Married First, Loved Later : A Flash Marriage with My Ex’s "Uncle" - Chapter 604

Capítulo 604: Whatever Others Have, You’ll Only Have Better!

“The young lady is the true owner behind CPJ Restaurant. Do either of you still have any doubts?”

…

The air froze.

Hannah’s expression changed drastically. Even though she tried to keep her composure, her face was turning pale and tight.

June, on the other hand, completely broke down and roared, “What did you say?!”

She had just been flaunting Ava’s supposed privilege of securing a spot at CPJ Restaurant—only to find out that CPJ was actually Selina’s property?!

But the manager ignored June’s meltdown. Instead, he turned respectfully to Selina. “Miss, shall I have them removed?”

Selina’s smile deepened. “That won’t be necessary. A guest is still a guest. Besides, didn’t Mrs. Hill say she was treating us to dinner today? Go ahead and tally up what Mrs. Hill has spent.”

The manager immediately replied, “Mrs. Hill’s orders weren’t particularly expensive—our restaurant isn’t known for overcharging. However, Mrs. Bryant did order a bottle of red wine. That wine happens to be a thirty-year vintage from the Redston Estate cellar. Eight hundred thousand per bottle.”

Selina raised her brows. “Now that’s what I call a distinguished guest. Go ahead and check out.”

Then she deliberately glanced at Hannah. “Though today wasn’t exactly pleasant, I must say, Mrs. Hill, I’m very satisfied that you spent over eight hundred thousand in my restaurant. Thank you for your generosity.”

Hannah felt her whole body trembling, as if struck by an unbearable humiliation. She bit her lip so hard it nearly bled, forcing herself not to lose control. Taking a deep breath, she forced a gentle smile. “Selina, I truly apologize for today. Sister-in-law, let’s go.”

June, however, was still spiraling into fury and despair.

“Mrs. Bryant.”

Selina suddenly called her name.

June snapped, her voice shrill, “What do you want now?!”

Selina smiled faintly. “Mrs. Bryant, I’ve always trusted my instincts. Even if someone changes their name or their face, they can’t hide from me. Do you understand?”

“You! I—I don’t know what you’re talking about!” June’s entire body trembled. Her angry expression twisted into one of terror. Without sparing another insult, she fled with Hannah.

Selina’s smile only grew deeper.

So she had been right—this June was definitely hiding something.

She was guilty.

Selina arched a brow and sat back down. “An eight-hundred-thousand bottle of wine shouldn’t go to waste.”

She finished the meal, satisfied that it had been paid for by Hannah. After wiping her lips, she stepped out of the private room—only to be startled by who was waiting outside.

“What are you doing here?!”

Jack was standing by the door.

Jack coughed awkwardly, nearly choking on a piece of melon. “Uh, well…”

Before Selina could process her surprise, her eyes widened again when she spotted another figure. “You—you’re here too?”

Aaron’s expression was complicated.

It was the first time he had ever witnessed Hannah being so brutally humiliated—and by none other than his seemingly delicate younger cousin.

Selina coughed lightly, covering her awkwardness. “If I say this was all an accident, would you believe me? I had no idea Hannah and June insisted on picking CPJ Restaurant of all places.”

Indeed, if they had chosen anywhere else, Selina wouldn’t have been able to flaunt her authority quite so brazenly.

Aaron didn’t press her about her ties with the Brown Family. He simply sighed. “June posted all over her social circle. Plenty of people envied her. But if word got out that you were the real owner behind CPJ, then it would be you they envy.”

Selina couldn’t care less about empty vanity. She arched a brow. “So, cousin, you came here because you were worried about me?”

Aaron gave a helpless nod.

Though Selina didn’t need the protection, she still felt a small warmth in her chest. She inclined her head. “Thank you.”

“There’s no need for us to say thank you…” Aaron frowned suddenly. “I think I understand why June came after you. It’s nothing more than showing off—her foster daughter caught Samuel’s eye and became his disciple. The day after tomorrow, they’re holding a formal apprenticeship banquet, and she just wanted to rub it in.”

Selina’s eyes flickered, curiosity sharpening as she sought to unravel June’s identity.

“Cousin, how long has June been married into the Hill Family?”

Aaron blinked, clearly not expecting that question. “Over twenty years.”

“Has she ever left the Hill Family before?”

Aaron answered honestly. “I’m not sure. I only returned to the Hill Family in recent years. But from what I’ve heard, she’s never left. June loves showing off. Back when Matt was in charge, she was his daughter-in-law. She often attended banquets using that status, basking in everyone’s flattery.”

So, by all accounts, June should never have left City N.

Then… could it really be true that the Katie who stayed by James’s side had nothing to do with June?

They chatted a little longer. Just as Selina was about to leave, Aaron suddenly called out, “Selina.”

She turned back.

Aaron asked, “Are you interested in oil painting? I heard you once joined an oil painting club at university.”

Selina froze for a moment. Ah, yes. Back at City A University, she had casually painted a piece, and that alone had been enough to gain entry into the oil painting club.

Aaron’s tone grew earnest. “Samuel may have taken an interest in Ava, but I know quite a few oil masters who are far more accomplished—even Samuel’s own teacher. If you’d like, I could introduce you to them. You could choose whichever one—or even several—to apprentice under.”

Aaron thought June and Ava’s arrogance came down to one thing: clinging to Samuel. The Hill Family might be wealthy and powerful, but even nobles required prestige.

Having a renowned artist or master painter take Ava on as a student implied that Ava had true talent. In a family that lacked neither money nor influence, talent itself became another form of pursuit.

Aaron didn’t want Selina to be overshadowed. More than that, he truly believed she deserved better.

To his surprise, Selina’s expression stiffened for a brief second. “Ah… I don’t think that’s necessary.”

Aaron, worried she was refusing out of insecurity, quickly reassured her. “It’s fine, Selina. Whatever Ava has, you can always have too.”

Selina shook her head quickly. “That’s not the reason.”

“Then what is it?” Aaron pressed.

Selina answered with complete sincerity. “I feel my oil painting has already reached its peak. At this point, I don’t think anyone is qualified to teach me.”

Aaron: “…”

Aaron was left utterly speechless: “?”

This wasn’t insecurity—it was sheer, unshakable confidence!

But after a moment’s thought, he couldn’t even find fault with it.

Of course his cousin should be confident. That was exactly as it should be!

Later, when they returned to Yúnshān Villa, Logan chuckled and asked, “So you really don’t want to take on a master in oil painting? Aaron could introduce you, and I could too.”

Selina: “?” Huh? Why was Logan inserting himself into this now?

“My style is already established. At this point, apprenticing under someone else doesn’t hold much meaning. And besides, I already have a teacher. Strictly speaking, he’s the one who taught me. Without his consent, I can’t just go and acknowledge someone else as my master.”