Chapter 19
Manuel and Caleb were shocked. They'd been throwing shade, convinced Selina had hustled some cash from the wealthy Harvey or Brady families to splurge at the Lamborghini dealership. But getting a Lamborghini as a gift from Lydia? That was a twist. "So, you guys were talking big earlier, right? Cat got your tongue now?" Lydia challenged them, fixing Manuel and Caleb with a glare as their expression turned sour, clearly enjoying their embarrassment. "What's it to you if I gift my sister a sweet ride? You gonna say I'm a thief too?"
Manuel and Caleb were speechless, like they'd just sucked on lemons. The puzzle didn't fit since when did Selina, a total nobody, have a loaded sister? And Lydia, decked out and looking like a million bucks, was she flying under the radar with some rich guy! Suddenly, a voice piped up from the crowd. "Isn't that.. Lydia from The Rose-the band's bad-ass drummer?"
"You're right. And isn't that the guitarist who rocked Starlight Club the other night?"
"Totally! I was at that show, dude! She killed it
"I caught a clip on Instagram! Couldn't see much, but now it's all making sense!"
While everyone gossiped. Manuel and Caleb were clueless. They knew abour Starlight Club, and The Rose must be big-time to play there. But Selina, that girl from the boondocks, jamming with The Rose? No way.
Lydia flicked her hair. "Yep, that's me. And here's Selina-the ace shredder of The Rose"
The crowd went nuts seeing their goddesses in the flesh. As for Manuel and Caleb, the fanfare spelt trouble.
Things were going south fast, and they tried to duck out when two cops showed up. "Who called the police?"
Selina stepped up. "That was me. This guy," she said and pointed at Manuel, "accused me of theft and tried to hit me. The staff and the security mpes
will prove it."
Manuel went white as a ghost. "Selina, you'd really take it that far?"
With a cold laugh, Selina showed zero pity.
"Yup, that far as in, you're dead to me Tarl" Lydia jumped in, ready to th
to throw down for her friend.
Since Manuel wouldn't budge and Selina had no interest in making peace, the cops-who couldn't unooth things over-ushered everyone to the station for statements and to collect evidence
Over at Insight Group, Trevon was sorting through papers in his quiet office.
His secretary. Andrew Brady, peeked in. "Mr. Brady, there's a message for you?
"Go ahead" Trevon's eyes flashed with a mysterious sparkle as he learned of Selina's drama at the Lamborghini dealership.
Curiosity piqued, Andrew reported back and retreated. He didn't yet know Selina's real deal, but this was the first time Trevon had his crew shadow her. Direct updates to Trevon-peculiar. Andrew hadn't seen him this keyed up about any women.
Trevon slammed the file shut and got to his feet, sliding into his black suit. "Andrew, keep the fort. Push everything to tomorrow"
Andrew, caught by surprise but feeling Trevon's frosty air, confirmed, "Got it"
Trevon stormed out, a whirlwind on a mission.
Andrew's
is pulse was racing. He took a beat to settle down, but it was clear-things were taking a new turn. Trevon, the CEO who was usually a workaholic and a stickler for punctuality, had just handed over the reins and left the office in a hurry-for the first time ever. If word got out, people who knew him well would be floored knowing Trevon bailed during business hours.
At the police station, the evidence was stacked against Manuel, and he looked like he wished the floor would swallow him up.
"Het wait, officer, hear me out! They smacked Manuel a couple of times just now-doesn't that count for something? Caleb piped up in a last-ditch Ellori.
Selina fired back. "Didn't you learn anything! That wasn't assauls, guys-it was self-defense. You started this whole mess by calling me a thief."
Caleb bit his tongue, realizing he had goofed. Influenced by Manuel and Selina's past as a nobody from the sticks, he'd jumped to conclusions. The truth was, they were the ones throwing the first verbal punches. But he couldn't just watch his buddy Manuel get thrown behind bars. Suddenly, there was the sound of rushed footsteps. Sara and Ashley came hustling in "Manuell" they called out.
9:32 PM t
Manuel's façade cracked at the sound of their voices. He rose up abruptly and asked, "Mom Ashley? Why are you guys here?"
Sara, frantic, looked at him, "I came as fast as I could.. Honey, are you hurt? Who hit you!" Her heart raced at the sight of Manuel marked face.
Lydia couldn't help herself, teasing, "Really? Can't deal with your own screw ups without your mommy! That's just sad"
Your Manuelaled
Sara was steamed-and Lydia's outfit only added fuel to the fire. She turned to Selina with a frown Selina, who are these sketchy friends of yours! Dressing like that-it's a slap in the face to our family's good name?"
Selina, who'd been cool as a cucumber, shot Sara a look that could freeze lava. "Careful with your words, Mrs. Harvey. I cut ties with your remember! My friends are none of your business. Keep talking, and you can join your darling son in the legal mess." family,
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