Reclaiming Her Heart

Chapter 517 Raymond Really Cares for Her

Touched, Olivia found herself gazing at Raymond, a belief blooming within her that she still occupied a corner of his heart. "Raymond, you truly do care for me," she murmured.

Raymond, ensconced on the couch, offered no response to her heartfelt declaration.

As Dr. Barnes concluded his examination of her finger, Olivia proffered her other hand just as he was preparing to take his leave.

"Dr. Barnes, this hand feels somewhat peculiar as well," she said.

It was evident, even to the most obtuse observer, that Olivia was contriving reasons to prolong his stay. But to what end?

Dr. Barnes' gaze strayed involuntarily towards Raymond, who appeared lost in thought and failed to return the look. The previous night, Alex had insinuated that Raymond was entangled in a romantic liaison with another. Yet, Raymond's tolerance of Olivia's theatrics suggested a lingering affection for her. Perhaps Alex's tales were mere fabrications. Unperturbed by the additional task, Dr. Barnes meticulously examined her other hand before offering her a smile.

"Miss Stone, may I take my leave now?" he asked.

All things considered, his visit had extended by a good forty minutes. Olivia responded with a slight smile.

"Dinner is prepared, Dr. Barnes. Would you care to join us?"

Dr. Barnes declined her invitation with a shake of his head, casting a glance at his wristwatch.

must be on my

Olivia allowed him to depart. During his visit, he had received three calls from the Harper family, all imploring him to

was in a state of distress, perspiration dotting her forehead, her lips nearly blanched from anxiety. She

himself questioning whether a negative response would cause her to unravel completely. However, given the state of her

back her tears, finally succumbed to

instead heard Selena say, "Shelley, I wish to rest

to remain by Selena's side for another half hour

ruminated over the doctor's words of uncertainty, her tears cascading

in strode Baxter Barnes, his white coat a stark contrast to the

her tears, her heart pounding

down beside her. He reached out, taking her injured hand into his own for a closer examination. "What happened?" he inquired,

barely a whisper, her voice raspy

her gaze, his expression unreadable. "Would you be able to accept the amputation of the finger?"

downwards at his words, her other hand clenching the bedsheets tightly. Her chest rose and fell rapidly,

scenario. Allow me to treat this again. The soft tissue is relatively unscathed. If

temporary treatment. However, as time passed,

against

soft tissues had been completely damaged, amputation would have been the only

her face. Baxter Barnes noted her silence, a flicker of surprise crossing

examination and subsequent treatment took a full twenty minutes, after which the wound was carefully