Married First, Loved Later : A Flash Marriage with My Ex’s "Uncle" - Chapter 16

Chapter 16: I Want to Stand Up for You Chapter 16: I Want to Stand Up for You Zoey, visibly enraged, pointed at Selina and snapped, “You…

what do you mean by that?!” Selina raised her eyes, her tone calm yet laced with icy disdain.

“City A University is one of the nation’s top institutions.

Every student here earned their place through hard work.

Do you think everyone has to come from a wealthy family?” She paused briefly, her gaze sweeping over Zoey.

“So, not riding in a luxury car makes someone lowly?

And you think that makes you superior?” Her pointed question was like a resounding slap, instantly sparking outrage among the surrounding students.

“What does she mean?

Is she saying ordinary people don’t belong at City A University?” “Unbelievable!

I never expected the heiress of a family famed for art and calligraphy to have such thoughts.

The Carter Family’s reputation rests on their elders, not her.

How dare she look down on others?” “What’s worse, Natalia didn’t even refute Zoey’s comments earlier.

Does their whole family think this way about us?” Natalia’s face turned pale.

She hurriedly interjected, her tone anxious.

“Zoey, stop spouting nonsense!

How people get to school is their personal choice-don’t be so dramatic.” Sensing the tension, Ryan’s expression grew uneasy.

Suppressing his displeasure, he spoke in a low voice, “Zoey’s young and speaks without thinking.

I apologize on her behalf.” With Natalia and Ryan’s attempts to mediate, the students’ anger slightly subsided, though traces of dissatisfaction lingered on their faces.

Selina raised an eyebrow and chuckled lightly.

“If that’s the case, Mr.

Carter, I suggest you educate Zoey properly to avoid her making such absurd comments again and disgracing the Carter Family.” With that, she turned and walked toward the campus gate without so much as a backward glance.

Internally, Selina couldn’t help but sigh.

What a pity Logan hadn’t stepped out of the car.

If Zoey had discovered that the luxury car’s actual owner was their uncle, the scene would have been even more entertaining.

After Selina left, the crowd gradually dispersed.

Natalia watched Selina’s retreating figure, her gaze darkening slightly before she sighed with deliberate helplessness.

“Zoey, don’t be mad.

I wasn’t trying to blame you just now.

It’s just…

that luxury car was auctioned off last year to a mysterious buyer.

Someone who can spend $20 million in cash must be exceptionally wealthy.

I’m worried you might offend the people in that car.” Zoey stomped her feet in frustration and cursed loudly.

“That bitch!

Dumped by her fiancé, and now she’s clinging to some other man.

She’s absolutely shameless!” Standing nearby, Ryan’s eyes flashed with subtle disgust at her words.

Selina had no family background, no social connections in high society.

How else could she have been in that car other than by attaching herself to some older man?

Even though the photos had been fake, her infidelity before the wedding was likely true.

Thankfully, he’d distanced himself early.

A woman like her wasn’t worthy of him.

His thoughts shifted as he glanced at Natalia, his gaze softening.

In a comforting tone, he said, “Don’t let her bother you.

You still have your award ceremony today.

Trust me, you’ll be the brightest star.” Natalia lowered her gaze, biting her lip lightly with just the right hint of remorse.

“Ryan, no matter what, the presenter role originally belonged to my sister.

Do you think she’ll be upset?

Maybe we should invite her this afternoon to put her at ease.” Ryan frowned slightly, his voice conflicted.

“You don’t need to-” “Grandpa Carter values this award ceremony very much.

I’m worried that if she doesn’t attend, it will upset him,” Natalia replied with firm but kind resolve.

Ryan sighed, feeling even more protective of her.

Despite everything Selina had done to hurt her, Natalia still considered her feelings.

Such kindness, he thought, was the treasure he wanted to protect for a lifetime.

Concealing the cold gleam in her eyes, Natalia’s lips curled faintly upward.

So what if Selina had stolen the spotlight earlier?

In the end, she would be forced to watch as the glory that should have been hers was slowly taken away.

In the chairman’s office, Logan leaned back in his chair, exuding an air of indolence as his fingers tapped rhythmically on the desk.

His gaze was fixed on the computer screen, carefully reviewing Selina’s file.

A faint trace of interest played on his brow.

Three years ago, she was admitted to City A University but did not enroll due to unforeseen circumstances.

Two years ago, the Clark Family arranged her transfer to the university through a generous donation.

