Chapter 84

"Lydia, you've got Ashley all wrong, just like Selina did. Ashley isn't who you think she is..."

Tears streamed down Ashley's face. Lydia gave her an impressed thumbs-up. "Selina, your sister could be a star in Mumrik's entertainment industry. Ever thought about an Oscar for Best Actress?"

Selina sneered. "Lydia, let me correct you. She's not my sister, and she's far beyond my reach."

Ashley was speechless, her gaze occasionally falling on Malcolm, silently pleading for his support. This tactic had worked on countless young men. She expected Malcolm to intervene. However, he remained aloof, sipping his wine, ignoring her silent plea for protection. He didn't intervene, partly because Lydia’s knowing look piqued his curiosity about the extent of Ashley's performance.

"Enough!" Manuel exclaimed. "Stop picking on Ashley!" The sight of Ashley in tears pained him; his hatred for Selina intensified. He couldn't bear to see someone of Harvey blood, someone who should have been an asset to the family, repeatedly humiliated.

Just as Manuel was about to lash out, he noticed Selina's bracelet designs. He reached for them, but Malcolm swiftly grabbed his wrist.

"Don't think you can do whatever you want just because I haven't spoken yet, Manuel. Do you understand what it means to cross me?"

Malcolm's grip tightened, causing Manuel pain. He struggled, but couldn't escape. Malcolm finally released him with a contemptuous chuckle, muttering about "good-for-nothing people." He scoffed at the notion that Manuel deserved recognition as Selina's family, lamenting Selina's lineage. He noted Selina's exceptional talent and the Harvey family's blindness to the "uneducated country bumpkin" they had dismissed, a shining gem they would soon regret overlooking.

Ashley immediately supported Manuel, who glared at Malcolm. If not for fear of offending the top Mumrik attorney and the potential repercussions for the Harvey family, Manuel wouldn't have remained so passive. His eyes remained fixed on Selina's bracelet designs.

It wasn't a coincidence. Manuel had intensely studied Angel's work, attempting to capture her unique style. This bracelet bore Angel's unmistakable signature.

Selina tucked the designs away. "What? Enjoying my work? Hoping to copy it? Let me remind you, Malcolm is here. Manuel, if you dare to plagiarize this time, prepare to rot in jail."

"You designed this?!" Manuel was astonished. Despite his thorough study, he hadn't grasped Angel's essence, yet Selina, the "uneducated country girl," had created such a stunning piece. Could Selina be Angel?

The thought was so jarring that Manuel shook his head. Was he losing his mind? The idea that Selina was Angel, a globally renowned artist, was absurd. His admiration for Angel must have skewed his perception of the design. It had to be!

Lydia addressed Manuel and Selina. "Don't you think he's acting a bit unhinged?"

Selina responded calmly. "Perhaps his time in jail affected his mind. Leave, or I'll call security. Consider who will look worse..."

Timothy arrived, having followed the commotion. "Manuel, Ashley, let's go." He feared Manuel might act rashly. Manuel had just been released from jail; another arrest would be disastrous. Furthermore, Timothy needed Manuel for the upcoming Jewelry Design Contest in six days, a collaboration with Angel was at stake.

Ashley urged Manuel to leave, de-escalating the situation. Manuel took a deep breath and left with Timothy and Ashley.

Lydia spat contemptuously. "Can't even have a peaceful meal. I wonder when the Harvey family will disappear."

Malcolm reprimanded Lydia, shaking his head. Lydia looked worriedly at Selina.

Selina smiled. "It's okay, Malcolm, Lydia. The Harvey family are strangers to me now. If they obstruct me, they become my enemies. I won't be affected by them anymore."

In her past life, Selina's desire for familial love was betrayed and abused by the Harvey family. She was ultimately betrayed and cast out. In this life, Selina lived for herself and those she valued. The Harvey family's well-being was inconsequential. Any debt she owed was settled.

Lydia smiled, draping an arm around Selina. "That's the spirit! Forget the Harveys. Let's live our best lives." Malcolm took Selina's hand. "Selina, if you're ever in trouble, let us know. We've got your back."

Selina smiled. "I know. Having you all is all I need."