Married First, Loved Later : A Flash Marriage with My Ex's 'Uncle' novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Biding My Time

James's smile froze in place, stiff as ice, as he inwardly cursed Selina for her bad timing. Still, he couldn't risk throwing her out in front of so many watchful eyes. Taking a deep breath, he forced a strained smile onto his face. "Ah, everyone, you don't know this, but my eldest daughter can be a bit headstrong. I admit, it was my fault for not notifying her earlier. Selina, how could I forget about you? Come on, let's go inside together."

Katie seized the moment, stepping forward with a composed, virtuous demeanor. Her tone was filled with contrived guilt. "Selina, didn't you say you wouldn't come? Oh, this is my fault for not asking more carefully. I've made you feel wronged."

The surrounding guests exchanged knowing glances as the scene unfolded, quickly piecing the story together.

It seemed the Clark family's eldest daughter had thrown a tantrum and refused to come, only to shamelessly show up after all.

"Mr. Clark, we understand. Every family has its difficulties. You're probably just trying to avoid any drama from your eldest daughter."

"Exactly. The illegitimate daughter is so well-behaved, but the eldest seems like such trouble. You have it tough, Mr. Clark."

As the crowd dispersed, James finally exhaled, though the anger simmering inside him was steadily rising. Lowering his voice, he bit out through clenched teeth, "You'd better behave yourself tonight! If you cause any trouble, I won't let you off the hook!"

After a brief pause, he turned to Selina with a commanding tone. "And Natalia is a low alcohol drinker. If anyone offers her a drink, you'll take it for her. Natalia is so beautiful; there's no shortage of men with bad intentions. Use your head for once, will you?"

Selina's cold gaze lifted, carrying a trace of mockery. Her lips curled slightly, and her voice was calm but biting. "Why should I take her drinks? Do you think I'm an idiot, Mr. Clark?"

James was momentarily stunned by her retort, his anger flaring further. His voice dropped lower, heavy with fury. "You! Selina, have you grown wings now? I let you in, and that's already giving you face! If you refuse, then get out!"

Selina couldn't be bothered to argue. She chuckled softly, casually tucking her hair behind her ear, her tone indifferent. "Got it."

Her quick acquiescence left James momentarily speechless. Recovering, he snorted coldly. "Don't stand around blocking the entrance like an eyesore. Get moving!"

Selina glanced briefly at Natalia, a faint, cryptic smile playing on her lips as she followed James into the hall.

Entering the auction was only the first step. The real show was about to begin.

...

Not far away, a sleek, low-profile luxury car sat quietly under the shade of a tree.

Ethan rolled down the window, his gaze following Selina's retreating figure. His face showed a hint of surprise. "Logan, didn't you say you'd have the Clark family's eldest daughter wait for you before heading to the auction? Looks like she went in on her own."

Logan narrowed his long, sharp eyes, an inscrutable, oppressive glint in his gaze. His voice was calm. "Oh?"

Ethan shrugged, shifting slightly to give Logan a better view. His tone was teasing. "First time seeing someone dare to ignore your orders. Quite a rarity."

Logan's thin lips curled into an ambiguous smile. His voice dropped, carrying an edge of something dangerous. "It seems she's forgotten my words."

Ethan shivered involuntarily, clicking his tongue twice in amusement. His tone turned playful, laced with schadenfreude. "Does Selina not know you? She probably thinks you're easygoing. Standing you up... Looks like she's in for it."

The more Ethan spoke, the more amused he seemed. Raising a brow, he asked, "So, Logan, how do you plan to teach her a lesson?"

Logan's gaze darkened, the faint smile in his eyes impossible to decipher. He gave Ethan a brief, dismissive glance before speaking casually. "The auction is about to start. Let's go."

...

Inside the auction hall, James escorted Natalia through the crowd, soaking in the endless stream of compliments with undisguised pride.

"Mr. Clark, I heard the highlight of tonight's auction is the 'Eternity of the Stars' necklace donated by Miss Natalia?" someone asked in astonishment.

James nodded, putting on a look of satisfaction, his tone tinged with pride. "That's right. It was originally an engagement gift I gave to Katie. Later, Katie passed it down to Natalia. Natalia, with her kind heart, decided to donate this priceless necklace entirely for charity."

Gasps erupted from the crowd at his words.

"My goodness! I've heard of the legendary 'Eternity of the Stars'! Someone once offered fifty million for it, and Miss Clark still didn't sell it. Who would've thought she'd donate it for free this time?"

"This just proves that the rumors about Natalia stealing her sister's fiancé must be false. Someone who's willing to give away such a treasure would never do something so dishonorable."

"Exactly! Anyone who donates the 'Eternity of the Stars' must have impeccable character. As for Selina, perhaps it's her bad behavior that made Mr. Carter reject her."

"A girl from the countryside like Selina probably doesn't even know what a necklace like that looks like. She can't compare to Miss Natalia."