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.

Unperturbed by the world around her, Selena continued to paint until her masterpiece was complete, then proceeded to pack up her easel. Caterlington leaned in,

"Indeed," she confirmed.

surprise. He had always known of her talent, but he hadn't expected her to be

are satisfied, I am happy," she

done you a significant favor. Merely two pieces, don't you think I'm being shortchanged?" he

concurred and promptly made a promise. "Whenever you require a painting, I shall

appreciated her straightforwardness and pulled her into a warm embrace. "It's settled then. I'll escort you

from his hold. "And you needn't go out of your way

he should seek companionship elsewhere. Caterlington glanced at Raymond,

I won't insist. You may

of footsteps echoed from behind. Assuming it was Caterlington

light streaming in through the door's window, and her eyes met Raymond's. The room was dimly lit, the only source of light being the faint glow from the small

frowned, "Mr. Montague?"

marks. Even the old ones