Chapter 164
Chapter 164
Yasmin morted coldly. Oh, so you actually planned on showing ep? I thought we'd have to beg you before you'd grace us with your presence. I was half-expecting you to duch us again"
"How could I dare?" Selina replied with a faint smile. Last time was truly because of something importané, * million-dollar deal that required my attention. Opportunities to make that kind of money don't come around often. And you must be Vasmin? I heard you gave up your career as a designer after rarrying into the Hadson family, living a life of luxury. I must say, that's enviable."
Upon listening to Selina's words, Yasmin shot her a glare. "Are you implying that I'm not as capable as you when it comes to making money?"
"Naturally," Selina said lightly. "Yasmin, you were born to enjoy life, while I'm destined to toil. But I relish the process of proving my worth. It's just how I am."
Yasmin was left speechless. When she first learned that Selina was the famous designer, Angel, she was stunned. Yasmin had even tried to get her hands on a few of Angel's limited edition designs but to no avail. Initially, she had thought of leveraging their familial connection to get a few pieces from Selina. However, after the incident where Christina offended Selina and was subsequently kicked out, their relationship soured.
The name "Angel" was a brand on its own, and its money-making potential was far beyond what Yasmin could ever achieve. She wasn't about to pick a fight with Selina over her weak spot as she wasn't that foolish.
At that moment, Silas finally spoke up. "Now that you're here, have a seat." He spoke with the calm authority of an elder.
Despite his anger toward Selina, he was more interested in gauging her abilities. After all, she could make someone as powerful as Trevon fall head over heels for her. If Selina could be brought into the Hudson family's fold, it would be beneficial to combine the family's interests with Trevon's influence. Naturally, if Selina couldn't be won over, Silas wouldn't hesitate to make her pay for the disrespect she had shown them.
"In respect for missing our last appointment, I'd like to offer a toast to you, Silas, Viola, Lauren, and Yasmin." With a snap of her fingers, Selina summoned a waiter, who promptly brought over a bottle of 1982 Lafite. Selina opened the bottle herself, poured a few glasses, and handed them to Silas and the others. Then, she poured herself a glass and said, "Silas, please."
Silas didn't say a word, and his expression softened slightly when Selina downed her glass of Lafite in one go. When it was Viola's turn, Selina's enthusiastic drinking made her uneasy. "Selina, if you can't handle so much, don't force yourself. I don't have the time to take care of a drunk."
"Don't worry, Viola. I can hold my liquor, and I don't get drunk easily," Selina reassured her.
She smiled faintly. When it was Lauren and Yasmin's turn, Lauren feigned surprise. "Oh no, we couldn't possibly accept a toast from you, Mrs. Brady. It would be too much for us to handle." Yasmin chimed in, "I agree with you, Lauren. It's terrifying enough that she canceled on us for some million-dollar deal. I've never even seen that much money in my life."
It was clear that Lauren and Yasmin were being deliberately difficult. However, instead of feeling provoked, Selina simply responded calmly, "Well, if you both feel that way, I'll refrain from toasting you then. Everyone, please enjoy your meal." With that, Selina returned to her seat.
'What?' Lauren and Yasmin exclaimed inwardly. They were stunned as they had expected Selina to apologize profusely, offering every excuse and pleading for their forgiveness until they grudgingly accepted. Never had they imagined Selina would give up so easily. Lauren couldn't hold back. "You... Selina, you're just going to leave it at that?"
Selina blinked innocently. "What else should I do? Didn't you say you didn't want me to toast? I was just following your wishes. Is that not okay?"
Yasmin hurriedly said, "I... We were just speaking in anger! Any regular person would've understood that."
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Chapter 161
"Oh... Sorry, I didn't catch the subtext of your words." Selina dropped that comment and didn't bother with any further pretense with Lauren and Yasmin. She then handed the menu to Silas and Viola. "Silas and Viola, please order whatever you like. It's on me today." Silas took the menu, giving Selina a sideways glance. "Being able to book the entire Oceanview Restaurant is no small feat. Did Trevon help you with that?"
Selina nodded. "Trevon is good friends with the owner's successor. He just made a call, and it was settled."
"I thought you might've arranged it yourself, but in the end, you're still relying on our Trevon." Lauren's voice dripped with sarcasm. She was still upset over how Selina had brushed off her toast earlier.
"Our Trevon?" Selina laughed softly. "Lauren, if I may correct you, my relationship with Trevon is much closer than yours. We are legally married, after all. What's mine is his, and what's his is mine. Our relationship is protected by law. Are you saying I can't ask my husband for a favor? Or is it that you and your husband keep everything separate even though you're married?" Before Lauren could respond, Selina covered her mouth in mock surprise. "But I remember you bragging at an auction about how your husband bought you a necklace as a birthday gift. Was that all just for the show? Are you saying your marriage isn't as good as it seems?"
Lauren's face stiffened. "Well... that was indeed a birthday gift from my husband!"
"Then why criticize me for relying on Trevon? Are we supposed to live independently, doing everything for ourselves even after marriage? Lauren, that would be quite low, wouldn't it? After all, don't you also rely on your husband for a life of luxury?" Selina's casual remarks left Lauren feeling like she had swallowed something bitter.
Upon witnessing the situation, Yasmin silently thanked her stars for keeping quiet. Selina's sharp tongue was something to be reckoned with. If one didn't have absolute confidence, they were better off staying silent to avoid embarrassing themselves. Meanwhile, Viola took a sip of coffee with a flash of admiration in her eyes. She had long wanted to put Lauren and Yasmin in their place, but as a member of the Hudson family, she couldn't without being accused of ingratitude. In a way, Selina's outburst had indirectly helped Viola release some pent-up frustration, and it felt good.
"Enough, let's order and eat. We can talk over the meal," Silas finally said, giving Lauren a way out. She quickly took the cue and kept her mouth shut. Once the dishes started coming, Selina waited until Silas had taken the first bite. Suddenly, Silas said, "Selina, I'd like some lobster. Could you deshell one for me?" This was a clear power move, and everyone was aware of it. Lauren and Yasmin looked on gleefully, certain that Selina wouldn't dare refuse a request from Silas.
"Of course, Silas." Selina smiled and calmly picked up a lobster. She deshelled it with meticulous care, quickly and cleanly, leaving behind only the perfectly cooked meat, which she then presented to Silas. As a person who respected the elderly and cared for the young, Selina was not one to lose her temper over a small challenge. Silas took a bite and couldn't hide his satisfaction. The lobster meat was tender and flavorful, a true delicacy from Oceanview Restaurant, one of the finest restaurants in Sokovis. "Viola, you should try some too. Judging by Silas' reaction, it must be quite delicious." Selina deshelled another lobster for Viola, who tasted it and nodded in agreement.
As for Lauren and Yasmin, they were completely ignored by Selina. Yasmin, eager to try some after seeing Silas and Viola's pleased expressions, was about to deshell her own when Lauren stopped her. With a faint smile, Lauren said, "Yasmin and I would love to try some too, Selina. Would you mind deshelling for us?" Given that Silas and Viola had been served, it wouldn't do for them to be left out. If Selina dared to refuse, Lauren would have a reason to criticize her.
"Of course," Selina agreed without hesitation and deshelled two lobsters for Lauren and Yasmin. The two women, feeling like they had just won a small victory, proudly bit into the lobster meat. Suddenly, they cried out in pain as their lips were cut, and blood began streaming from their mouths.
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