Married First, Loved Later : A Flash Marriage with My Ex's 'Uncle' novel Chapter 16

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. _{freeweɓnovēl.coɱ}

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."