Chapter 49: Chapter 49

Chapter 49: Distorting the Truth Selina’s expression froze as she met Logan’s gaze, a chill running down her spine.

She couldn’t reveal her true purpose for marrying Logan—not yet.

The situation with the Carter Family, her mother’s jade necklace, and the bizarre stipulation in the will that required her to marry a member of the Carter Family were all riddles she hadn’t solved. Until she figured it all out, she didn’t want anyone else getting involved.

More than that... she didn’t want Logan to realize she was using him.

Avoiding his piercing gaze, Selina lowered her head. "I... I just care about you, that’s all."

Logan let out a cryptic chuckle.

Last night, Mrs. Reid had seemed uneasy, but after learning he could do calligraphy, her mood had noticeably improved.

Logan speculated that his calligraphy skills were the reason for her sudden cheerfulness. But why would that matter to her?

He said casually, "So you just wanted to care about me? For a moment, I thought if I didn’t know calligraphy, Mrs. Reid might decide to marry someone else instead."

"Ahem..." Selina nearly choked on her own saliva. Did Logan suspect something?

Maybe she had probed too hastily.

freewёbnoνel.com Suppressing her nerves, Selina coughed and tried to steady herself. "How could you think that? Do you really see me as that kind of person? I was just trying to understand you better!"

She quickly stepped closer, her eyes darting around as she tried to change the subject. "It’s getting late. How about... we head home?"

Logan looked at the sly, nervous little fox in front of him and suddenly smiled faintly. "Alright."

Mrs. Reid was clearly hiding something from him.

That was fine. He had plenty of time to uncover it.

At the Clark Family residence.

The servants were setting the dishes on the dining table as Grandpa Clark glanced toward the door. "Where’s Natalia? Why isn’t she home yet?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, Natalia stumbled into the villa, looking distraught. The moment she saw them, tears began streaming down her face.

She dropped to her knees with a thud, sobbing miserably. "Dad, Grandpa, Mom, I’m sorry! I’ve been expelled from City A University! The principal said you need to meet with him. I’ve brought shame on you all!"

The Clark Family’s faces darkened immediately.

James blurted out, "What happened?!"

Natalia sniffled, her voice trembling. "Dad, please don’t ask. I don’t want to go back to City A University. I just want to stay alive."

Katie hurried to help Natalia up, her heart aching. "Oh, Natalia, why are you doing this? You’re such a good student, always obedient. How could City A University expel you? Did someone bully you?"

Natalia shook her head, tears streaming. "No, Mom, no one bullied me. I’m just so heartbroken... Let’s just drop it, okay? I’m scared if I stay at City A University, I’ll lose my life. I’m not as scheming as my sister. I..."

She trailed off, suddenly realizing she had said too much. Clapping a hand over her mouth, she glanced nervously at Grandpa Clark and James, but they had already caught on.

James’s brow furrowed instantly. "Selina?! Did she cause trouble again?"

Natalia rushed to defend her. "Dad, please don’t blame Sister. She’s just so angry at me. That’s why she told everyone I was entertaining men at the bar last night. She said I’m that kind of woman, and now my classmates and teachers believe her. They think my private life is a mess and that I don’t deserve to stay at City A University. I might as well be dead!"

James’s face darkened, and Grandpa Clark slammed his hand on the table. "Absurd!"

Katie hugged Natalia, both of them sobbing. "How could Selina do this? Natalia’s character is so pure—she knows that better than anyone! Why would she ruin Natalia’s reputation like this? Oh, my poor daughter!"

"Natalia, why don’t we transfer to another school? I know Selina doesn’t like you. If we transfer, we won’t be in her way at City A University anymore.

Otherwise, I’ll keep worrying about you..."

James’s expression grew darker. "That ungrateful girl! I knew letting her attend City A University would cause trouble! I’ve said it before—she doesn’t deserve to go to such a good school!"

Grandpa Clark closed his eyes. It had been his idea to spend some money to get Selina into City A University when they brought her back.

But now...

He sighed. "Natalia, I’ll go speak with Principal Taylor myself tomorrow. City A University owes the Clark Family a favor. Rest at home for a few days, and you’ll be able to return to school soon."

Katie’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

She knew about that favor. It actually stemmed from over twenty years ago, owed to Victoria.

Now they could use that dead woman’s favor to secure Natalia’s place... Ha! Wouldn’t it be delightful if Selina found out and was furious?

The next day, Selina attended her classes. During a break, she spotted Grandpa Clark on campus.

Selina narrowed her eyes.

The Clark Family had some influence in City A, so she hadn’t expected Natalia to actually be expelled.

But coming to plead for Natalia on the second day? That was a bit too eager.

In the principal’s office.

Grandpa Clark said, "Principal Taylor, I’ve heard about the situation. Natalia just isn’t good at defending herself, but it hasn’t reached the point where she needs to be expelled."

Principal Taylor hesitated. "Which situation are you referring to?"

Grandpa Clark frowned in displeasure. Natalia had explained that the university was expelling her because Selina had maliciously spread rumors accusing her of being a hostess.

Thinking of this, Grandpa Clark’s last shred of tolerance for Selina vanished.

"Selina is jealous by nature, and the things she says can’t always be trusted. Natalia has always been pure and innocent—how could she possibly be entertaining men late at night? Expelling her over something so trivial is simply unreasonable!"

As soon as he finished, the principal and the teachers present exchanged shocked and incredulous looks.

Principal Taylor’s expression turned cold. "Old Mr. Clark, are you implying that Selina deliberately fabricated this?"

Grandpa Clark scoffed. "What else could it be?"

Dean White couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief. "How can you call yourself Selina’s family? When she’s slandered, you do nothing to help her and instead defend the person responsible for it?"

Grandpa Clark frowned. "What do you mean—"

"Yesterday, Natalia paid a student named Emma to spread rumors that Selina was involved in improper relationships. She slandered Selina’s private life."

"There are both witnesses and evidence, and Natalia admitted to it herself. Has the entire Clark Family suddenly developed amnesia overnight?"

The surrounding teachers chimed in one after another, their words leaving Grandpa Clark’s face red with embarrassment.

...But Natalia had said something completely different at home last night!

Could it really be that Natalia had slandered Selina?

No, that couldn’t be. Natalia had always been kind and claimed to care about her sister. Selina, on the other hand, was always the one targeting Natalia. Grandpa Clark refused to believe it—Selina must have tricked everyone!

Moreover, Natalia’s engagement to the Carter Family hadn’t been finalized yet. If news of her being expelled from university got out, it would ruin everything.

Steeling himself, Grandpa Clark said, "Let’s be straightforward, Principal Taylor. Twenty-three years ago, City A University owed the Clark Family a favor. If you agree not to expel Natalia, we’ll consider that favor repaid, and the Clark Family will no longer hold it over your head."

Even though that favor was left by Victoria, what did it matter?

Since Selina had caused this mess, it was only fitting to use her mother’s favor to protect Natalia.

Hearing this, Principal Taylor’s gaze shifted from disdain to pity.

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