Chapter 40: Chapter 40

Chapter 40: Playing Dirty Tricks The surrounding area fell into an instant silence.

Selina froze for a moment, utterly baffled. What was Logan talking about?

Logan’s icy gaze swept over the crowd before he lowered his eyes to meet hers. "I told you to wait for me so we could come together, but you didn’t listen. Why are you so stubborn?"

Selina was stunned. Wait, wasn’t he the one who refused to bring her yesterday?

However, there were plenty of others even more shocked than Selina. Miss Green barely managed to keep her expression in check. "Mr. Reid, are you saying... you brought *her*? Do you even know what she—"

Before she could finish, Selina suddenly caught on. Logan was standing up for her.

Seeing Rachel’s discomfort, Selina’s mind worked quickly. She lowered her head, putting on an aggrieved expression. "They said I don’t have an invitation and that I can’t go inside."

Logan’s fingers froze mid-air. Her subtle, almost sarcastic complaint clearly hinted that she was upset.

He raised his gaze casually. "No invitation?"

The crowd fell into an uneasy silence, not daring to utter a word.

Rachel forced herself to speak, despite the tension. "Logan, I’m just following the rules. Miss Clark truly doesn’t have an invitation. If we let anyone bypass protocol, what would that say about the Hayes Family’s reputation?"

Logan’s eyes narrowed slightly, his tone indifferent. "The one running the Hayes Family these days—is it Miss Rachel Hayes?"

Rachel’s face paled, unable to grasp why he was asking this. "Of course not, but—"

"The Hayes Family’s second daughter has the authority to expel a guest invited by Mr. Hayes himself? For a moment, I thought the family leadership had changed."

A faint smirk tugged at Logan’s lips. "Like Selina, I was also invited by Mr. Hayes personally. I don’t have an invitation either. If that’s a problem, I’ll simply take my leave."

Rachel’s expression froze, her mind reeling.

The crowd exchanged glances in disbelief. Selina was invited by Mr. Hayes? But Rachel had just claimed she snuck in. Could it be that Rachel was lying?

Selina moved closer behind Logan. "Yes, we were both invited by Mr. Hayes. But as Miss Hayes said, rules are rules. Even being his guest doesn’t seem to matter."

Logan didn’t say another word. He turned and began walking away.

Rachel’s eyes widened in panic. Her voice cracked as she pleaded, "Logan, wait! You can’t leave! Tonight’s banquet is..."

ƒrēewebnovel.com Jack stepped forward, blocking Rachel’s path. "Miss Hayes, please step back. Our Master values integrity. If the host doesn’t welcome us, we’ll take our leave."

"No, no! That’s not what I meant!" Rachel stammered, her lips trembling. If Logan truly left now, how would she explain herself?

Her mind raced, filling with anger and humiliation. She had no choice but to relent. Grinding her teeth, she forced out the words. "Logan, I was just joking with Miss Clark. Of course, she’s welcome! She’s my father’s guest—I wouldn’t dare offend her."

Selina raised an eyebrow, her tone full of meaning. "So I can go in now? And Miss Hayes, I assume you won’t be mocking me with your friends again?"

Rachel’s hands clenched into fists, but she managed a strained smile. "Of course. You’re my father’s esteemed guest."

Selina arched an eyebrow, gave a satisfied nod, and strolled through the grand doors.

Behind her, Rachel trembled with rage, glaring at the onlookers. "What are you all staring at?!"

Furious and humiliated, Rachel stomped her foot, then stormed off to find her mother.

"Mom! She embarrassed me—you have to do something!"

Hayes’ mother, learning of the events, was equally incensed. "That woman is truly shameless. Don’t worry, Rachel. Even if you can’t marry Logan, I won’t let her have the last laugh!"

"Mom, what are you planning?"

Mrs. Hayes pondered for a moment before leaning down to whisper in Rachel’s ear. "Rachel, go find your grandfather, and I’ll..."

She murmured a few more words, and Rachel’s eyes lit up with excitement as she happily ran off.

Let Selina enjoy her moment now. Soon, she’ll have nothing to smile about!

...

Selina entered the ballroom, her arm linked with Logan’s, her eyes scanning the crowd for the ruby brooch.

Logan glanced at her with a smile tinged with curiosity. "Reid Mrs., you’ve got quite the guts, crashing a Hayes Family event."

Selina shamelessly accepted the remark as praise. "Thank you, thank you."

Logan chuckled softly. The first time he invited her, she’d refused, showing no real interest in the event. Yet, since last night...

He recalled the moment she read that mysterious text message. After that, her attitude had shifted entirely, insisting on accompanying him to the gathering.

With a knowing look, Logan remarked, "It seems there’s something here so captivating that Reid Mrs. was willing to risk offending the Hayes Family just to attend."

Selina’s heart skipped a beat. Did Logan suspect something? Still, the best defense was to play dumb.

"What are you talking about, Reid Mr.? It’s just an ordinary event. I only insisted on coming because I was worried the Hayes Family might trouble you."

Logan raised a brow. "In that case, I owe you my thanks?"

Selina’s eyes darted momentarily as she thought of a response. She still hadn’t figured out the connection between Bella and Logan or why her mother’s ruby brooch ended up in Bella’s possession, so she deflected with feigned sincerity.

"As long as Reid Mr. understands my good intentions, there’s no need for formal thanks. That would just feel too distant between us."

Logan had grown accustomed to her ability to adapt, and his throat bobbed slightly as he suppressed a smile.

"Logan, Miss Clark." A female voice called from behind.

Mrs. Hayes approached, a group of socialites trailing behind her. She reached out to take Selina’s hand.

"Selina, I heard about what happened earlier. Rachel was out of line, but don’t worry—I’ll make sure she learns her lesson."

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

Chapter 39: The Fool Who Got Played Apocalypse: The Supporting Actress Made a Comeback Chapter 739 - 395 Bite back Shadow Slave As if suddenly recalling something, Mrs. Hayes turned to Logan.

"By the way, Logan, my father’s been looking for you. He mentioned something about discussing important matters. Could you meet with him for a moment?"

Logan’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Selina raised an eyebrow, catching on quickly. It felt like Mrs. Hayes was deliberately trying to separate them.

Logan’s voice was cool. "Thank you for letting me know, Mrs. Hayes. Selina, come along with me."

"Logan," Mrs. Hayes interjected apologetically, "my father specifically asked for you alone. Don’t worry, we’ll take good care of Miss Clark."

Selina’s instincts were sharp—Mrs. Hayes was absolutely trying to isolate her from Logan. But for what reason?

With a sly glint in her eye, Selina spoke up sweetly. "Mrs. Hayes is absolutely right. There’s no need for Logan to worry about me. The Hayes Family wouldn’t be the kind of place to eat me alive, right, Mrs. Hayes?"

Mrs. Hayes’ smile faltered ever so slightly but remained plastered on her face. "Of course not, Logan, you needn’t worry."

Logan cast a knowing look at Selina, easily catching the mischievous spark in her eyes. Clearly, his concern was unnecessary—this woman could handle herself.

After Logan departed, Mrs. Hayes forced herself to maintain a warm demeanor. With a gracious smile, she addressed Selina.

"Miss Clark, you must have rushed over so quickly that you didn’t have time to prepare. There are stylists on the second floor, and with more than half an hour before the event officially begins, why don’t you head upstairs and change into a proper gown?"

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