Jack quietly exited the study, leaving Logan alone.
Logan opened a drawer, taking out an aged, yellowed note. His fingers gently brushed the paper’s surface, his eyes shadowed and inscrutable, as if peering through it to a distant past.
The next morning, Selina woke early to prepare for her registration at City A University. But as she stepped outside, she was faced with an unexpected dilemma.
The Sapphire Valley Villa was enormous, and walking from her residence to the estate’s main gate would take at least twenty minutes. Adding the wait time for a taxi, she risked being late.
Standing at the doorway, she hesitated, debating whether to ask Logan’s driver for a ride. Feeling too awkward to trouble him, she decided to jog out of the estate and catch a taxi outside.
Just as she began walking, the sound of steady footsteps behind her made her turn. Logan stood there, meeting her gaze with his usual calm expression.
"Miss Clark, are you heading to City A University for registration?" His voice was low and steady, carrying his characteristic composure.
Selina froze, her heart skipping a beat. How did he know? Was he about to bombard her with more cryptic questions like the day before?
Before she could respond, Logan didn’t probe further. Instead, he casually adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and said nonchalantly, "It happens that I need to visit City A University for some business. I’ll give you a ride."
Selina blinked, realizing there was no reason to refuse a free ride. Without hesitation, she slipped into the passenger seat.
In the car, Logan was dressed down in a crisp white shirt instead of his usual suit. With the top two buttons undone, his appearance was less formal and more relaxed, carrying an air of effortless charm.
Selina couldn’t help but ask, "What are you going to City A University for?"
Logan, focused on the road, answered without looking at her. "There’s an art and calligraphy exhibit. I was invited to attend."
She nodded in understanding, remembering that City A University held an annual art and calligraphy competition. The Carter Family was a major sponsor, and traditionally, Ryan’s fiancée had been the guest presenter. Selina had once prepared for that role herself.
However, after Ryan’s fiancée switched to Natalia, the honor had naturally passed to her. Logan, as the Carter Family’s heir, being invited made sense. Yet what puzzled her was why both Logan and Ryan were attending this year. Typically, the Carter Family sent only one representative.
As she mulled over the oddity, they arrived at the gates of City A University.
Logan glanced at her briefly and said in a neutral tone, "I’ll pick you up after your registration and take you back."
Selina, impressed by her "chauffeur’s" thoughtfulness, smiled and prepared to step out of the car. Just then, a sharp, mocking female voice rang out from nearby.
"Hah, Selina, the country bumpkin. I bet she’s never even touched such an expensive car before!"
Logan’s eyes instantly darkened, a cold glint flashing through his gaze.
Selina followed the voice and let out a cold laugh. Of course. It was Ryan, driving a flashy luxury car and dropping Natalia off at the university. The pair of scumbags were parading their affection while taking the chance to humiliate her. Disgusting.
Narrowing her eyes, Selina turned to Logan and asked, "Mr. Reid, how much does this car cost?"
Logan, noticing the sly challenge in her eyes, smirked faintly. His tone was casual. "Twenty million dollars."
Selina’s smile brightened at his response. "Perfect."
Meanwhile, Ryan was stepping out of his luxury car, helping Natalia out with a flourish. The couple, arm in arm, looked like the perfect golden pair, drawing plenty of attention from onlookers.
Whispers spread through the crowd:
"Mr. Carter isn’t just rich—he’s so considerate. Natalia’s so lucky."
"Look at the car he’s driving! I heard it’s worth five million dollars. Natalia’s not just cherished at home; now she has Mr. Carter spoiling her too. She’s living the dream!"
Just as the crowd was immersed in admiration, someone murmured, "But Mr. Carter never drove Selina in before, did he?"
The comment made Natalia’s heart tighten, but she quickly scanned the crowd, signaling discreetly with her eyes. Moments later, a sharp, sarcastic voice rang out: "What are you talking about? A country bumpkin like Selina isn’t worthy of Mr. Carter’s attention. If he didn’t drive her, it’s because he didn’t want to lower his status."
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