Married First, Loved Later : A Flash Marriage with My Ex’s "Uncle" - Chapter 258

Chapter 258: I’ve Got Your Back
The room fell into an even heavier silence.

Selina was a little touched—what sounded like nonsense to everyone else, Logan believed without hesitation.

Kyle was practically seething with anger. “Fine. Fine! Selina, you’re really not backing down? You’re seriously claiming that my Morris Family’s The Mercy Petal Lamp is a fake?”

Selina lifted a brow calmly. “Yes.”

Now the onlookers couldn’t stay quiet any longer.

There were quite a few renowned antique experts in attendance. One elderly gentleman stood up. He hadn’t spoken earlier, thinking the Morris Family had been too aggressive—but now, hearing Selina dig herself in deeper, he sighed.

“Miss Clark, words like that aren’t to be spoken lightly. The Morris Family may have overshadowed you a bit today in supporting their daughter, but let’s be honest—The Mercy Petal Lamp in their possession has long been considered genuine in our field.”

Kyle smirked and looked proudly at Selina. “Let me introduce you—this is Old Mr. Brooks, Vice President of the Antique Association. He’s authenticated thousands of pieces over his lifetime. If he says it’s real, what more do you have to say?”

Selina raised her eyebrows slightly. “Just because something is commonly believed to be true—does that mean it actually is?”

Kyle was hellbent on putting her in her place tonight. He scoffed, “You clearly don’t know that this piece has been in the Morris Family for twenty years. It’s been examined by countless experts. You want to talk big—maybe try doing your homework first. Our Morris Family isn’t some easy target for your cheap drama.”

Angelica chimed in with false concern. “Brother, don’t be upset. Selina’s still young. Maybe she got scammed when she bought hers.”

Then she turned to Selina with gentle condescension. “You say you have the real one? Well, did you bring it? We have experts here tonight—why not have it properly evaluated so you can move on.”

Selina said lightly, “Sure.”

She walked off and returned shortly, holding a small, worn-looking case.

The case itself looked far too plain and cheap. To think someone would store a priceless antique in that? The contrast with the Morris Family’s careful display couldn’t be more stark.

Kyle immediately burst out laughing. “That’s what you’re calling the real one?”

Angelica pressed her lips into a smug smile. Selina really was an idiot. And this was the woman who’d taken her place as Mrs. Reid?

Sure enough, several antique experts visibly frowned as she opened the case.

One even looked furious. “Alright then… let’s see what kind of ‘masterpiece’ she’s brought tonight.”

“We’re all here. Let’s do a joint appraisal.”

“Miss Angelica, would you mind bringing over the Morris Family’s Mercy Petal Lamp as well?”

Angelica sighed dramatically. “Selina, you can still walk this back. There’s no need to drag so many seniors into this. When you end up needing to apologize, I’d hate to see you embarrassed.”

Selina smiled lazily, her tone casual. “If you really mean well, then we should do the appraisal. You said you wanted to set me straight—how can I be convinced without a clear result?”

Angelica’s expression turned frosty. Fine. If Selina wanted to walk into her own humiliation, she’d gladly let her.

Putting on a show of reluctant agreement, Angelica turned to the masters. “Then I’ll trouble you all.”

The experts had a good impression of Angelica—she was humble and composed.

Selina, on the other hand…

Old Mr. Brooks sighed and turned to another elderly man. “Old Mr. Ford, we have the appraisal room and all the equipment here. Shall we take a look together?”

Over a dozen of the most respected antique experts carried both lamps into the appraisal room.

Through the large glass window, the guests could watch as Old Mr. Brooks placed the two Mercy Petal Lamps side by side.

People outside were already chuckling.

“Since both Old Mr. Ford and Old Mr. Brooks are here today, along with several other master-level experts, once the appraisal results are out, let’s see what Selina has to say for herself.”

“Selina, you’d better start thinking up an excuse—or just apologize to the Morris Family now and hope they’re willing to forgive you.”

Inside the appraisal room.

Old Mr. Brooks studied the two nearly identical Mercy Petal Lamps, eyes narrowing behind his glasses. Something about the one brought in by Selina…

At the same time, Old Mr. Ford, president of the Antique Association, furrowed his brows. The two men exchanged a glance—and both suddenly felt a chill down their spines.

“Don’t tell me… you sense it too?” Old Mr. Ford murmured.

“Yes. Everyone, come take a closer look…”

Outside the room, the guests watched through the large glass pane, seeing all the experts gathering around one of the lamps. Various tools came out one after another, while the other lamp was entirely ignored.

“They must be admiring Angelica’s, right?”

“Of course. That Mercy Petal Lamp dates back to the 17th century—rare and priceless. No wonder the experts are so drawn to it.”

“But what if… they’re looking at Selina’s?”

“Pfft, what’s the point of gawking at a fake? You can find knockoffs like that all over the antique market. We wouldn’t even glance at it—let alone top-tier experts.”

“True…”

Selina ignored the sneering whispers and leaned toward Logan, whispering, “Why are you so calm? Aren’t you nervous at all?”

Logan raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Nervous about what?”

“That if it turns out to be a fake… you’ll be mocked along with me.”

Logan’s tone stayed light, relaxed. “First of all, your Mercy Petal Lamp is not a fake. I trust you. Second…”

His gaze locked onto hers, warm and unwavering. “Even if it is a fake, I’ll take the heat for you. Do what you want—I’ve got you.”

Selina’s heart thundered in her chest.

“Logan,” she said softly, “I won’t let you down.”

The appraisal process was meticulous and long. Nearly two hours later, someone finally called out, “Look—they’re coming out!”

Selina lifted her head from where she was seated, just as Angelica, all sugar and venom, spoke up with a smile.

“Selina, it’s one thing to humiliate yourself—but do you really not care about Mr. Reid at all?”

She sighed, putting on a show. “You two present yourselves as husband and wife. His reputation is tied to yours. But look at what you’ve done. All this drama, all over a fake. And now Logan’s getting dragged down with you… Logan, don’t you think Selina’s being a little thoughtless?”

Logan’s expression remained unreadable, eyes cold.

Selina raised a brow and chuckled, “Angelica, Old Mr. Ford and Old Mr. Brooks just finished the appraisal. The truth will be out in a minute—why so nervous?”

Angelica smiled with feigned grace. “Selina, do you really think my lamp could be a fake? I’m giving you a chance to admit your mistake. Once this goes public, it’s going to be really embarrassing…”

“The results are in.”

Old Mr. Ford stepped into the center of the room, instantly silencing the crowd.

Kyle smirked. “Old Mr. Ford, please—go ahead and announce it. I’m sure Miss Selina is ready to eat her words.”

Angelica turned with a falsely gentle expression. “Selina, don’t worry. Even if you embarrass yourself, I’ll still—”

“After thorough examination and discussion,” Old Mr. Ford interrupted, voice solemn, “we unanimously confirm… that the Mercy Petal Lamp in Miss Selina’s possession is the authentic piece.”