Married First, Loved Later : A Flash Marriage with My Ex's 'Uncle' novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20: Trapped in the Stepmother’s Scheme

A business marriage? James’s eyes lit up.

But he quickly hesitated. "She just got out of an engagement. Who would want her now...?"

Natalia lowered her head and said softly, "Dad, do you remember Mr. Perez from the Perez Group? Ever since he saw my sister at the banquet last time, he hasn’t been able to forget her. He doesn’t care that she just ended her engagement."

Katie chimed in eagerly, "Exactly, James! Perez Group is much larger than us. If Mr. Perez is willing to help, the Clark Group won’t have to worry about surviving this crisis. Besides, Mr. Perez is worth billions—Selina marrying him wouldn’t be a bad match."

Hope flickered in James’s eyes. "You’re right. Mr. Perez is a man of great status. If Selina, with her ruined reputation, can still marry into a wealthy family like his, we wouldn’t be mistreating her!"

"But that ungrateful girl is so disobedient. If we ask her to meet Mr. Perez, she’ll definitely refuse."

Natalia’s eyes flashed, and she said gently, "Dad, why not invite Mr. Perez to your 50th birthday celebration? That way, she can meet him there."

One week later.

Selina hadn’t seen Logan in seven days. She thought back to the kiss that almost happened that day and clicked her tongue.

Was Logan so embarrassed that he hadn’t come home in a week?

Just then, a news report caught her eye.

A week ago, the Drake Group terminated their partnership with the Clark Group, dealing a massive blow to the company, leaving it struggling.

Yet now, just a week later, the Clark Group had secured investment from the Perez Group?!

Selina narrowed her eyes. Something didn’t feel right—

Her phone suddenly buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen, and a text popped up.

Katie: Selina, tomorrow is your father’s 50th birthday. You must come! Oh, and your mom left a box with James. He said he’ll give it to you when you arrive.

Selina scoffed. A 50th birthday? Inviting her? This was clearly a trap.

But the box her mother left...

Even if it was a trap, she’d have to walk into it.

She informed the butler, Mr. Miller, that she would be going out the next evening. Mr. Miller nodded and reported it to Logan.

Logan paused for a moment. "James’s birthday banquet..."

James had also invited him, but Logan typically didn’t bother with such events.

Now, however, he suddenly felt interested.

The next evening – Reid Group Hotel banquet hall.

The 50th birthday celebration of James, the chairman of the Clark Group, was in full swing. The banquet hall buzzed with activity as prominent figures exchanged toasts and pleasantries.

James, accompanied by Natalia, mingled with the guests, earning constant praise.

"Mr. Clark, not only are you a successful businessman, but you’ve also raised such a wonderful daughter!"

James feigned modesty. "Not at all. Natalia still has a lot to improve on and can learn from everyone here. Natalia, go greet your uncles and mentors."

Natalia, gracefully holding a glass of wine, took Ryan’s arm and elegantly walked into the crowd.

"Natalia and Mr. Carter look like such a perfect match," someone remarked.

"Exactly. No wonder Mr. Carter called off his engagement for her. Selina just isn’t presentable."

Selina arrived just in time to hear that comment, and her eyebrows raised slightly.

Her entrance plunged the banquet hall into awkward silence. Whispers began to ripple through the crowd.

"Look at her outfit—what is she wearing? She didn’t even wear a gown to her father’s 50th birthday celebration?"

"Ugh, so embarrassing!"

Katie, listening smugly to the crowd’s insults toward Selina, finally stepped forward, pretending to be the kind stepmother.

"Selina, come over here. James has been waiting for you!"

Selina narrowed her eyes. "Where’s my mother’s belongings?"