Married First, Loved Later : A Flash Marriage with My Ex's 'Uncle' novel Chapter 165

Chapter 165: Malicious Rumors and Defamation

Rose’s expression stiffened.

She hadn’t expected Logan to stand up for Selina, leaving her completely humiliated. "B-But—" _{ƒreewebηoveℓ.com}

"Logan, I’m sorry. It was Rose who misspoke."

Bella quickly approached, her face filled with guilt. "Selina, to make it up to you, if there’s anything you like, just let me know, and I’ll buy it for you. Please don’t hold it against Rose."

Selina raised an eyebrow. Miss Hayes sure knows how to endure humiliation and put on a show.

She was just about to respond when Logan beat her to it, his voice indifferent.

"If Selina wants something, I’ll be the one paying for it. There’s no need for the Hayes Family to concern themselves."

Bella’s smile faltered slightly. "Logan, that’s not what I meant. I was just worried that... Never mind. Rose, let’s go."

Selina silently flipped her middle finger.

What the hell?

This green tea btch already tried to stir trouble once, and now she’s back for round two?

Mocking me for not having money?

Selina glanced at the auction catalog, her eyes gleaming mischievously.

Too bad for them—she came here to spend money today.

Just then, Logan chuckled softly. "Mrs. Reid, you looked quite happy when you saw me return just now."

Selina snapped back to reality, blinking twice.

Did I? Did I really look that happy?

She had been annoyed just moments ago, wondering why Logan had gone off searching for that woman from four years ago and hadn’t returned.

And the moment she started getting irritated—he showed up.

Of course, she’d be happy.

Not wanting to admit the reason, she brushed it off. "No way. I was in a great mood all day."

Logan let out a low laugh but didn’t expose her.

...

After Bella sat down, Rose was still fuming.

"Cousin, why did you stop me? I wasn’t even wrong! Selina has no money, so why is she here at the charity auction pretending like she belongs?"

A few people nearby turned their heads, recognizing them as members of the Hayes Family.

Bella shook her head in disapproval. "Just being here is a show of goodwill."

Rose nearly lost it. "Goodwill?! How much can she even afford to spend? The money from this charity auction is all going to the children’s foundation. What’s the point of Selina being here if she’s not going to donate?"

She sneered. "I’ve heard about people sneaking into charity auctions just to rub shoulders with the wealthy. They spend nothing but bribe reporters to make it seem like they’re generous!"

It was true—there had been cases of people getting invitations to high-profile charity events without actually donating, just to gain good PR.

Noticing the way people around them were listening in, Bella’s lips curved slightly. "Rose, don’t talk nonsense. Selina isn’t poor. Look at her gown tonight—it’s a custom piece by Margaret. Just the dress alone costs seven figures."

Rose scoffed. "She might have money, but she doesn’t have a heart! Cousin, stop defending her!"

She glanced around, her eyes darting mischievously before she raised her voice dramatically.

"Didn’t you hear what Selina just said? She said she doesn’t care about those poor kids, that they have nothing to do with her! She just wants the fame that comes with being at the auction!"

Her words sent a ripple through the crowd.

There were plenty of people at the auction who, whether they truly cared for underprivileged children or not, at least put on the appearance of philanthropy—and more importantly, actually donated money.

But for Selina to say such things outright?

How arrogant could she be?!

Bella saw the shift in the crowd’s perception and subtly smirked.

Then, as if trying to ease the tension, she said gently, "Rose, stop it. Selina didn’t have a happy childhood, so she values money differently. Everyone has their own perspective—we don’t need to force her to change."

Rose sneered. "Yeah, well, not everyone is as kind as you, Bella. Some people would do anything for money—it’s disgusting."

Bella’s smile deepened, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes.

The auction soon began.