Married First, Loved Later : A Flash Marriage with My Ex's 'Uncle'
Chapter 424: Admitted It

Chapter 424: Admitted It

Logan paused, brow slightly furrowing. He was worried something was wrong with Selina.

Did the paternity test go badly? Was she in a bad mood? Or was it something so big she insisted on discussing it only at home—but now refused to go home at all?

Suddenly, a male voice broke in with a laugh.

"Hey, look at this gossip site online! It’s hilarious—they’re saying the Nelson Family is about to form a business marriage alliance with the Reid Family. Ha! They make it sound so real!"

Selina’s eyebrow arched in mild interest.

Another voice joined in with a laugh.

"But aren’t both the Nelson and Reid heirs right here? Why don’t we just ask them if it’s true?"

Scott leaned over to see the post too, amused.

"Oh, I know the guy who runs that site. His scoops are rarely wrong. Riley—you didn’t tell us you’re getting a business marriage deal?"

Riley blinked, clearly caught off guard, and then her face slowly turned red.

Seeing her reaction, the group immediately started teasing.

"Whoa—Logan, what do you say about that?"

Selina calmly watched Riley, then slowly let her gaze move over the so-called friends helping her out.

Luke was practically vibrating with anger.

What the hell is this? Business marriage? Who’s spreading this bullshit?

He knew exactly what was going on. The green-tea act was strong here.

Luke gave a sharp, mocking snort.

"You guys actually believe that? Didn’t Logan just introduce Selina as his wife? And you’re asking if he’s planning a marriage alliance?"

Riley’s friends froze, looking uneasy.

Scott tried to smooth it over with an easy smile.

"Just kidding around, Luke. Don’t take it so hard. Look—even Logan’s not saying anything."

Luke’s jaw clenched.

Oh, you’re mocking me now? Saying I’m the one overreacting?

He immediately turned his sarcasm on full blast.

"Oh? But Riley, you don’t look like you’re joking at all. If it’s such a big joke, why’re you turning red?"

Riley visibly flinched and ground her teeth.

Dammit, Luke!

Scott let out a soft chuckle, then turned to Selina, voice all gentle diplomacy.

"Selina, you’re not mad, right? We’re all friends here. We just like teasing Riley a bit. Honestly, we forgot Logan’s already married. That was insensitive, I’m sorry."

"But hey, it’s just a rumor. Nothing to get upset over."

Luke nearly exploded.

Son of a—!

He was about to roll up his sleeves and start cussing them out when Logan set down his wine glass, lifted his eyes, and said coolly:

"Who said it’s a rumor?"

Luke: "...?"

LOGAN WHAT ARE YOU DOING? If you’re being held hostage blink twice!

The entire room froze. Everyone’s eyes bounced between Logan and Riley.

If this "business alliance" wasn’t a rumor...then that meant...

Scott looked startled for a second, then gave an eager grin.

"Not a rumor? Wait, Logan—are you saying there’s something going on behind the scenes?"

Logan nodded calmly.

"I don’t see much of the Reid Family these days, but I did hear my grandfather mention plans to arrange a business marriage with the Nelson Family."

That was it.

Riley’s vague hint was one thing, but hearing Logan confirm "business marriage" made it real.

Everyone in the room exchanged looks, glancing at Selina with barely hidden curiosity.

Figures she isn’t the favored one after all.

No matter how perfect the public image of their marriage was, that was all for show.

They all grew up in this world. They knew there was no such thing as genuine love in a powerful family marriage. Especially not with someone like Logan.

And now, in front of Mrs. Reid, he was acknowledging plans to marry Riley as part of a business deal.

What was she supposed to think?

Luke was practically vibrating with panic, shooting Selina worried glances, bracing for her to blow up and start flipping tables.

But Selina just sat there on the sofa, calm as ever, slowly eating her grapes.

Luke was so frustrated he could spit. Grapes? Really? What’s so good about grapes right now?! Selina, have some pride!

Apparently his expression was too ferocious, because Logan arched a brow and added calmly:

"But for the details, you’ll have to ask Luke."

Riley felt a sudden jolt of unease. Just moments ago she’d been basking in the glow of Logan admitting the idea of a business alliance—but what did Luke have to do with it?

Luke, who had been happily spectating this drama from the sidelines, froze.

"...Huh?"

Logan’s voice was mild, but cutting:

"Isn’t Luke the one Reid Family would marry off to the Nelson Family?"

Riley’s smile faltered. Around the room, people traded bewildered glances. Wait—what was Logan implying?

Scott let out a slightly uncomfortable chuckle.

"Logan, come on, what are you talking about? Luke and Riley? How would he be the one for a business alliance?"

Logan remained calm.

"If it’s not Luke, then who? Owen?"

Luke: "..."

Luke: "!"

Suddenly, it all clicked.

He put on a mock-thoughtful face.

"You know what, that actually makes sense. After all, my second brother’s Grandpa and Dad’s favorite heir. He’s the Reid Family’s legitimate son. If anyone was gonna be traded off in a business marriage, it’d be him."

Owen?! Riley’s polite smile nearly shattered. Him?! That useless trash?

Sure, Reid Family talked Owen up like he was some golden heir, but everyone knew that compared to Logan he was nothing.

The man she had her eye on was Logan. Marry Owen? Over her dead body.

Riley took a deep breath, trying to steady her tone.

"Luke, there’s no need to make stuff up. That whole ’business alliance’ talk was just speculation on my part. It might not even be real..."

Luke gave her a wide-eyed innocent look.

"But it’s everywhere online, Riley. And you didn’t deny it. Why would it be fake? Don’t be shy."

He put on a conspiratorial smile.

"I mean, I never heard anything about a marriage deal. Logan’s married already. The only single one is Owen. He’s the heir. You two actually match pretty well. It has to be him!"

Luke even winked at Selina like he wanted credit for helping out.

Selina: "..."

Logan’s lips curved in a faint smile.

"Makes sense. I’ll ask Owen about it later."

Scott’s polite expression cracked a little.

"Logan, you know how these rumors are. Half the time they’re just clickbait. You can’t believe everything online."

Riley bit her lip, voice tight.

"...I probably misheard. My parents wouldn’t want me in some business marriage anyway."

Logan nodded slowly, swirling his wine.

"Well, if we know it’s not true, we shouldn’t let these false rumors spread."

Scott quickly bowed his head.

"I’ll be more careful."

Logan’s gaze cooled and drifted away.

The room fell into an awkward hush. No one dared keep chatting. The air practically hummed with tension.

Just then, a server knocked politely at the door.

"Mr. Hanks, we’re ready for what you requested."

Scott finally smiled again, though his eyes were hard as he flicked them toward Selina before looking away.

"Since it’s Riley’s birthday, I planned a little activity. I hid a music score somewhere in CY Club. Not just any score—it’s from the 17th century and once belonged to The Ghost Doctor’s collection. Whoever finds it gets to keep it."

Selina’s head snapped up the moment she heard The Ghost Doctor.

She knew that score. It should have been perfectly safe at home. How the hell had Scott gotten his hands on it?

And this club... she remembered it from when she was little...

Scott’s voice was smooth as he singled her out politely.

"Miss Selina—would you like to participate?"