But what was going on? Selina had no blood ties to the Brown Family!
It was Damien who calmly broke the silence.
"Actually, we have Grandma Morris to thank for that."
"She’s known about Selina for over twenty years. But she looked down on her, refused to acknowledge her. That’s how we got the chance to adopt Selina as our goddaughter."
All at once, everyone turned to look at Grandma Morris, exchanging stunned glances.
This old woman... She knew exactly where her granddaughter was and kept it hidden, letting Selina live her life as an outsider for twenty-one years.
Joe could feel the judgment in everyone’s eyes, sweat beading on his forehead as a chill ran down his spine.
Chairman Brown nodded slightly.
"It’s true Selina isn’t related to the Brown Family by blood. But we love her dearly. She’s the Brown Family’s daughter in every way that matters. Her sitting at the main table is only natural. As for Grandma Morris..."
Everyone held their breath — it felt like a slap was coming.
And sure enough, Chairman Brown let out a sigh.
"As for the Morris Family — you’re at the second table only because Selina requested it. She still thinks of you, still tries to protect your dignity. And what do you do? Not only do you leave her out of your guest list — you show up with a distant relative to take her place."
Joe turned beet red. His knees almost buckled. He looked like he could faint at any moment.
He hadn’t seen this coming — not at all.
What now? Will Selina ever come home? What should I do?
Sandy’s face went pale. Like a delicate little flower, she began to cry softly.
Mrs. Brown waved a hand dismissively.
"Enough. Get them out of here. We don’t welcome the Morris Family."
She turned to Selina, her voice softening.
"Don’t mind them, sweetheart. Take your seat."
Selina gave a faint smile and lowered her gaze. "Alright."
There was a ripple of whispers around the room.
From her expression, it was clear: Selina was done. Hurt by her own father and grandmother, she didn’t want to speak anymore.
And who could blame her? Anyone treated like that would be heartbroken.
Joe looked utterly defeated. Grandma Morris was trembling with rage — and shame.
No. No, they couldn’t be thrown out like this. If they got kicked out now, what face would the Morris Family have left?
They’d be a laughingstock.
This couldn’t happen.
And Selina — why didn’t she say anything about her ties to the Brown Family sooner?!
Mrs. Brown had probably just been watching her make a fool of herself. Ugh!!
The security guards had stepped forward. The Morris Family was about to be removed when Joe finally couldn’t take it anymore.
"Selina..." he called out weakly.
Selina looked up at him.
This spineless, delusional, mother-obsessed man... had the nerve to look heartbroken.
She frowned slightly, not understanding what he was sad about.
Wasn’t he the one who stood by and let all this happen?
Two days ago, Kyle had messaged her.
He told her he knew she looked down on the Morris Family — and frankly, they didn’t deserve her. He’d been thinking hard lately and realized just how wrong the family had been, especially the old woman. No one in the Morris Family dared challenge her, and that was why things had only gotten worse over time.
Kyle told her he couldn’t bear to watch anymore. He’d already moved out of the Morris estate, had no intention of inheriting the family business, and planned to start a company of his own.
He even apologized in that message — for not thinking for himself, for always obeying his father, who in turn obeyed his grandmother. And because of that blind obedience, mistake after mistake had piled up.
Selina looked at Joe, wondering: Even Kyle figured it out. Does Joe really not understand?
Maybe he did.
Maybe he just didn’t want to take responsibility.
In his mind, Grandma Morris was the one to blame for everything.
Victoria leaving, Selina refusing to come home — that was all on her.
Not his fault. Never his fault.
And so, he never had to face what he’d done.
Selina’s eyes darkened for a moment—then she suddenly smiled and said softly, "Big brother, help me out?"
Damien raised an eyebrow. Selina rarely asked him for help, so...
"Mom," Damien said aloud, his voice carrying across the entire room.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Married First, Loved Later : A Flash Marriage with My Ex's 'Uncle'
Read it all in one go. Was amazing...