Selene glanced over casually, let out a soft chuckle, crossed her legs, and leaned back against the chair.
"No, thanks."
Once again, Helena found herself rejected.
Again and again.
The embarrassment was beginning to sting.
An awkward silence settled over the dining room.
Even the servants moved cautiously, as though a single wrong step might cost them their jobs.
This time, Julian didn't step in to smooth things over.
He looked from the jewellery box to Selene—who was calmly enjoying her breakfast—then to Helena, whose expression had already begun to stiffen.
"If Selene doesn't want it, then forget it," Julian said flatly. "It's outdated anyway. Young people don't wear things like this anymore. You keep it."
Selene lifted her head, mildly surprised.
Huh. Maybe this so-called father still had a shred of decency left.
Julian turned to the butler. "Bring the Heart of Lo. The one from the collection room."
Vivian nearly cracked a tooth grinding her jaw in jealousy.
A luxury mansion yesterday. A multimillion-dollar heirloom today.
And the worst part? That Heart of Lo—Julian had acquired it at a Sotheby's auction. Vivian had wanted it for years. He'd always said it was reserved for her wedding.
Now?
Gone. Just like that.
Both Vivian and Marcus felt the threat escalate sharply. This wasn't favouritism anymore—it was a shift in power.
Helena nearly choked on her bitterness.
She had just been publicly humiliated—by her own husband, no less.
Julian didn't spare her another glance.
Left with no choice, Helena stepped in again, forcing a graceful smile. "You're right. I didn't think it through. I only wanted to do something nice for Selene. I suppose I'm a little out of touch with trends. I'll make it up to her next time."
Though she spoke to Selene, her eyes never left Julian. Only when his expression softened slightly did she relax.
"Enough," Julian said. "Eat."
Since it was the weekend, the family dispersed after breakfast.
Marcus tried to strike up a conversation with Selene, but she didn't even acknowledge him. Not wanting to embarrass himself further, he left.
Helena went out for afternoon tea with a group of society ladies.
The house fell quiet.
Only Julian and Selene remained.
In the Study
Julian studied the girl standing before him, a trace of bittersweet emotion flashing in his eyes.
She looked too much like Maria.
Almost as if the past had stepped back into the room.
Gone was yesterday's short temper. His brows creased with worry as he spoke.
"Now that you've returned to the family… have you considered changing your surname?"
Hands in her jacket pockets, Selene shot him a sideways glance.
"No."
Julian nodded slowly. "Then we'll keep it.
Carrying your mother's name suits you. I'll tell people it's to honour her memory."
Selene found that acceptable.
"One less hassle," she said coolly. "If that's all, I'm leaving."
Julian sighed silently. Dealing with her was exhausting.
She wasn't like Vivian—not pliable, not eager for approval. She was Maria's daughter. The one he had lost for years. Deep down, he wanted to make things right.
"There's more," he said. "I've arranged for you to attend Aurora University. Marcus and Vivian both study there."
Aurora University in Aden City was elite beyond reach—open only to heirs of powerful families or genuine academic prodigies. Classes had already started. Under normal circumstances, Selene wouldn't have stood a chance.
Julian had donated over fifty million in advanced laboratory equipment under her name. After lengthy negotiations, the university president finally agreed to admit her as a student of special contribution—on the condition she begin as a freshman.
"No need," Selene replied calmly. "I can get into a university on my own."
Julian slammed his hand on the desk.
"Enough stubbornness. This isn't negotiable. Pack your things. The housekeeper will take you on Monday."
He left the study immediately, clearly afraid she'd say something that would send his blood pressure through the roof.
Selene remained behind, standing alone.
…Wait.
Wasn't this going the wrong way?
Shouldn't she be the one storming out?