That incident had thoroughly disappointed Ryan, branding her as someone who relied on “connections” rather than merit.

Logan’s lips curled into a subtle smirk as he murmured, “Interesting.” A soft knock interrupted his thoughts, and Jack entered, speaking in a low voice.

“Sir, the calligraphy competition is nearing its conclusion.

The principal has invited you to attend.” Logan rose, adjusted his cufflinks with an air of nonchalance, and replied, “Let’s go.” As Jack followed, he added in a hushed tone, “By the way, I’ve heard that the role of award presenter originally belonged to Miss Clark but was reassigned to Natalia by Ryan.” Logan’s eyes narrowed slightly, a sharp gleam flashing in their depths.

Would Selina let this blatant usurpation slide?

That afternoon, as the calligraphy competition reached its final moments, Selina’s phone buzzed with an incoming call.

Ryan’s name appeared on the screen.

Answering the call, she heard his commanding tone.

“Selina, come to the arts hall immediately.

Natalia has kindly invited you to the awards ceremony.

You wouldn’t want to disappoint Grandpa, would you?” Selina let out a derisive chuckle, her fingers tapping lightly on the phone as her brows furrowed.  Old Mr.

Carter was the only member of the Carter Family who had shown her genuine care since her return to City A.

She knew how much this ceremony meant to him.

After a moment’s hesitation, she stood up and made her way toward the hall.

Whispers buzzed as Selina entered the arts hall.

“I heard this competition is jointly organized by the Carter Family and City A University.

Natalia is one of the award presenters, sharing the stage with a calligraphy master.

How enviable!” “Exactly.

Selina might have made a splash earlier, but when it comes to talent, she’s no match for Natalia.” “Shh, stop talking.

Selina’s here!” Selina arched a brow but remained unbothered.

She casually chose a seat in the corner, her expression detached.

Onstage, Natalia, her arm linked with Ryan’s, wore a gentle smile tinged with insincere guilt.

Her voice carried just enough remorse.

“Sister, I’m sorry.

I know you must feel upset, but today’s ceremony is very important.

Ryan was just worried something might go wrong…” Ryan’s cold voice cut her off.

“Natalia, there’s no need to explain.

This role belongs to my fiancée, and you’re my real fiancée now.” His disdainful gaze swept over Selina.

“Enough with the attitude.

Grandpa may have chosen you for this role, but you’d only embarrass yourself up there.

Natalia’s doing you a favor.” Natalia’s smile deepened as she added with feigned regret, “Sister, I’ll let you have the chance next time.” With that, she and Ryan strolled away, basking in the admiration of onlookers.

Selina watched their retreating figures, a cold smile tugging at her lips.

She was about to settle back into her seat when she felt a piercing gaze.

Turning, she locked eyes with someone standing not far away.

Logan leaned casually against the wall, his hands tucked into his pockets.

His demeanor was relaxed, but his gaze was sharp and focused, like a hunter sizing up his prey.

Noticing her attention, he smirked.

“Miss Clark, letting others trample over you doesn’t seem like your style.” Selina’s expression stiffened as irritation flickered in her eyes.

Just what kind of person did he think she was?

She lowered her head, her voice calm.

“Mr.

Reid, you’re mistaken.

I don’t care about this at all.

I have no intention of making a fuss.” Logan’s smile deepened, as though he’d heard an amusing joke.

He reached out, lightly brushing a strand of her hair, his tone firm yet playful.

“Not making a fuss?

How unfortunate.

I suddenly feel like standing up for my wife.” Backstage, Natalia surveyed the bustling venue, finally feeling reassured.

Still, she feigned concern, asking, “Ryan, Grandpa hasn’t arrived yet.

Do you think he’s still upset with me?” Ryan comforted her warmly.

“Don’t worry.

I put in a lot of effort to secure this opportunity for you.

Just do your best.

Grandpa will come around.” Natalia took a deep breath, her confidence growing as she glanced at the audience and journalists gathered below.

Yes, with so many people watching her share the stage with renowned calligraphy masters, Old Mr.

Carter would surely recognize her excellence!

The awards ceremony began promptly, and Natalia, dressed in an elegant gown, ascended the stage with poise.

Admiring murmurs rippled through the audience.

“Miss Carter has such grace.

It’s an honor for her to share the stage with a calligraphy master.” Natalia cast a triumphant glance toward Selina, as if declaring her victory.

However, just as she was about to step onto the award platform, a low, commanding voice shattered the quiet.

“Wait, Miss Natalia.

Please step down.”