Married First, Loved Later : A Flash Marriage with My Ex’s "Uncle" - Chapter 12

Chapter 12: Exclude Her Chapter 12: Exclude Her Selina pondered briefly before speaking slowly, “Marrying you was never about your money.

So, Mr.

Reid, there’s really no need to go out of your way to buy me things.

Besides, you just gave me an exclusive VIP card to Celestial Feast a few days ago, and I’m already more than satisfied.” Logan raised an eyebrow slightly, his expression unreadable.

“Is that so?” “Of course…” Selina tried to keep her story straight, but a sudden question popped into her mind.

She knew Celestial Feast belonged to Logan, but wasn’t it also part of the Carter Family’s holdings?

If so, why did Ryan and Natalia always have to make reservations when they went there?

Her lips twitched as she asked stiffly, “Does your family… not know you own Celestial Feast?” Logan’s response was lazy and nonchalant, “Started it a few years ago on a whim.

I kept it from my family, so naturally, they have no idea.” Oh, that explains it.

Selina nodded in understanding.

It made sense.

From Logan’s attitude toward Mrs.

Hayes and Butler Wilson, it was clear his relationship with his family wasn’t close-in fact, it seemed downright hostile.

It was only logical that he’d keep it from them, especially if his relationship with Ryan was even worse.

At that moment, her phone screen lit up with an incoming message.

“Selina, Aurora Crest Group just landed a major deal in Country B.

They’re throwing a celebration banquet at Celestial Feast tomorrow.

Natalia specifically mentioned you used to work for Aurora Crest and asked me to invite you to come and “gain some perspective.” – Zoey Carter Selina let out a cold laugh, her eyes immediately flashing with icy resolve.

Ryan wasn’t a favored member of the Carter Family, so he hadn’t been given any part of the family business.

He’d started Aurora Crest Group on his own.

Two years ago, he had sweet-talked Selina into believing he was her future husband.

Wholeheartedly convinced, she had helped him build the company from scratch.

But once the company flourished, Ryan had ruthlessly cast her aside, sharing the fruits of her labor with Natalia instead.

As for this major Country B deal, it was one she had worked tirelessly to secure.

Now, it was being flaunted by Natalia as a symbol of her own success.

Selina reread the text, her eyes narrowing at the mention of *Celestial Feast.* After her run-in with Jillian at Celestial Feast, she vaguely recalled Logan instructing the restaurant manager to blacklist all Carter Family members as well as every Clark Family member except for herself.

So how did Zoey manage to reserve a spot?

Selina’s mind raced, and she looked up at Logan.

“Mr.

Reid, the food at Celestial Feast really is excellent.

I’d like to go again tomorrow.

Are there any spots available?” Logan casually had someone check.

“Only the banquet hall is open.

But if you want to go, I can make arrangements anytime.” The banquet hall is available?

Selina instantly saw through the situation.

Zoey, planning to host Aurora Crest’s celebration, wouldn’t settle for a general dining area with her spoiled attitude-she would have reserved the banquet hall.

But if the banquet hall was still open, then clearly, she hadn’t been able to make a reservation.

Yet here she was, grandly inviting Selina to attend.

It was obvious Zoey had set a trap, one that would backfire spectacularly.

The next afternoon, Selina deliberately chose a striking red dress, paired with high heels, and left the house right on time.

Jack lowered his head slightly as he quietly reported to Logan, “Sir, judging by the way Madam is dressed, it looks like she’s about to make a big move.” Logan sipped his tea, chuckling lowly.

“Let her.

No matter how much trouble she stirs up at Celestial Feast, I’ll handle it.” Half an hour later, Selina arrived at Celestial Feast.

The restaurant was nestled between mountains and water, with a scenic pavilion along the causeway leading to the main hall.

Today’s gathering, organized by Zoey, was held in a private room booked under Natalia’s name.

Neither Ryan nor Natalia had arrived yet.

As soon as Zoey spotted Selina entering, her face darkened.

Dressed in a fiery red dress that drew the attention of several men, Selina’s presence immediately set Zoey’s temper ablaze.

