Chapter 50

"Shut up, you losers! You couldn't even defeat a woman! What do I keep you for? I'm going to kick you all out of the club!" Rence felt both embarrassed and angry, but she could only vent her frustration on her teammates.

Those men remained silent, still reeling from the shock of witnessing a woman single-handedly defeat their entire judo team. They had only seen such a feat in Mumzik films.

Renee ran to the bathroom, furiously scrubbing her clothes while crying. "I'm going to kill you, bitch!" she thought. "You humiliated me and sent Mantiel to prison. I won't forgive you."

That evening, Selina and her friends arrived at the outdoor performance venue on the outskirts of Sokovis. The air, still thick with the day's heat, carried a scent of burning. Ticket holders, dressed in summer attire, milled about before the stage, enjoying pre-concert music, their excitement palpable.

As a member of The Rose, Lydia escorted Malcolm to prime VIP seats. "Remember to cheer for Selina and me later, Malcolm," she said.

Malcolm's mouth twitched. "What do you want me to do?"

"Well… just clap for us."

Lydia was speechless. Malcolm rarely attended music festivals; like her other senior classmates, he was a workaholic whose priorities lay primarily in his work and their friendship.

Selina approached Malcolm, saying softly, "Tonight's show is for you, Malcolm. Enjoy it." She smiled sweetly, taking Lydia's arm.

Malcolm affectionately ruffled her head. "I'm looking forward to it, Selina."

"Don't you think you're forgetting someone?" Lydia interjected.

"Fine, I'm looking forward to your performance, too," Malcolm said, perfunctorily rubbing Lydia's head.

Lydia's face darkened. What the heck? I'm also your junior! Why is he so perfunctory with me? she thought.

"You're finally here," Elaine, The Rose's agent, announced with a worried expression. "It's your turn soon. Don't you need to rehearse? I know you're good, Lydia, but think about Selina!"

"Relax, Elaine. Didn't our Starlight Club performance prove enough? Selina's a musical genius; she's more talented than I am. She can memorize any piece of music after hearing it once."

"Fine, I know nothing about music. As your agent, I just want a perfect performance. No mistakes!" Elaine quickly ushered Lydia and Selina away for a rehearsal with Thomas and Luke.

After they left, Malcolm produced a cigarette case engraved with "INSIGNIA," squinting as he lit a cigarette, one hand in his pocket. His casual attire highlighted his tall frame, attracting attention.

Suddenly, Malcolm frowned, sensing a scrutinizing gaze. It vanished instantly, but he felt it nonetheless.

He turned to look around the exclusive VIP area, but found no one. "Did I imagine it?" he wondered.

Unbeknownst to him, Trevon, noble and elegant, observed him from a second-floor glass room.

"Malcolm Mumzik's top lawyer, founder of Liberty Law Firm… and Selina's senior," Trevon mused, having witnessed the interaction between Selina and Malcolm. A mix of unfamiliar emotions stirred within him. He felt utterly confused.

"Look at that guy, Trevon. Tall, handsome, a big shot. More importantly, he just had an intimate interaction with your nominal wife. Is he your rival?" Charley Griffin, a gray-haired man, remarked, placing an arm around Trevon's shoulder. He'd been surprised by Trevon's request for a VIP ticket to the festival. Isn't he a workaholic? He only compromises when Edwin and I force him… Charley thought, realizing Trevon's change stemmed from a woman. It seems he finally fell for someone? he mused with a knowing smile.

Trevon withdrew his gaze, saying coldly, "Your smile bothers me, Charley. I want to rip your mouth off."

"You can't do that to me, Trevon! Ah!" Before Charley could finish, Trevon covered his mouth, holding it tightly until Charley's face turned red and he struggled for breath. Finally released, Charley, tears welling, gasped, "You hurt me, Trevon! Is that how you ask for a favor?"

"Shut up if you want to keep your mouth," Trevon retorted, settling back onto the couch, crossing his legs, and closing his eyes. But the image of Selina and Malcolm lingered.

Charley, secretly making a face at Trevon, then calmly observed Malcolm. "It's a shame Edwin isn't here. I thought Trevon just saw Selina as a trophy wife, used to clear up rumors. Now things are getting interesting," Charley mused, his interest in Selina piqued.