Married First, Loved Later : A Flash Marriage with My Ex's 'Uncle' novel Chapter 101

Chapter 101: A Master at Playing the Innocent Victim

Andrew’s expression flickered with satisfaction, but Bella feigned concern and said softly, "Selina, don’t be upset. There’s really nothing between Logan and me. We grew up together, and if we were meant to be, it would’ve happened long ago. Don’t overthink it."

Selina remained perfectly composed. "I’m not overthinking. I trust Logan’s judgment. He didn’t fancy Miss Hayes before, and I doubt he does now."

Bella nearly choked on her own breath. What did she mean Logan didn’t fancy her?! This wretched woman—who did she think she was?!

But she had to keep her forced smile. "I... I’m glad to hear that."

Sensing the tension, Ethan quickly intervened with a lighthearted chuckle. "Andrew, stop stirring trouble. Bella, didn’t you say you brought gifts?"

Bella smiled warmly. "Yes, I made sure everyone got something. I even asked Logan to help me pick them out today."

One by one, the Sapphire Valley Villa staff received gifts from Bella.

But when she was done, someone suddenly realized—

"Oh dear, Selina, I completely forgot about you!"

Bella gasped in feigned dismay. "How careless of me! And Logan didn’t even remind me!"

Selina’s eyes narrowed. Oh? She conveniently "forgot" her but made sure to mention that Logan had spent the whole afternoon with her?

A master of playing the innocent victim.

Selina suddenly smiled. "It’s fine, I’m sure Miss Hayes didn’t do it on purpose. I don’t seem like the petty type, do I?"

Bella’s face stiffened slightly, biting her lip. "I really do feel bad..."

Andrew scowled. "Bella, why are you apologizing? Just make it up to her next time. Selina, you’re not short on gifts, stop making this difficult for her."

Selina arched an eyebrow. "Mr. Martin, did you misunderstand me? When did I make things difficult? I just said I don’t think Miss Hayes forgot on purpose. Did I misspeak? Why does she look so aggrieved? Or... was it actually intentional?"

Bella’s expression faltered.

Ethan frowned slightly. That’s true—Selina wasn’t making a fuss. So why was Bella looking so wronged?

Andrew, irritated, snapped, "What nonsense! Bella wouldn’t do something like that! Besides, Logan would never like someone like you. Are you really making such a big deal over a gift?!"

"Andrew, that’s enough. Don’t argue because of me."

Bella hurriedly took off a jade bracelet from her wrist. "Selina, I truly apologize for not preparing a gift in advance. Here, take this bracelet."

Andrew’s eyes widened in horror. "Bella! You’re too softhearted! Why should you give away your family heirloom to her?!"

He turned on Selina, his tone sharp. "Selina, give the bracelet back. That was Bella’s grandmother’s keepsake! Do you have no shame, taking something so important?! You’re an embarrassment to Logan!"

Selina nearly laughed.

She had barely said a word, and Bella had already staged the entire drama.

Now, she was the villain snatching Bella’s family heirloom?

This Miss Hayes was several levels above Rachel in manipulation.

Selina stepped back, uninterested in engaging.

But just then, Bella’s gaze flickered. She let go of the bracelet—

Crack!

The jade bracelet shattered on the ground.

The room fell into stunned silence.

Bella’s hands trembled, her eyes reddening. "That... that was my grandmother’s..."

Andrew’s face turned ashen. "Selina! You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?!"

Selina’s expression darkened.

No one else saw it, but she had—Bella had deliberately let go of the bracelet!

Breaking it on purpose, just to play the victim.

This was a warning—a deliberate show of dominance.

Selina, unfazed, said coolly, "Miller Butler, check the surveillance footage."

Miller Butler immediately responded, "Yes, ma’am."

Andrew erupted. "Check what surveillance? Who else could it be?! Are you saying Bella smashed it herself?!"

Selina’s tone remained indifferent. "So Mr. Martin believes in convicting people without evidence? You judge purely based on personal bias?"

"You—" Andrew was so enraged he could barely speak. _{freewebnøvel.com}

Bella quickly stepped in, her expression a perfect blend of grievance and quiet strength. "Enough, Andrew. Don’t be like this. Logan won’t be happy."

Andrew, who had started to calm down, was immediately riled up again.

"Bella, you’re being too generous! If Logan lets this slide, how could he face Grandma Hayes? No, I have to demand justice! Selina, you—"

"What justice are you demanding?"

A cold, detached male voice abruptly cut Andrew off.

Logan looked over, his expression calm yet imposing.

Andrew’s entire body stiffened as a chill ran down his spine.

But then he reminded himself—Selina was in the wrong. He had the upper hand.

"Logan, Selina shattered Grandma Hayes’ keepsake! Bella isn’t even asking for compensation, but she won’t even apologize!"

Bella lowered her head in feigned guilt. "It’s fine, don’t make this worse because of me. I think... Grandma wouldn’t blame Selina either."

Selina nearly laughed aloud.

A true master of the white lotus act.

Feigning generosity, while subtly reminding Logan that this involved Grandma Hayes—A warning that if he didn’t handle it properly, it would be disrespecting the deceased.

Just as Selina was about to respond, Logan suddenly lifted his gaze—