattering them. They longed to extinguish her. She'd once believed her genuine affection could move them, but she'd been utterly wrong. Her concessions only worsened their treatment. Ultimately, the Harveys tortured her to death and left her body for the wild dogs—for something she'd never done, simply because their beloved sister and daughter had been hurt. Did that constitute doting? Nonsense! Selina wouldn't have wanted it, couldn't have afforded it.

"What are you laughing at!" Renee demanded, her gaze like that of a monster. Was the air conditioning too low, or was Renee sensing a chill emanating from Selina herself? Their previous encounter showed Selina submissive, carefully trying to please and befriend Renee. Then, Renee had thought Selina honest, merely happy to be back with the Harveys, climbing the social ladder, and causing no trouble.

But upon learning about Manuel's predicament and Selina's alleged involvement—that Manuel might go to jail because of her—Renee felt betrayed. She and the Harveys had misjudged Selina, failing to see her heartless nature. Watching Selina's smug smile, Renee saw a dual personality: a compliant simpleton and a venomous viper, hiding in the shadows, waiting to strike.

"I'm laughing at you," Selina said. "You claim to be Manuel's girlfriend, but you're as blind as he is. You're just a plaything. I doubt he even admits you're his girlfriend. You know nothing about the Harvey family, and yet you dare lecture me?"

Renee, initially stunned, snapped, "What...did you say? You're too presumptuous! Why am I not his girlfriend?"

"Are you really? A few dates make you his girlfriend? Have you met his friends? Has he introduced you to the Harveys? You fabricated everything about them, didn't you? If you hadn't coincidentally met me in that coffee shop, you'd never have known about me!"

Renee was speechless. How did Selina know so much?

Manuel had only promised a temporary relationship with Renee, never agreeing to make her his girlfriend. Renee desired both Manuel and the power of the Harvey family. The Shaw family, while wealthy in Sokovis, paled in comparison. A relationship with Manuel would significantly strengthen them. She'd invested heavily in securing his admission of a relationship. Had Manuel told Selina about this? The possibility darkened Renee's face.

"It seems you're not stupid," Selina continued. "You've been fooled, dumped, and are now wallowing in self-pity."

Selina knew because she recalled Manuel never acknowledging Renee as his girlfriend. She remembered his plan to break up with Renee after a month, citing incompatibility. Renee's foolish attempt at suicide on a library rooftop had caused a sensation, handled discreetly by the Harvey Group. Manuel hadn't even visited her in the hospital, only issuing a bland statement about their brief encounter. Renee alone had taken the relationship seriously, clinging to Manuel, only to be ridiculed online as a gold digger and simp. No one wanted her afterwards. Selina didn't know her current situation.

"Even if that's true," Renee retorted, "I'm confident I'll become his girlfriend! I won't forgive anyone who hurts Manuel! Cancel the lawsuit now, or I'll beat you up!"

Renee, newly-minted judo black belt, had come to a nearby restaurant to celebrate with her teammates. Selina's unfortunate presence sparked her fury. If Renee didn't teach her a lesson, neither she nor Manuel would find satisfaction.

Selina dodged Renee's attack. Renee lunged to grab her, but Selina swiftly countered, her move so fast it stunned Renee.

"Ah! You—"

A bone-cracking sound echoed. Renee’s mouth was covered by Selina’s hand, stifling her words.

"You're a perfect match for Manuel. Both of you are so stupid! How dare you boast before me?" Selina remarked. Renee’s judo, lacking murderous intent, was more an art form than a lethal martial art. On a battlefield, such slowness would be fatal.

Selina kicked Renee's buttocks. Renee cried out in pain, falling heavily to the ground. Her scream attracted attention.

"Renee, what happened?" Her judo teammates rushed over, their faces a mixture of concern and fury at the sight of their injured friend.

"How dare you bully Renee!"

"Cut the crap," Selina responded. "Want revenge? Come on. I'm in a hurry."