Chapter 91
Selina's lips curled into a sly smile as Trevon's questioning grew more insistent. "First, Mr. Brady, you're quite attractive and perfectly to my taste. Second, I've researched Brilliance's history and believe that with your leadership and Insight Group's resources, it will achieve remarkable success. Collaborating with a company of such potential is a simple decision."
"You've made an excellent choice, Angel. It's a pleasure doing business with you."
After discussing key aspects of their collaboration, Selina divulged nothing further. Seeing his attempts to probe deeper were fruitless, and finding Selina's terms reasonable, Trevon readily accepted them.
"By the way," Selina added casually, "the day after we spoke, Timothy, head of Clark Jewelry from Sokovis, contacted me about a partnership."
"Clark Jewelry..." Trevon's voice remained steady, betraying no emotion.
He was aware of the company's existence, yet never considered them a true competitor. Why would a global giant regard a mere upstart as a rival? It was beneath him.
"I told him that if Clark Jewelry wins first place at the Sokovis Jewelry Design Contest, I'll consider working with them. Since you're both from Sokovis, Mr. Brady, I hope Brilliance doesn't interfere."
"No worries, that first-place prize is practically Brilliance's already. My wife is entering the contest."
"You have great faith in your wife. Alright then, to a successful partnership."
After the call, Selina finished her coffee, gathered her things, and prepared to leave when a message from Trevon arrived.
[My wife is like the brightest star in the night sky. Get close to her, get to know her, and you'll be completely captivated by her brilliance, unable to break away. We should arrange for you two to meet.]
Selina raised an eyebrow. Trevon, really… Where does he get these cheesy lines? It's so cliché; it almost makes me cringe.
That evening, Selina and Trevon dined at their villa.
"Honey, this is the materials list. I hope you'll allow me to use Brilliance's assembly machines. I plan to handcraft necklaces for my friends."
"Of course." Trevon casually pocketed the list, stopping Devin from taking it. "This is my wife's request. I intend to do it myself."
Surprised by this sudden display of affection, Devin coughed lightly and quickly left the restaurant. He felt like a glaring third wheel, out of place. Best to leave Selina and Trevon to their own world.
Selina enjoyed Trevon's remark and, playing along, cut a piece of steak and offered it to him. "Hubby, you're so good."
Trevon took the bite, savoring it before delicately wiping a speck of pepper sauce from his lip. "Do you feel marrying me was the happiest event of your life?"
"In this romantic mood, I don't want to answer such long-term questions. But who doesn't like being spoiled? I'm happy. What about you? How did your meeting with Angel go today? Any progress on the collaboration?"
With a gleam in her eye, Selina knew exactly what she was after, and Trevon was happy to oblige. "It went splendidly. Angel even mentioned that if Clark Jewelry wins the upcoming Jewelry Design Contest, she's agreed to collaborate with them. Honey, you've got to help me win that first-place trophy, so no riff-raff can disrupt my plans."
Deep down, Trevon was about seventy percent certain Selina was Angel. He was simply waiting for conclusive evidence, like unmasking the notorious hacker, Charm. The thrill of the chase was exhilarating; he relished slowly uncovering Selina's true identity.
At his words, Selina moved behind Trevon, her hands resting gently on his shoulders. Her voice was honey-sweet. "If I win first place, thwarting Clark Jewelry's scheme and securing a deal with Angel for the grand event, don't you think you owe me a little reward?"
"What would you like? It's yours for the asking."
Selina's eyes narrowed, her hands moving lower to his chest, feeling his steady heartbeat. Her tone became more enigmatic. "What if I want your life?"
"I would give it," Trevon replied, completely serious.
A few strands of Selina's hair brushed Trevon's face. She playfully rolled her eyes and murmured, "But I think you're more useful to me alive, someone to spoil me."
"Then I'll live, to spoil my darling wife."
She leaned down, and Trevon slightly raised his gaze, their eyes meeting like a storm and a blaze. Selina kissed his cheek. The gentle kiss shocked him, leaving him momentarily stunned. As he recovered, he looked at Selina, dumbfounded. "Honey, you…"
"I promised my husband a reward, didn't I? There it is. Alright, I'm full. I'm going to take a shower. Bye." Blushing, Selina offered a flimsy excuse and fled, leaving Trevon awestruck. The kiss had been an involuntary reaction; instinct had overridden reason.
Devin watched in astonishment as Selina dashed from the dining room. Before he could question her, she was sprinting upstairs. Confused, Devin stood dumbfounded.
Even in her room, Selina's heart raced. Was I too forward? she wondered. But it was Trevon, after all. He's so impressive, so handsome. When our eyes met, so close… it was nearly impossible to maintain my composure. The allure of a handsome man—it's a dangerous thing.
Meanwhile, Devin waited. Half an hour passed, and Trevon remained motionless. Selina didn't return. Concerned, Devin cautiously approached the dining room. Trevon sat as before, his meal mostly untouched.
Devin ventured, "Mr. Brady, is something wrong?"
"Hmm… too sweet. I can't eat anymore," Trevon replied, rising to leave, a smile playing on his lips. He might as well have had the word "Bliss" written across his forehead.
This alarmed Devin. The chef he'd hired always catered to Trevon's preferences. Devin himself had approved the dishes. What could be wrong? Or was it his taste? Was the dish too sweet? He decided a hospital check-up might be wise. Better safe than sorry.