Selena looked at Gernard, her face scrunching up playfully. “Gernard, what’s that supposed to mean? Are you saying you don’t want an adorable, lively, beautiful sister like me?” She cupped her face with both hands, batting her eyes dramatically. Gernard gave a faint smile. “I don’t mind, but someone else might.””Huh?” Selena blinked, her eyes shifting toward Aveline.Aveline shrugged, clearly staying out of it. That left only one person-Gavin.Pouting slightly, Selena made up her mind. She would need to have a little chat with Gavin. Why wouldn’t he want her in the family?Wilfried and Gavin finally emerged from the study almost two hours later.Waiting for them at the foot of the stairs, arms crossed, was Selena.”Mr. Wilfried, it’s getting late. You should head to bed,” Selena said with a polite smile as she looked at Wilfried.Wilfried chuckled, nodding in agreement. “Good idea. You all should get some rest too.”With that, he headed to his room, leaving Selena to focus her attention on Gavin.”Mr. Cooper, do you have a moment for a chat?” she asked, fixing her gaze on him.Gavin, adjusting his sleeve as he descended the stairs, carried himself with his usual cold, dignified air. Tall, handsome, and commanding, his presence exuded quiet authority as he regarded her with an indifferent glance. “What do you want to talk about?” Selena didn’t hold back. “Do you have something against me?”Gavin’s response was short. “No.”He walked past her, heading toward the mini bar to pour himself a glass of water. Selena followed him, undeterred.”So, what’s your opinion of me?” she pressed. Gavin glanced at her, his tone unbothered. “No opinion.”Selena was perplexed, biting her lip in frustration. She couldn’t just come out and demand what she really wanted, so instead, she asked, “Then why…?”Gavin cut her off, his voice cool. “If you’ve got something to say, say it directly.”Selena’s eyes narrowed. “Mr. Wilfried wants to take me in as his goddaughter. Why did you object?”Gavin took a sip of his water, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly before he responded. “The Cooper family already has a daughter. We don’t need another.” Well, that shut her up.Selena glared at Gavin, muttering, “You definitely have something against me.”With that, she spun on her heel and stormed off.Gavin watched her retreating figure, his gaze lingering on the diamond ring that sparkled on her finger. There was something about it that irritated him, though he wasn’t quite sure why. He took another sip of water before turning away, leaving the matter behind. …The housekeeper led him into the living room, where Selena had already instructed Aveline, “I don’t want to see him right now. You handle it!”The day before New Year’s Eve, Aaron arrived.Without another word, she dartedupstairs, frantically looking for a place to hide. Hearing footsteps from downstairs, she glancedaround and spotted an open door. Without thinking, she rushed inside. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.зимOnly after she had closed the door behind her did she realize it was Gavin’s room. Selena froze, standing by the doorway, torn between staying put and making a run for it.Downstairs, Aaron entered the living room, his expression immediately shifting when he saw Aveline sitting calmly on the sofa. His smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “It seems becoming the heiress of the Cooper family has been treating you well.” His words carried a subtle edge of mockery, the tension already rising.Aveline met his gaze, her tone cool. “What brings you here?””I know she’s here. Tell her to come down and see me,” Aaron replied, his voice sharp with impatience.Aveline’s stare remained unwavering. “Why are you looking for her?””She’s my wife. Tomorrow’s New Year’s Eve. I’m here to take her home for the holiday,” Aaron said flatly.Aveline’s voice stayed calm but firm. “This is her home, too.””She’s married now,” Aaron pointed out.Aveline’s eyes narrowed, her tone growing colder. “So what? Just because she’s married to you, she’s not allowed to come home for the holidays?”