Reclaiming Her Heart

Chapter 490 The Debt Remembered—Five More Times

The sincerity in Raymond's demeanor almost had Alex second-guessing himself. Could it be possible that Raymond truly held no feelings for the woman in question?

"Very well, if it's merely a fleeting affair, stop this melancholic drinking," Alex advised.

"I'm not wallowing in self-pity," Raymond retorted, his gaze once again drifting towards Selena.

She was a considerable distance away, her head bowed in deep concentration, seemingly oblivious to the surrounding clamor. A profound sense of melancholy began to creep into Raymond's heart.

"She's not that extraordinary, anyway," Alex couldn't resist a smug grin, his lips curling into an amused smirk.

Regaining his composure, he turned back to Raymond, his expression stern. "Indeed, New York is teeming with women far more beautiful and talented than her."

"Indeed," Raymond agreed, the heaviness in his heart deepening.

the world around her, Selena continued to paint until her masterpiece was complete,

"Indeed," she confirmed.

eyebrows arching in surprise. He had always known of her talent, but he hadn't expected her to be this exceptional. Her work was strikingly lifelike, adding

are satisfied, I am happy," she

two pieces, don't you think I'm

and promptly made a promise. "Whenever you require

pulled her into a warm embrace. "It's settled then. I'll

gently extricated herself from his hold. "And you needn't go out of

seek companionship elsewhere. Caterlington glanced at Raymond, who was lurking in the dimly lit corner, his expression concealed in the

won't insist. You may leave at your leisure,"

completed painting to Caterlington, and exited with her easel. As she neared the end of the hallway, the sound of footsteps echoed from behind.

met Raymond's. The room was dimly lit, the only source of light being the faint

"Mr. Montague?"

fingers traced her neck, finding no fresh marks. Even the old ones had faded