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Chapter 12

Chapter 12

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sobbed. “No, don’t get hot–headed, Manuel. Its not Selina’s fault. I probably did something wrong without realizing it

She thought Manuel was about to get physical, and she reached out to hold him back, shaking her head with tears in her eyes. Her tears dampened Manuel’s arm, stirring up his protective instincts.

Manuel, with his matinee idol looks inherited from Quinton and Sara, seemed to barely contain his rage. His glare at Selina looked like he was ready to explode and rip into her verbally at any second.

Selina, meanwhile, stood there cool as a cucumber. She found it funny. Not having any emotional strings attached made her see their act for the pathetic spectacle it was, Mamuel was throwing around words like “monster” to stick up for her dear sister Ashley, but he didn’t even see his own hypocrisy—Selina was his sister, too.

Quinton finally spoke up with an offer. “Selina, you get one last shot. Apologize, and maybe I let all of this slide.”

Selina mer Quinton’s piercing look without flinching.

Quinton, the picture of success in his sharp suit and his well–kept, athletic build that looked younger than his years, exuded confidence. One hand In his pocket, he gave off an air of not–to–be–messed–with authority.

The old Selina might’ve caved in to please her father, but she wasn’t the same wide–eyed girl anymore.

Quinton noticed Selina’s steely resistance and barely frowned. “Why the defiance! Are you trying to embarrass und Is this all some kind of joke so you?”

“Respect goes both ways! I don’t owe you anything.” Selina snapped, throwing him a bold middle finger

The room went silent. Nobody expected this–not from Selina. Quinton looked like he’d been slapped, shocked into silliness

Sara growled. “He’s your dad Selina! He took off work past for you today—”

“Ton done being the Harvey family’s problem, and I’m officially moving out. it this what you wanted? Let’s wrap this up, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey.” Selina said, cutting them off. Her patience was wearing thin

“You I’m your mother! How can you talk to me like that, you ungrateful girl Sara was beside herself. She couldn’t believe this was the shy girl she remembered.

“Mother? Really, Mrs. Harvey! Seems like you only have eyes for Ashley. Did you ever truly see met Isn’t my leaving just what you wanted?” Selina sneered.

“Selina, if you’re still hung up over that Chanel store thing. I’ve said I’m sorry. What more do you need?” Sara saw it as a tantrum. “Why can’t Selina be sweet like Ashley?” she thought to herself,

Selina was having none of it. Torget it! She grabbed her documents and headed to the counter to change her address. She was done reliving the painful parts of her past. The Harvey family had got enough from her–a lifetime’s worth. Now, she was starting fresh, and the Harveys were history. Good riddance

“Honey, I’m at my wit’s end with Selina, It’s all you Sara sighed, rubbing her temples, like she was passing the buck to Quinton,

Quinton’s hands balled into fists, his tone seething with rage. Selina, my patience is wearing thin. You’re on thin ice, young lady: He thought his stern warning would keep Selina from stirring the pot. She had left behind her rural nobody past to become a Harvey—a major step up in the world. Quinton had made sure she wanted for nothing, she was living the high life now. He doubted she’d walk away from all the perks and potential inheritance just to make a point. In Quinton’s eyes, she was just pretending.

Now Quinton was looking down on Selina more than ever. Sneaking around the mansion like some commoner was bad enough, but actually making a desperate play for his attention! He’d seen that game before. He couldn’t believe she’d stoop to that level–Selina always had a knack for bring a disappointment.

At the counter, Selina slapped down her passport Tm here to change my “address”

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The clerk, who’d seen all kinds of family fallout, flicked a glance at Quinton’s group and said cautiously, “Miss, you might wanna talk this out with your family first…”

Selina cut in, icier than ever, “They’re not my family.”

Quinton made a face like he had just bitten into a sour apple. He would’ve kicked her out in a heartbeat, but the public mess it would cause? Not great for the Harvey family’s image or business.

“Dad, Mom, you can’t just ditch Selina. She didn’t mean it; she’s just blowing off steam.” Ashley appealed, trying to soften their hearts, but only managed to irk Quinton even more. Ashley, stop. You’re too sweet and naive. Selina doesn’t measure up to be your sister or a Harvey

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Chapter 12

Manuel chimed in “Ashiry, drop it. Forget about Selina She’s a monster”

With none of the family hacking her, Ashley broke down. “Dad, Mom, Manuel. She sniffled, “Mom, didn’t you say Selina’s gotta get hitched before she can leave the family records She’s not even seeing anyone, she can’t just bail on us.”

Ashley’s reminder in a bulb for Sara. “No way am I signing off on this, Selina. You don’t just walk in and out of the Harvey family, Sara played her ace. She was sick of Selina’s drama. Kicking her out after just replaceing her after twenty–one years would be a social nightmare. Sara was sure it was Just Selina brine melodramatic; she’d come around With Sara’s glance at Quinton, the crew got ready to go. Without their help. Selina had no chance of changing her status.

All of a sudden, someone burst in, as if straight from central casting. “Honey, sorry I’m late”

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