Jack immediately fell silent, refraining from saying more.
But Logan knew that Jack's intelligence was rarely, if ever, wrong. If Jack said Selina used a platinum card, it meant she truly had one.
This was perplexing. How could Selina, the seemingly neglected daughter of the Clark Family, possess such a prestigious card?
Selina, oblivious to the sudden tension in the room, pushed the men's watch forward.
"This watch may not be expensive, but the design and craftsmanship are quite refined. It's not gaudy, so I'm giving it to you."
Logan chuckled softly. "Mrs. Reid went out just now solely to pick out a watch for me?"
Selina blinked innocently. "Of course."
"And what inspired this gift?"
Selina clicked her tongue lightly. Why was she giving him a gift? Because today was his birthday, of course.
However, she'd just learned from Miller that Logan never celebrated his birthday for certain reasons. If she admitted it was a birthday gift, he might be displeased.
Selina quickly came up with a different explanation. "This watch suits your suit perfectly. I just felt like it. Do I need a reason?"
The watch truly was exquisite. Logan put it on and, after a moment, his gaze sharpened.
Jack had mentioned this was a pair of couple's watches. Now that he had the men's version on his wrist, where was the women's version?
Selina wasn't wearing it and hadn't mentioned it at all...
Logan's lips curled in a faintly amused smile. "Judging by this watch's design, it seems like it's part of a set. Mrs. Reid, are you keeping the other one from me?"
Selina froze, instinctively glancing at his wrist. "..."
Oh no! How did she not notice this earlier?! The watch face had a half-built lovers' bridge on the right side, clearly meant to connect with the other half on the second watch.
The other watch was a women's version. How could she explain this to Logan?
If she told the truth, it would expose the fact that she deliberately bought a couple's set. Given their agreement to keep their marriage a secret, buying matching couple's items might make her seem... careless, if not outright suspicious.
"Mrs. Reid's silence says it all. The other watch is indeed a women's version. So, you purchased a set of couple's watches."
Before Selina could come up with an excuse, Logan's calm voice pierced the silence.
"You insisted on keeping our marriage private, yet you secretly bought a couple's watch set for me. What exactly do you mean by this, Mrs. Reid?"
Selina felt a lump in her throat. Meeting Logan's piercing gaze, she suddenly had the sense that failing to answer would spell disaster.
After a long pause, Selina's eyes darted as she concocted a perfect excuse.
"Mr. Reid... Logan! I may want to keep our marriage under wraps, but that doesn't mean I'm not captivated by you. You're so outstanding, and as a normal woman, isn't it natural for me to admire you?"
"That's why I bought the couple's watches. Even though we can't go public right now, I couldn't help wanting to share something matching with you. Can you... understand that?"
Logan's lips curved into a smile, warm and charming as the spring breeze. "I see. Then why aren't you wearing yours?"
Selina quickly pulled out the second watch and, in one swift motion, fastened it on her left wrist.
Her cheeks flushed as she lowered her head shyly. "I was just too embarrassed."
Logan glanced at their matching watches, his expression showing growing satisfaction.
Selina, meanwhile, felt her left wrist heating up. She resolved to take off the watch as soon as she left the room.
"Mr. Reid, if there's nothing else—"
"I heard you used a platinum card to purchase the watch?"
Logan suddenly looked up, his eyes locking onto hers. "I'm curious, Mrs. Reid—where did you get a platinum card?"
The room fell eerily silent.
Selina's heart skipped a beat. Her palms grew damp with sweat as alarm bells rang in her mind. Had her true identity been discovered?
No, it couldn't be. She'd kept an extremely low profile in City A, and President Taylor had no reason to reveal her...
Logan probably just heard some rumors—vague and unconfirmed.
Selina wiped the sweat forming on her forehead, trying to steady her voice.
"Mr. Reid, do you actually believe that nonsense about me having a platinum card? I made it up to scare them."
Logan's interest was piqued. "Oh?"
Selina quickly came up with an explanation. "Mrs. Carter was giving me a hard time and trying to kick me out, so I bluffed about having a platinum card to intimidate them."
She feigned an embarrassed laugh. "Who knew Taylor, the CEO, would fall for it? He asked whose card it was, and thinking of your status in City A, I said it was yours."
Logan's smile deepened, his expression unreadable. "Taylor, the CEO? From what I remember, he's a sharp man. Would he really treat you as a platinum customer without actually seeing the card?"
Selina ducked her head, pretending to be bashful. "Well, I might've quietly told him about our relationship. Once he realized I was married to you, it made sense to him that I'd have your platinum card. Don't you think?"
Logan's chuckle grew softer but more pointed.
"Ah, I see. That's quite the explanation."
Selina exhaled in relief. It seemed her quick thinking had worked.
Logan suddenly leaned forward, his gaze calculating but warm. "Mrs. Reid, you're very clever. But next time—"
Next time? Next time what?
Before she could ask, Logan pressed a card into her hand.
"Next time, don't bother lying. Just use my platinum card directly."
Selina's eyes widened as she looked down at the card.
It was identical to the one she already had.
There were only two platinum cards in the world, and now both were in her possession!
Logan must have assumed she didn't already have one, which was why he gave it to her. But she did, and now she couldn't explain it without exposing herself.
Selina's guilt deepened, and she offered Logan a heartfelt smile of gratitude. "Thank you, Mr. Reid!"
She felt like the worst person alive. Logan had given her a priceless platinum card, and she'd only spent a measly 300,000 on a gift for him.
After Selina left the study, Logan's smile turned more calculating.
Mrs. Reid's guilt revealed she was hiding something.
It confirmed his suspicion—she already had a platinum card.
Logan tapped his finger on the desk, his eyes narrowing. "I asked you to investigate Mrs. Reid. Was there anything significant about today for her? A special occasion that might explain her gift?"
Jack looked confused. "A special occasion? Didn't she buy the couple's watches to gift you?"
Logan gave him a pointed stare, his voice calm but cutting. "Do you have a brain, or is it just there to make you taller?"
Jack stiffened. "…" Was that a roundabout way of calling him an idiot?
Logan smirked faintly. Selina's purchase wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision; it was deliberate. There had to be a reason behind it.
Perhaps… she mistakenly thought today was his birthday?
His expression darkened. "Look into whose birthday falls on September 16th."
Jack quickly returned with an answer. "It's the birthday of Ryan's uncle—the Carter Family heir."
The Carter Family again…
Selina seemed to misunderstand his connection to the Carter Family repeatedly.
Logan stood, his lips curling into a dangerous smile. "We're getting closer to the truth."
He headed toward the door, issuing his next order without pause.
"Tell Miller Butler to prepare for James and Natalia's visit in two days. Make sure Mrs. Reid gets the satisfaction she deserves."
Jack blinked in confusion but dared not ask why Logan's train of thought seemed so erratic. What did today's birthday have to do with Natalia?
…
Two days later, at City A University.
Selina fidgeted with the bracelet of her women's watch. She had debated taking it off several times, but thoughts of Logan made her hesitate.
"Wow, is that the Clark Family car? Are they here to pick up Natalia?"
A nearby exclamation broke Selina's thoughts.
She turned to see a luxury car pull up outside the building. Natalia stepped out, surrounded by admirers.
"Sister," Natalia called out, her voice dripping with faux sweetness. "Mr. Reid invited me to Sapphire Valley Villa as a guest. Would you like to join me?"
Selina blinked, her curiosity piqued. Was Natalia heading to Sapphire Valley Villa today? Should she tag along for the show?