Chapter 85

After the confrontation, Manuel and his group returned to their table. Timothy, anxious, asked, "What was that about running into Selina again? You didn't do anything rash, did you? Mr. Weber was there, and we can't afford to offend them!"

Manuel shook his head. "I'm fine, Timothy. I won't give Selina any more chances to hurt me."

Ashley interjected, "Manuel, this is so strange. Selina just claimed she designed that bracelet... Since when did she become a designer in the Harvey family?"

Ashley's question silenced Manuel, who recalled the bracelet's distinctly Angel-esque design. Timothy scoffed, "Her? Knowing design? A country bumpkin who didn't even graduate middle school? No way. She probably just doodled something."

Ashley argued, "But Timothy, what she drew was really pretty..."

"Those are stolen designs she's flaunting to impress her friends after cozying up to Trevon," Timothy speculated. Ashley tugged at his arm. "Don't say that, Timothy! Selina isn't that kind of person. I know her well... she's my sister, after all."

"Ashley, you're too kind. You're so kind it breaks my heart. You always respond with sincerity, no matter how others treat you. How can you be so naive?" Timothy, captivated by Ashley, couldn't look away. Ashley lowered her eyes. "Timothy, please don't say such things. Selina is my sister. We share a bond. There are things I refuse to believe about Selina's intentions. She never meant to truly hurt us, her family!"

"Ashley, that's enough. Approaching Selina with that mindset, appearing guilty, will only embolden her, leading to more bullying and humiliation," Manuel finally said, patting Ashley's head. "Ashley, I know you're kind-hearted, and I wouldn't want you to change. But in the future, keep your distance from Selina. Leave dealing with her to me."

"Manuel... Do we have to be at odds with Selina? She's our flesh and blood!"

"Selina declared war on us first. She betrayed the Harvey family, framed me, and chose to be our enemy. It's not that we aren't benevolent; it's that Selina is not righteous. She thinks she can cut ties with the Harvey family. Without us, there would be no Selina! And she can never repay her debt for her betrayal!"

Manuel knew Selina could never be like Angel. Someone with true moral values wouldn't backstab their family. As for the bracelet design, it was as Timothy said—Selina likely traded favors for Trevon's affection, parading his gifts to Lydia and Malcolm. The Harvey family was being shamed by such a daughter, devoid of shame or honor.

Ashley wanted to speak, but seeing Manuel and Timothy's resolve, she remained silent, already formulating a plan. Selina, with me here, you can forget about winning the hearts of the Clark or Harvey families! You don't deserve it. A stolen country girl, aiming to be my sister and share the Harvey family equally? The mere thought disgusts me! The thought of Trevon, the handsome billionaire who should have been hers, being captivated by Selina, fueled Ashley's heartache. It must be Selina's shameless skills that allowed her to cling to Trevon. I could never stoop to such levels.

Chapter 86

Selina returned to the villa. Devin, the butler, approached her. "Mrs. Brady, you might want to check the study. Mr. Brady seemed upset you didn't dine with him tonight."

Seeing no one around, Devin lowered his voice. Selina chuckled. Trevon was jealous. He'd sounded agreeable on the phone, but his tone had changed. "Prepare some sweet soup; I'll take it to him."

"Got it!" Devin replied.

In the study, Trevon worked on Insight Group affairs. His efficiency had dropped, and he knew why.

A knock came. "Honey, may I come in?" It was Selina.

It was 10 PM. Trevon opened the door to Selina, who carried a bowl of red bean soup. "Work is good, but don't wear yourself out. A little reward for my hardworking husband." He set the soup aside, pulled Selina close, and shut the door. "You made me wait. Shouldn't there be a punishment?"

"Honey, I explained everything on the phone, and it's only ten o'clock! We're in the trial phase. Are you trying to lose points here?"

"I've been waiting ages. It's just the way I am, and I can't change that."

Trevon's tall frame cast a shadow over Selina. Breathing in his scent, Selina gave in. "Just my luck to be caught by you. What's my punishment going to be?"