Chapter 68
Full of complaints, Madelyn slumped into a chair. Even without Selina's presence, she couldn't have met Trevon without his permission. Blaming Selina, however, a smile played on her lips as she plotted her revenge.
She waited two hours, her fingernails digging into her palm, the pain a searing agony. Finally, unable to bear it, she stood and shouted, "Somebody get in here!" Devin approached casually. "Ms. Hudson, what can I do for you?"
"It's been two hours! I arrived at eight, and it's ten now. How can she shower for two hours? What the hell is she doing?"
"Ms. Hudson, Mrs. Brady told me she enjoys long showers. If you can't wait, you may leave; you can see her another day." Madelyn was speechless, her anger erupting as she flung the fruit bowl across the table.
Two hours wasted, and still no sight of Selina. Madelyn considered Selina disrespectful to her and her family, recalling a previous visit with her mother, Lauren, that ended with Selina's harsh dismissal.
A gentle voice interrupted her simmering rage. Looking up, she saw Selina, in loose pajamas, yawning as she slowly approached.
"Damn it, Selina! You knew I was here and wasted my time!"
"Devin said I was showering, and it takes time. If you were busy, you could have left. I didn't ask you to stay. Besides, we don't have a good relationship. Why should I sacrifice my shower time for you? Don't flatter yourself." Madelyn was again rendered speechless, her face flushing with irritation at Selina's impudence.
Madelyn knew Selina wasn't to be trifled with. Even without makeup, in simple pajamas, Selina possessed an undeniable elegance that fueled Madelyn's fury. Remembering her goal, Madelyn forced a smile. "Regardless of my reluctance, I must acknowledge you're Trevon's wife. I hope to establish a cordial relationship. We are, after all, related. I don't want to make things difficult. Do you agree?"
Selina replied indifferently, "Then leave. From now on, stay away from me. Perhaps that will improve your standing in my eyes?"
Madelyn's mouth twitched. Clenching her fists, she maintained her forced smile. "Selina, there have been misunderstandings. I want a sincere conversation. Look!" She displayed the necklace.
"Oh, an outdated piece of jewelry. A design Angel abandoned years ago, sold by Cartier. It cost you 6.5 million dollars, Madelyn. I hope you enjoy others knowing and laughing at your stupidity."
Ignoring Selina's words, Madelyn continued, "It's exquisite, every diamond perfectly placed. I remember you liked it too. We argued over it." Affecting embarrassment, she added, "I'm sorry, Selina. You're newly married. I should have given it to you. But I liked it, and I could afford it, unlike you. So, it belongs to me." Selina’s lack of reaction hinted at amusement.
Madelyn’s smugness was short-lived. Selina revealed that she had told Trevon the story, omitting Madelyn's identity, and his reaction was not favorable.
The mention of Trevon's opinion altered Madelyn's countenance. "How dare you tell Trevon?"
"I didn't give him your name. His opinion is valid. Only rich fools are proud of overspending."
Madelyn's anger threatened to overwhelm her. She took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to attack Selina. Thoughts of Selina's orphan status, her perceived role as a mere sex partner, and the Brady and Hudson families' rejection of her fueled her resentment.
"Fine, Selina. We misunderstood each other. I came here to show you something else. Look!" Madelyn displayed a diamond bracelet. "You haven't seen anything like this before, right? A limited-edition piece designed for Cartier. There's only one in Sokovis, and it's on my wrist. Trevon's father gave it to me at my birthday party." She added pointedly, "Have you met Trevon's father? Did he give you anything valuable?"
Madelyn had thoroughly researched Selina's relationship with Trevon's family, knowing she had dined with them but that Samuel likely hadn't given her expensive gifts. This ostentatious display was designed to humiliate Selina, whom Madelyn viewed with contempt. However, Madelyn's plan was about to encounter unexpected obstacles.