Chapter 73
It was Timothy! Selina’s fiancé. Selina narrowed her eyes. She hadn’t expected to encounter him here.
As for the so-called Mr. Harvey… that must be Quinton. Selina was surprised he hadn’t abandoned his efforts to win Manuel’s case. A contemptuous smile played on her lips. She sneered inwardly, “How could Quinton bear to see his son's life tarnished?” However, if he aimed to ruin her reputation… that wouldn’t happen.
"Selina, what would you like to eat?" Nora asked, offering the menu.
Selina silenced her with a gesture. Confused, but obedient, Nora stared at Selina with her large, beautiful eyes.
Meanwhile, Timothy, unaware of Selina’s presence, said worriedly, "Mr. Harvey, Ashley contacted me the day after the incident. I've reached out to every major attorney in Mumzik, but they've all refused to defend your son after hearing Malcolm's name, especially given the unfavorable evidence. With the trial tomorrow, I'm afraid there's only one option."
Quinton snapped, "I know it's difficult, but that's my son! How can I let his life be ruined? To let it happen is to admit defeat to Selina! Damn Selina! I should never have brought her back into the Harvey family. She’s so heartless, she had her own brother jailed!" His fury was palpable. He'd sought help everywhere, even developing blisters on his lips, but to no avail. Every lawyer had refused after hearing Malcolm’s name.
Each lawyer echoed Timothy's assessment: Quinton should pursue an out-of-court settlement or have Manuel confess to minimize the penalty. Manuel faced only a short custodial sentence for the misdemeanor, but a confession would severely damage his reputation. Therefore, Quinton was trying to find a lawyer to prove Manuel's innocence, despite his guilt.
Sara and Ashley's attempt to locate Malcolm’s residence and bribe him had backfired spectacularly, resulting in a scandal Selina and Malcolm successfully suppressed. Quinton’s anger at Selina’s actions was uncontainable.
Timothy sighed, "I know Manuel, and he's not capable of such a despicable act. Selina must have provoked him… Mr. Harvey, with all due respect, I advised against taking Selina back, even when she was alive, given your estrangement."
Quinton muttered, "I know. We have Ashley; we don't need another daughter. But I did it for Sara. She has nightmares about Selina. I brought Selina back to ease Sara's nightmares. I thought she was just a country girl, content to be part of the Harvey family and inherit some wealth. I never imagined she was so evil!"
Selina sneered inwardly. So that's the truth? In Quinton's eyes, she was merely the source of his wife's nightmares.
She didn't understand. She was their biological daughter. Why, after deciding to take her back, did they view her as a jinx? Why treat her like a mortal enemy, a servant to be abused at will? They exploited her desire for family as a weakness, trampling her dignity. In this pathetic charade of family love, she was the sole victim. They never truly accepted her, always despising her. It was ridiculous!
Her fury was tempered by a grim satisfaction. This encounter had finally revealed the Harveys' motives. Thanks to Jeffrey's training, Selina could hear their conversation through the screen, provided she remained still and breathed evenly. While she hadn't heard everything, she understood their intent.
Timothy continued, "Mr. Harvey, remorse is useless now. Fortunately, Selina's time with the Harvey family was brief, limiting her access to damaging information." Quinton omitted Selina’s marriage to Trevon. Their engagement was technically still intact, and revealing her marriage would disgrace the Clark family.
Quinton hesitated to inform the Clarks about Trevon. He also considered Trevon foolish for marrying an unwanted, barely educated Harvey daughter.
"You can rest assured," Quinton said seriously. "Timothy, thank you for your help. I know what to do."
Timothy offered comfort, "Mr. Harvey, don't worry. I'll accompany you to bail Manuel out. My overseas legal studies give me familiarity with Clusia's laws. Once charges are dropped and damages covered, Manuel will be released, considering his detention."
"I see," Quinton mumbled. He was out of options, and this seemed the best course of action.
But in yielding, Quinton had lost to the country girl he'd dismissed. The affront to his authority enraged him.
Smiling at Nora, Selina said, "Nora, we're about to witness a spectacular show."
Nora, still confused, asked, "Selina, what is it?"
Selina took the menu and announced loudly, "I'll have a Kobe A5 steak, medium-rare, black pepper sauce, and a vegetable cabbage soup."
On the other side of the screen, Quinton was stunned by Selina’s voice. He leaped to his feet, eyes blazing with fury. It was truly Selina! That voice… he’d never forget his infuriating daughter’s voice!