"I stole Natalia’s credit?" Selina brushed her hair back and interrupted, "Dad, aren’t you afraid of contradicting yourself by saying that?"
James stiffened, his eyes widening in disbelief as he turned around. "What are you doing here?!"
Why was Selina here?! No one had invited her, yet she still had the audacity to show up. Tonight’s banquet was meant for Natalia—it was her moment. He couldn’t let Selina cause trouble!
Feigning righteousness, James declared, "I’m your father. Do you think I’d lie on purpose? Selina, when you’ve done something wrong, you should own up to it. There’s no shame in admitting it!"
Selina let out a mocking laugh. "Oh? Then tell me, where exactly did Natalia ’save’ Ryan? How badly was he injured? What did the kidnappers say before they left? And how much ransom did they demand from the Carter family?"
She turned to Natalia with a smile. "Sister, do you remember these details?"
Natalia’s face turned pale. "I..."
"It’s been so many years! Of course, Natalia might not remember every little thing. Do you have to be so aggressive?!"
Seeing the curious gazes around them, James’ expression darkened, swiftly changing the subject. "You don’t even have an invitation! What are you doing here making a scene? Stop spouting nonsense just because you’re jealous!"
Realization dawned on the onlookers, and their eyes filled with disdain.
"Oh, so she’s just here to stir up trouble. Some people really can’t stand seeing others do well."
"Every family has its issues, but the Clark family’s eldest daughter is infamous for being vicious and uneducated. Meanwhile, the illegitimate daughter is graceful and composed..."
"Miss Clark, let me give you some advice. Tonight’s event is hosted by the Carter family. You can’t afford to offend them! No matter how much it hurts, you should move on—Mr. Carter clearly doesn’t want you!"
James’ expression finally relaxed. "Selina, did you hear that? If you don’t have an invitation, then get out!"
Selina blinked and glanced up at the hotel’s sign.
Yep... AS Grand Hotel.
And now, AS Grand Hotel belonged to her.
In other words, she was the owner of this place.
James was telling her she had no right to enter? That she should get lost?
Growing impatient, James snapped, "Why are you still standing there? Hurry up and leave, don’t waste everyone’s—"
"Who said she doesn’t have an invitation?"
A lazy, arrogant male voice suddenly rang out from the crowd.
Luke swaggered forward, decked out in high-end designer brands, exuding the unmistakable aura of a rich, spoiled heir. He shot James a condescending look and lifted his chin.
"Selina came with me. And who the hell are you? Are you planning to throw me out too?"
James’ irritation flared. "And who do you think you are?!"
The surrounding guests collectively held their breath and took a cautious step back.
Luke? The most spoiled young master of the Reid family? How did he know Selina?!
Luke raised an eyebrow at James. "You don’t recognize me? Oh, I guess you’re just not at that level yet. Makes sense—not everyone is worthy of knowing me."
James nearly choked on his own anger. A junior was calling him insignificant?
Furious, he snapped, "You’re just—"
"Mr. Clark, that’s Luke Reid!" someone quickly whispered in warning.
"He’s Mr. Reid’s younger brother, the most favored heir of the Reid family!"
Selina remained silent for a moment before quietly pulling out her phone and sending Logan a text.
[Is there something wrong with Luke’s brain?]
Luke didn’t notice. Instead, he saw her lower her hand and assumed she was rubbing her stomach. His eyes widened in horror. "Wait—you’re not... Oh my god! Are you trying to hint that you’re pregnant?! You scheming woman, you actually got pregnant with my brother’s child?!"
Selina, who was simply hungry, picked up a pastry and popped it into her mouth.
Luke freaked out. "You’re already pregnant, and you’re still eating random things? Do you have any common sense?! What kind of vixen doesn’t know basic pregnancy care?!"
The entire room fell silent.
Selina paused, swallowed her food, and genuinely asked, "When you were a child, did Logan ever take you to get your brain checked?"
Luke finally realized she was mocking him. His face turned red with anger, and his entire posture screamed "I’m the baddest rich kid in the room" as he growled, "Selina, listen to me—"
"Selina? What are you doing here?"
A warm yet slightly anxious voice suddenly cut Luke off.
Old Mr. Carter stood there, smiling, but his expression was unreadable.
Meanwhile, standing beside him, Ryan’s face was pitch black with anger. "Selina, I don’t remember inviting you tonight! And who is this guy?! Why are you hanging around some arrogant playboy again? Can’t you have a little self-respect?!"
Selina raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"
Luke’s jaw dropped. "What?!"
Had the Reid family’s most spoiled young master just been completely disregarded?
Luke turned to Old Mr. Carter and scowled. "Thomas, do me a favor and explain to your idiot grandson exactly who I am."
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