Chapter 96

When Manuel learned the news, he could scarcely believe it. He checked repeatedly to confirm that Selina was the designer behind Brilliance's new collection. Upon confirmation, the news had already spread throughout the industry. Everyone buzzed about Brilliance's new designer. Selina—where did this remarkable talent come from? No one knew of this figure, who seemed to appear out of nowhere.

Even though Manuel knew there could be no other Selina, and even though Selina's marriage to Trevor easily secured her a position at Brilliance, he had seen her design with his own eyes, and still, he wanted to be sure. What if there had been a mistake? How could Selina possess such skill?

"Me? Does this news shock and surprise you? Did you think the country bumpkin you've always underestimated couldn't possibly pass Cartier's review?" Selina retorted.

"This is no joke, Selina," Manuel argued fervently. "If you had someone else design for you and then claim credit, infringing on copyright, you are insulting the honor of all jewelry designers. This isn't something you can trample over just because you're married to Trevor and love money."

Manuel had entered the field of jewelry design chasing his idol, Angel. The more he uncovered the beauty, concepts, and thought processes behind jewelry design, the more deeply he fell in love with the art. Though Manuel was aware of such behavior in the industry, he absolutely refused to let Selina, someone he shared blood with, engage in such despicable acts. It disgusted him.

Selina showed no emotion, not even a hint of a smile. To the Harvey family, she was nothing but a worthless character—someone who might be believed capable of trading her body for a luxurious life, marrying for wealth to become a trophy wife, or buying honor with money; essentially, a talentless straw bag.

Facing Selina's cold gaze, Manuel, who had been so confrontational, felt a chill spread through his body.

"Are you done? Go." Selina said articulately, each word a sharp arrow.

Manuel stood frozen, his body retreating involuntarily. At that moment, Selina's driver arrived in an electric car. "Excuse me, is Ms. Harvey here?"

"Right here. Let's go," Selina said, tossing the keys to the driver and taking her seat while the driver stowed her scooter.

Coming back to his senses, Manuel was paralyzed by Selina's inexplicable authority. He thought, I was unconsciously intimidated by Selina, following her orders like a puppet. It was a more profound blow to his ego than her earlier humiliation.

Manuel hurried to the passenger side, pounding on the window. "Selina, you can't leave. You still haven't explained it."

"In a few days, the Jewelry Design Contest at Sokovis will take place, where I'll represent Brilliance. Unlike you, I don't throw dirt on others or think ill of them with a narrow mind. I'll prove myself with my creations and strength and turn you into nothing but a defeated dog. Let's go."

Once the Lamborghini sped off, Manuel remained standing, fists clenched.

"It's not possible," Manuel mused, his eyes darkening. "How could a woman who didn't even finish junior high in the countryside pass Cartier's design selection on the first try? Selina would have needed an aristocratic education like Ashley's to even have a chance." "Jewelry Design Contest. I have yet another reason I cannot lose."

If Trevor gave Selina a slot in the competition, Derrick, Brilliance's chief designer, would be one formidable rival less to worry about. "Selina, you'll pay for this. I must win this competition for Angel."

When Selina returned to the villa, she found Trevon in the living room, sipping wine. His cheeks were flushed, and his voice held a tender quality. "Welcome home."

Selina went behind him, her arms encircling his neck. She whispered, "Have you heard about what happened at the Starlight Club?"

"That's my territory. I know everything that stirs there. So, did you enjoy putting the trash in its place?"

"Absolutely. Tonight's success was all thanks to your assistance."

Selina guessed Trevon had orchestrated events from the shadows. She hadn't expected Manuel to obstruct her path, let alone slander her. How could she have underestimated the Harvey family's audacity?

"Shouldn't there be a reward for that assist?" Trevon ventured.

Selina smiled. He'd been waiting for her, teasing her. "Well, what reward would you like, honey?"

"Kiss me," Trevon replied.

Trevon didn't hide his desire. He'd waited patiently for her. The unexpected kiss from the night before lingered in his mind; he wanted to experience that heartbeat-skipping moment again. Selina willingly offered him a kiss.

Afterward, Selina patted his head affectionately. "Honey, thank you. You've been so good."

"Honey, the reward has been given, but when can I kiss here?" Trevon asked, pointing to his lips.

"When you keep up the good behavior," Selina said, playfully flicking his forehead. "Now, I'm off to shower. You should sleep soon."

"Keep up the good behavior?" Trevon touched his cheek, a smile playing on his lips. He needed to delve deeper into the art of pampering his wife. Winning her heart would bring him closer to the ultimate prize.

The next day, Selina arrived at Brilliance, where Christina was also present. But upon seeing Selina, Christina kept her head down, feigning ignorance. This was a stark contrast to the past. Perhaps she had seen through Selina's facade.

Selina would deal with obstacles as they came. As long as Christina stayed in line, Selina had no reason to eliminate her.

After clocking in, Selina openly played games on her phone and scrolled through TikTok. The days of prejudiced judgment were over. The newcomer, who had gotten the job through connections and passed the scrutiny of an international luxury brand on her first try, was unheard of. Landing this case successfully could elevate her to a position on par with Derrick.

In this industry, ability is everything. Plus, with Trevon's connections and her stunning beauty, it was no surprise that she demanded attention. Selina was waiting for true notice, confident in her ability to overturn everyone's preconceived notions, and eager to strike against Clark Jewelry.