“Selina!” Zoey’s sharp voice was filled with disdain.

“Look at what you’re wearing!

So flashy-who are you trying to seduce?!” Selina nonchalantly brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, her smile languid and playful.

“If you’re jealous of my looks and figure, just say so.

After all, even if you wore this, no one would bother giving you a second glance.” “You!” Zoey’s eyes widened, nearly choking on her fury.

She had never expected Selina to be so sharp-tongued-completely different from the timid woman she used to bully without resistance.

Selina let out a cold laugh, a flicker of irony in her eyes.

Zoey had always sided with Natalia, treating Selina with mockery and scorn.

Back then, for Ryan’s sake, Selina had tolerated it all, avoiding confrontation no matter how outrageous Zoey’s behavior became.

It was precisely this forbearance that made Zoey assume she could walk all over her.

“What good is being pretty?” Zoey sneered, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

“Look, my brother didn’t want you anyway!

And…” She smirked, her voice taking on a mocking lilt.

“I heard you married some old, ugly guy?

Hilarious.

Without my brother, I guess only trash like that would want you.

If you’d told me sooner, I could’ve introduced you to our driver.

He’s got decent prospects-not that you deserve much better.” The employees around them exchanged awkward glances at Zoey’s cutting remarks.

Her words not only belittled Selina’s marriage but also publicly humiliated her, leaving no room for dignity.

Selina sighed lightly, her expression amused.

“Hmm, you’re right.

I’ll probably never find someone like Ryan again.” Zoey, pleased with herself, was about to pile on more insults when Selina’s tone abruptly changed, each word sharp as a blade.

“After all, a brain-dead scumbag who owes me his life, owes me money, cheats with a mistress, and broadcasts his infidelity for the world to see is truly one of a kind.” The room fell silent, the tension so thick it was almost tangible.

“Selina!” Zoey’s face turned crimson, her body trembling with rage.

Her voice rose to a near shriek.

“You couldn’t control your man, and now you’re blaming my brother?

My brother and Natalia were being kind when they invited you to Celestial Feast, and this is how you repay them?!” She jabbed her finger toward Selina, her tone growing more spiteful.

“You were a useless nobody when you worked at the company.

You couldn’t accomplish a thing, unlike Natalia, who landed a major deal the moment she joined!” “And this celebration?

Natalia paid for it out of her own pocket!

Could you do that?” Selina chuckled in disbelief, angered by Zoey’s shameless lies.

If “twisting the truth” were an art, Zoey had undoubtedly mastered it.

Selina knew perfectly well who had secured that major deal.

As for Natalia’s so-called generosity, the funds came from her late mother’s inheritance.

Zoey knew it too, yet she spewed nonsense with brazen confidence, shameless to the core.

Zoey huffed and, seeing Selina silent, assumed she’d been rendered speechless.

Smugly, she waved her hand.

“Alright, I’m done wasting my breath on you.

Let’s head in, everyone.” The employees, relieved to avoid further drama, hurried to follow Zoey, showering her with flattery.  “Thank you, Miss Carter!”  “Miss Natalia is so thoughtful, treating everyone to such a nice dinner.

She’s way better than certain people!”  As the group reached the entrance, Zoey suddenly stopped, turning to Selina with an imperious expression.

“Wait,” she said, her voice icy.

“I’ve changed my mind.” She pointed at Selina, her tone dripping with disdain.

“Everyone else can go in-except you.” Selina raised an eyebrow, her gaze calm and unyielding.

Zoey smirked triumphantly, adding, “If you insist on joining us, then we won’t have the banquet at all.” Her words sparked a flurry of protests among the employees.

“No way!

We already posted about the banquet on social media.

It can’t be canceled now!”  “Exactly, Selina, just be sensible and leave.

Miss Carter doesn’t want you here, so stop being difficult.” Selina slowly scanned the group, her eyes lingering on a few familiar faces-people who had once benefited from her kindness.

Yet here they were, siding with Zoey without a second thought, refusing to extend even the slightest courtesy.

She smiled faintly, her tone measured and calm.

“Are you sure you want me to leave?”