Married First, Loved Later : A Flash Marriage with My Ex’s "Uncle" - Chapter 268

Chapter 268: Arrogance
Riley was convinced Logan couldn’t possibly care that much about Selina—after all, Selina was picking out their wedding rings on her own.

She also threw in a not-so-subtle jab about Selina’s low status in high society, implying that she only knew low-tier nobodies and clearly wasn’t on Logan’s level.

Pretending to help, Riley’s real goal was to belittle her.

Selina tucked her hair behind her ear. “Miss Nelson, are you worried I won’t be able to find a designer for my wedding ring?”

Riley sighed dramatically. “Exactly. All the socialites have their personal designers. Selina, you’re Mrs. Reid now—you can’t be careless about something as important as a wedding ring. If you just pick out any random pair, people will talk.”

“I figured you might not understand how things work or know where to look, so I wanted to help.”

Selina’s eyes shifted thoughtfully. “Oh? And who do you think is suitable, Miss Nelson?”

Riley paused, clearly setting something up. “Are you free right now? Why don’t we meet up? I know a designer who’s available. He’s not quite on Rowan or Star’s level, of course—but he’s the only one willing to meet with you. What do you say?”

Selina instantly saw through her. But when someone walked straight into a slap, Selina had no problem delivering it.

Her voice was cool. “Sure. Where should we meet?”

“A café. I’ll send you the address.”

…

Selina took the ten design drafts, walked downstairs, and was just about to leave when Logan spoke.

“Mrs. Reid, heading out?”

Selina paused. “Miss Nelson said she found me a designer to work on our rings. Of course I have to check it out.”

Logan narrowed his eyes slightly, just about to speak—

Selina added, tone dripping with sarcasm, “I mean, I’m not from a fancy background. I’ve barely seen the world. I obviously have no taste, can’t find any decent designers. Miss Nelson just doesn’t want me to embarrass myself—how sweet of her.”

Logan: “…”

Selina waved her hand. “Anyway, I’m off.”

Logan watched her go, then turned to Jack. “Go with her. Don’t let her get bullied.”

…

Selina arrived quickly at the café.

A server brought her to a semi-private room with a great view.

Riley was already there, beaming. “Selina, that was quick! Come in, have a seat. The designer will be here shortly.”

Then she turned to the waiter and rattled off a few Country F language. “Bring Miss Clark a coffee.”

Selina raised an eyebrow at those Country F words.

When the coffee arrived, Riley chirped, “This is a Country F brand—super rare and pricey, not easy to find. You probably haven’t tried it before. Give it a taste. If you don’t like it, I can have them bring you something more… local.”

Selina: “…”

Warm tone, but every word was a jab.

High-end foreign brand? A jab at her “unrefined” background.

Speaking in a foreign language? Clearly hoping Selina wouldn’t understand.

Selina calmly took a sip. “Rich. Smooth.” She repeated the exact Country F words Riley had used—and then smoothly translated them into Country M language. Then, with a note of polite confusion, added,

“This brand is actually everywhere in Country F. It’s mid-tier. Not exactly rare or expensive. Perhaps you were mistaken, Miss Nelson?”

Riley’s smile faltered.

Selina set the cup down. “Not really my taste. I prefer domestic coffee, honestly. Miss Nelson, you’ve been overseas so long, maybe you haven’t realized how far our local brands have come. Want me to recommend a few for you?”

Riley nearly crushed her cup in frustration.

No wonder Bella said Selina was a dangerous player.

Just a few lines in, and she’d already taken the lead.

Riley’s smile stiffened for half a second. “Thanks, Selina… but that won’t be necessary.”

“All right then.” Selina nodded, then added with feigned curiosity, “So, when is the designer supposed to arrive? Miss Nelson, you scheduled this for eight, and it’s already past. Isn’t it a little rude to be this late?”

Riley sighed, clearly trying to stay composed. “He’s a well-known name in the industry, very reputable. It’s just a bit of tardiness, no need to be harsh.”

Then she said casually, “Surely you’ve heard of the designer Mateo Bryant?”

Selina propped her chin in her hand and blinked innocently. “Sorry, no. Is he supposed to be famous?”

“You—” Riley looked like she was choking on her words. After a moment, she shook her head and forced a smile. “You’ve never heard of Mr. Mateo Bryant? He designed last season’s most coveted ‘Ice Blue Diamond’ ring—every debutante wanted it.”

Selina gave her a half-smile.

She’d been making waves in the design world under the name “Star,” and not once had anyone told her this Mateo Bryant was someone she had to know. If anything, Riley’s tone sounded less like a helpful friend and more like subtle psychological warfare—classic manipulation.

The kind that constantly implies:

“You don’t understand high society.”

“You don’t know the right people.”

“You’re unrefined.”

“You don’t have the background. But I do.”

Selina wasn’t the type to let a few backhanded comments get under her skin—but that didn’t mean she enjoyed Riley’s self-righteous attitude.

“Good thing I found a designer for you,” Riley said sweetly. “Otherwise, with how clueless you are, what if someone tried to scam you?”

She added with a faux-concerned frown, “Wanting a custom design is great, but you should at least do some research first. If you don’t even know Mateo, it’s a bit embarrassing. Sure, people might hold their tongues out of respect for Mr. Reid, but behind your back… the whispers won’t be kind.”

Selina asked lightly, “Is this your way of showing concern, Miss Nelson?”

“Of course,” Riley replied, as if offended by the idea it could be anything else. “You’re inexperienced, and in this circle, connections matter more than anything. If I can help you, I will.”

Selina smiled. “But won’t that be trouble for you? I mean, today’s designer is only willing to see me because of your connections. That must’ve cost you a favor. I’d feel guilty. Maybe I should just forget it.”

Riley nearly choked.

Maintaining her strained smile, she replied, “It’s no trouble at all, Selina. We’re practically sisters. No need to overthink it. I’ve got the connections—Mateo’s happy to help. But you? You’d never find someone of his caliber on your own.”

Selina nodded thoughtfully. “Hmm. That’s true. All right, let’s wait for Mr. Mateo—”

“I overheard everything Miss Clark said just now.”

A sharp, arrogant male voice cut through the room.

Selina turned to look and raised an eyebrow.

At the doorway stood a man with a sharp, condescending face, his expression screaming entitlement. He looked like the type who thought the world owed him millions—and his tone was no better.

“You don’t even know who I am, and you still had the nerve to think I’d design for you? My work is exclusive. You think flashing a few bucks is enough to get me? Sorry to disappoint you—this project is canceled. I’m not designing for a woman who insulted me!”

Selina narrowed her eyes. So this overinflated ego was the legendary designer Mateo?

Riley’s face paled. She bit her lip and turned toward Selina, her tone pleading. “Mr. Bryant is upset… Selina, could you apologize? Please?”