Married First, Loved Later : A Flash Marriage with My Ex's 'Uncle' novel Chapter 169

Chapter 169: Unable to Accept

Gavin’s lips curved into a smile as he feigned confusion. "For me? Miss Hayes, I can’t accept something for nothing."

Bella responded with a gentle and gracious smile. "Mr. Hill, you’re too modest. This violin can only reach its full potential in your hands."

The crowd watched as Gavin hesitated for a moment. He truly seemed to want the violin. After a long pause, he finally nodded in gratitude.

"Thank you, Miss Hayes. From now on, you will be a distinguished guest of the Hill Family. All of our estates will always welcome you with open doors."

The audience gasped, looking at Bella with admiration.

My God, the Hill Family was granting her special privileges! What an honor!

With just one violin, she had gained both prestige and the backing of the Hill Family. Those two hundred million were well spent!

Did Selina regret it now...?

Rose, feeling triumphant, bumped Selina hard. "Some people must be seething with jealousy now that my cousin is the center of attention, huh?"

Selina nodded. "Compared to Miss Hayes, I do lack foresight. I never imagined that this violin could earn the favor of the Hill Family."

The last trace of frustration in Bella’s heart vanished.

"Rose, stop it. Selina must already be feeling terrible about not winning the violin. Don’t rub it in," Bella said, feigning concern.

Rose smirked smugly and scoffed, "Selina, I bet you don’t even understand the status of the Hill Family. Well, not that you ever could. Just leave already—stop embarrassing yourself!"

Selina gave Rose a meaningful glance.

Strange... Bella should be fully aware of her relationship with the Hill Family. Hadn’t she learned her lesson from Grandma Perry’s birthday banquet?

Or had Bella uncovered something that made her think Selina and Gavin weren’t truly "siblings"?

The crowd murmured among themselves, marveling at Bella’s moment of glory.

Who would have thought that tonight’s biggest winner would be her?

To gain the favor and support of the Hill Family... That was something they could only dream of!

On stage, Gavin curved his lips into a faint smile. As Bella basked in excitement, he suddenly spoke.

"Miss Hayes, I have one more request. The reason I wanted this violin was to give it to someone else. Would you mind?"

Gavin explained, "After all, you gave it to me. Before I pass it on, I should get your approval."

His words dripped with respect, making Bella even more elated. It seemed she had truly earned the recognition of the Hill Family heir.

Not wanting to damage her refined image, she replied gracefully, "Of course, Mr. Hill. The violin is yours now, so you are free to give it to whomever you choose."

"That’s wonderful. Miss Hayes, you really are kindhearted," Gavin said with a smile before shifting his gaze toward the audience.

"Come up here."

At the same time, Selina’s lips curved ever so slightly.

Hayes Madam smirked proudly. "Look at you, so small-minded. Bella won the violin because she has money. And even if she didn’t, she has the entire Hayes Family backing her. What do you have?"

Selina casually tucked her hair behind her ear. "Oh, Miss Hayes is truly impressive."

That calm expression of hers made Hayes Madam’s anger skyrocket!

She had come here to flaunt, but what was with Selina’s indifferent attitude?!

Hayes Madam slammed the table, her face turning ice cold. "Selina, stop being so sarcastic! The violin belongs to Mr. Hill now. Do you hate Bella so much that you even resent Mr. Hill?!"

Selina blinked. "I don’t resent Gavin."

Hayes Madam fumed, her anger reaching its peak. "Then what are you trying to say?! Selina, I suggest you apologize to Bella properly. Otherwise, you’ll learn exactly what happens when you offend the Hayes Family—"

"—Selina."

Gavin’s calm voice cut through the room, drowning out Hayes Madam’s rant.

"Come up here, Selina."

His gaze briefly swept past Hayes Madam before landing on Selina with an unmistakable meaning.

"You wanted this violin, didn’t you? Come and thank Miss Hayes."

The entire hall fell into a dead silence.

Hayes Madam still had her mouth open, but the words she was about to say got forcibly swallowed back.

W-What...? Who did Gavin just call? Selina? Selina?!