James's expression darkened. "So, what do you suggest? Should we have Selina badmouth Natalia to Noah and ruin Natalia's reputation?"
Katie averted her gaze, her tone guilty. "That little brat was always easy to manipulate; there's no way she'd speak up. Besides, you could ask Dad to talk to her. Why make Natalia go through this?"
"Katie, don't think I don't know what you're up to!" James's voice turned icy and menacing. "You've been jealous of Victoria and mistreated Selina. As long as no one found out, I turned a blind eye! But today? If you ruin this for me, I'll divorce you right now!"
Katie shrank back, too terrified to speak.
Before heading downstairs, James shot Natalia a warning. "Natalia, behave yourself. Don't pull any tricks in front of me!"
It was the first time Natalia had been scolded, and she bit her lip in indignation, throwing herself into Katie's arms. "Mom, Daddy is so unfair! I don't want to live anymore..."
After yet another slap, Katie finally regained her composure. Her anger boiled over, and she gritted her teeth. "James still has feelings for that woman! Damn him!"
Her face twisted with envy, turning ugly. "That woman had some nerve! Even after being dead for over a decade, she's still on his mind!"
"But she's dead, and I'm alive. In the end, it's the living who win! Natalia, be patient. Once you marry into the Carter family, let's see how smug that brat can be!"
In the Clark family sitting room, Noah sipped tea.
Selina gave him a playful wink, and Noah returned the gesture.
Moments later, James hurried in, his face plastered with an ingratiating smile. "Mr. Brown, such an honor to have you here! Your visit truly elevates our humble home!"
Noah remained cold. "I hear you have something to discuss, Mr. Clark?"
James quickly shifted to the day's agenda. "Mr. Brown, I heard you believe we've been unfair to Selina. That's why I invited you here today—so Selina herself can clear up this misunderstanding."
Noah raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Funny, I was under the impression Mr. Clark doted on his illegitimate daughter."
"Absolutely not!" James declared indignantly. "Selina is the most cherished member of our family! Her room is the best in the house. Would you like to see it, Mr. Brown?"
Noah began to rise.
Selina cut in sharply, "That room was given to me just now. Bryant Madam even scolded me for being ungrateful and accused me of stealing it from Natalia."
Noah sneered. "The entire estate was left to Selina by Mrs. Victoria. How is that stealing?"
Selina added quietly, "Not only that, Bryant Madam said I belonged in the basement."
"Unbelievable!" Noah roared. "Mr. Clark, are you seriously letting this mistress bully Selina?"
James stiffened, silently cursing Katie, and stammered, "Of course not! I slapped Katie twice on the spot. Selina is my pride and joy!"
Noah cooled slightly. "Good. But two slaps are hardly sufficient for someone like her."
James wiped his brow nervously. "Yes, yes, you're right... So, Mr. Brown, about that partnership—"
Noah cut him off smoothly. "I also heard, Mr. Clark, that you're still holding onto Mrs. Victoria's belongings instead of giving them all to Selina. And there was the matter of Katie stealing her jewelry. How do you intend to resolve that?"
James suddenly couldn't remember why he'd ever been attracted to Katie. She was nothing but trouble!
He stumbled over his words. "I've already dealt with Katie! Don't worry, Mr. Brown. The rest of the heirlooms are safely with Selina's grandfather. He dotes on her and would never—"
Selina blinked innocently. "Grandpa dotes on me? Funny, he recently gifted some of Mom's belongings to my dear sister."
James's face turned crimson, and he wished he could sew Selina's mouth shut!
Noah, observing the scene, found himself marveling. Logan had been worried that Selina might be bullied at the Clark Family home? On the contrary, she was single-handedly running circles around them, leaving a trail of chaos in her wake.
Noah asked coolly, "Mr. Clark?"
James forced a smile and replied, "It's all a misunderstanding! How could my father have given Victoria's belongings to Natalia? That was Natalia being immature and taking them herself! We've already disciplined her for it."
"I see," Noah said with a nod. "It seems the rumors were mistaken. Clark Family does treat Selina decently after all. I hope next time Mr. Clark ensures that your mistress and illegitimate daughter don't tarnish the family's reputation."
"Of course, of course," James agreed, nodding like a bobblehead.
Noah stood. "Why don't you show me around, Mr. Clark?"
At that moment, Selina interjected, "You two can go ahead. I need to get to school."
James, desperate to see her leave, quickly offered, "Should I have the driver take you?"
Selina smiled slyly at Noah and said, "No need."
Catching her hint, Noah returned her a reassuring glance.
Ah, so that's why Logan had fallen for her—Selina possessed a sharp wit and fearless composure that set her apart.
He inwardly chided himself. He'd been narrow-minded, assuming Selina might be connected to that hacker. His suspicion nearly jeopardized their years of friendship.
Fine, whatever was brewing between Selina and Logan, he'd let them sort it out.
Once Selina left, James turned back to Noah with an obsequious smile. "Mr. Brown…"
"I've reviewed the partnership," Noah said nonchalantly, setting a subtle trap for the Clark Family. "It can proceed, but some changes are necessary. Selina mentioned she's too busy and will withdraw from the project. Mr. Clark, you'll need to recommend someone else."
—After all, why should Selina deal with the fallout?
—If the project ended in a multi-billion-dollar loss, whoever was in charge would bear the blame. Noah intended to ensure Selina stayed clear of it.
James's eyes lit up. Selina was withdrawing? Fantastic! He'd known all along that Selina lacked ambition. This was Natalia's perfect chance!
Feigning concern, James sighed heavily, "Ah, Selina is always so willful. Dropping out like that… If we hadn't spoiled her so much, she'd never survive in the real world!"
"How about this, Mr. Brown?" James offered eagerly. "Let Natalia take over the project. She's hardworking, and you can assign her any task you need."
Noah pretended to deliberate, then reluctantly nodded. "Fine, I suppose. Oh, by the way, Mr. Clark, Mr. Reid has shown some interest in this project. When you're free, bring Natalia to Sapphire Valley Villa to meet him."
James froze, his mind racing. "Mr. Reid... you mean that Mr. Reid?"
Noah's expression was inscrutable. "The one and only."
A tidal wave of excitement hit James. He couldn't believe it—an opportunity to catch the attention of the Reid Group! If they could establish a connection, the Clark Group's financial troubles would be over.
His mind spun rapidly. If Natalia was accompanying him, what if Mr. Reid ended up taking a liking to her?
After Noah left, James rushed upstairs, practically shouting, "Katie! Get Natalia a few new outfits and schedule a full beauty treatment! In a few days, I'm taking her to meet someone who could change the fate of the Clark Family!"
Meanwhile, Selina strolled away from the Clark Family estate at a leisurely pace, planning to hail a cab once she reached the main road.
Her phone suddenly buzzed. Glancing at the screen, she saw Logan's name.
"Hello…"
Before she could finish her sentence, a voice from behind her, in perfect harmony with the one on the phone, spoke:
"Selina, turn around."