Married First, Loved Later : A Flash Marriage with My Ex's 'Uncle' novel Chapter 152

Chapter 152: The Consequences of Arrogance

Mrs. Hayes was too enraged to react and snapped, "Of course it’s your fault! If it weren’t for you, Bella wouldn’t have been turned away!"

"You’re just a country bumpkin who doesn’t understand art! You probably didn’t even know Mr. King’s name before today. If I’m blaming someone, who else would I blame?"

Selina blinked innocently. "Mrs. Hayes, you sound so confident."

Mrs. Hayes’ face flushed red with anger. "I’ve already been kind enough not to hold you accountable! And now you’re standing in my way? Let me tell you, I demand an explanation today, or I’m not leaving—"

"You want an explanation? Fine."

A cold male voice interrupted Mrs. Hayes.

Gordon stood there, his expression indifferent and his gaze sharp. "Since Mrs. Hayes insists on an explanation, don’t blame me for not showing the Hayes Family any mercy."

Seeing this, Selina sensibly stepped behind Gordon.

Mrs. Hayes had been about to curse, but the murmurs around them stopped her.

"Mr. King himself is here!"

"He’s in his forties but looks so young and refined. His aura is incredible."

"I’ve heard Mr. King has a good temper. Why does he seem so cold toward the Hayes Family? Did they really offend him?"

Mrs. Hayes froze. This man is Gordon? And he’s speaking up for Selina?

No, no, he must have been fooled by Selina’s face!

Mrs. Hayes hastily spoke up. "Mr. King, this Selina has nothing to do with our Hayes Family. Even if you dislike her, you shouldn’t take it out on us—"

"It seems Mrs. Hayes still doesn’t understand. Or perhaps..."

Gordon’s gaze fell on Bella, and he sneered, "Perhaps Miss Hayes hasn’t told you?"

At that moment, Bella met Gordon’s gaze.

Her mind buzzed, and all the color drained from her face.

That man who was with Selina when she was shopping... was Gordon?!

Bella’s thoughts raced back to that day. She had openly mocked Selina, called her an ignorant country girl who didn’t understand Gordon’s paintings.

And all along... he was Gordon?!

Why didn’t he say anything then? Why let me humiliate myself?!

Mrs. Hayes, completely furious, puffed up and snapped, "Bella has always been kind and respectful! This has nothing to do with her! Mr. King, you’ve been deceived by Selina—she’s the real liar here!"

The crowd gasped.

Is Mrs. Hayes brainless? Did she even realize who she was talking to? Even if the head of the Hayes Family were here, he wouldn’t dare speak to Mr. King in that tone!

Someone attempted to warn her. "Mrs. Hayes, perhaps you should listen to Mr. King before making assumptions..."

But Mrs. Hayes had been used to having the final say her entire life. No one ever contradicted her. The fact that someone was refuting her now only made her angrier.

"Am I wrong?! Our Bella has been bullied by Selina over and over, and I never even made a fuss! And now Selina dares to spread rumors? Mr. King, are you stupid? You’re being played like a fool—"

"Mrs. Hayes, you might want to stop talking now. Even Bella isn’t saying anything."

Selina cut her off with a soft but mocking voice. "Be careful, or you’ll only embarrass yourself further."

Mrs. Hayes gritted her teeth. "You—"

"If Miss Hayes won’t explain, then I’ll do it myself."

Gordon chuckled coldly, not giving Mrs. Hayes a chance to speak as he slowly enunciated:

"It’s actually quite simple. Miss Hayes saw me buying clothes for my niece, Selina, and decided it was her place to lecture Selina about self-respect."

"In Miss Hayes’s eyes, I was just a shameless old man who only knew how to spend his money to support young girls. Someone of my lowly status is, of course, unworthy of associating with the prestigious Hayes Family."

"Bella is so quick to spread rumors—who in their right mind would want to be friends with her?"

Bella was losing it. She turned desperately to Ethan. "Ethan! You know I’m not like this, I—"

"Forget it," Selina suddenly dropped her gaze, her voice soft with unmistakable aggrieved innocence, yet full of understanding.

"Today is my uncle’s art exhibition. Let’s not let one person ruin the mood. It’s alright."

She dabbed at invisible tears, her tone gentle and self-sacrificing.

"Miss Hayes, don’t blame Miss Drake for being harsh. This all started because of me, so... I apologize to you."

The crowd immediately erupted with admiration.

"Miss Clark is so mature. She puts the bigger picture above her own grievances." _{freewёbnoνel.com}

"Unlike Bella, who still refuses to admit fault. The difference between them couldn’t be clearer..."

Selina cast Bella a triumphant smile.

Bella almost choked on air.

This scheming b*tch!

Acting all innocent?! Pretending to be so kind-hearted?!

She clenched her fists tightly, supporting a barely-conscious Mrs. Hayes. Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to murmur, "I... I wasn’t thinking. I’m sorry. I’ll personally visit and apologize in the next few days... Mr. King, I truly regret this..."

Selina raised a brow. Huh. Bella sure knows when to yield.

As the crowd gradually dispersed, Gordon let out a cold huff. "Don’t think I didn’t notice—that Bella girl is one of Logan’s unwanted admirers."

Selina was just about to respond when she looked up—only to see Logan standing casually in the corner, watching her with amusement.

He smiled and shook his head slightly.