Reclaiming Her Heart
Chapter 535 Is she your designer?

Dr. Barnes found himself reflecting on a conversation, one that now took on new significance given Raymond's evident concern. "Are you referring to your little designer?" he had asked. Raymond hadn't denied it, instead replying, "Her hand is important. It's crucial that there are no lasting effects. Join me tonight and examine it closely."

"Why not simply have her visit the hospital?" Dr. Barnes had suggested, but Raymond had been searching for a reason to bring Selena to his hotel. Aside from her hand, he couldn't conjure up another plausible excuse.

Dr. Barnes, watching through the digital screen, seemed to grasp Raymond's subtle scheme. He found himself intrigued by the woman who had so clearly captivated Raymond. "Fine, I'll be there at nine tonight," he agreed. After ending the call, Raymond immediately reached out to Selena.

Upon seeing his call, her initial instinct was to ignore it. "Mr. Montague," she began, her voice cool and detached.

"I've arranged for a specialist to examine your hand tonight. Aren't you worried?" Raymond asked, his voice laced with worry.

Selena had just finished a consultation with Dr. Barnes, who had reassured her that as long as she remained cautious, everything would be fine.

Selena's friend Shelley had mentioned that Dr. Barnes was the preeminent surgeon in all of New York, so it was likely that Raymond had engaged his services.

"No need," Raymond replied.

There was a brief silence before Raymond added, "I contacted Dr. Barnes to examine your hand. He's an internationally acclaimed surgeon. Your hand won't suffer any lasting damage."

"My hand is fine," Selena insisted, her voice firm.

"I've already made an appointment with him," Raymond explained.

By this time, Selena was nearing Ashbourne Manor. She needed to investigate the matter of a particular plot of land. The bidding process for this land had been delayed for a year, and she suspected some hidden agenda. However, only a select few top figures would be privy to such secrets.

"Mr. Montague, if it weren't for the Manhattan project, I would resign," Selena declared, her voice resolute. Raymond felt a surge of frustration and anger. "Must you be so ungrateful?" he retorted, his voice sharp. Without another word, Selena ended the call.

Upon her arrival at Ashbourne Manor, she informed Fiona that she wouldn't be requiring any soup that evening.

Retreating to her room, she switched on her computer and began researching the land. It was situated in the eastern part of the city, a relatively tranquil area, making it ideal for residential development.

Despite spending over half an hour searching for information, Selena came up empty-handed. It was to be expected, she reasoned. If the hidden agenda behind the land was easily discoverable, why would companies still be vying for it? She decided to reach out to Henry for more insight.

"This involves government planning," Henry quickly responded. "Initially, this land held great promise. It was designated as a free-trade zone, the only one in the vicinity. But why has it been delayed for a year? Why not ask Raymond?" Rumors had been circulating about Raymond evicting Selena, and they had already reached a small circle of people. Raymond's father, still holding his position, hadn't been home much, so he was likely well-informed about the land's planning. Recent gossip suggested that within two years, the area would be connected to the subway and a commercial district would be established. Given its status as a free-trade zone, the land's price had remained high. However, after a year without any bidding, many large companies that were initially interested had opted to abandon their plans, causing the land's price to drop.

Now, only smaller companies with some remaining funds were still participating in the bidding process. Among these companies, the Fair family was undoubtedly the weakest.

The Fair family was currently unable to raise any funds and had only participated in the bidding process as a formality.

After ending the call, Selena sat in front of her computer, lost in thought.

Meanwhile, at precisely nine o'clock, Dr. Barnes arrived at the hotel. But upon opening the door, he found only Raymond in the living room, a stack of documents in front of him.

Dr. Barnes scanned the room but found no one else. "Where's your little designer?" he asked.

Raymond's hand, which had been holding the files, froze, and his brow furrowed. Dr. Barnes had brought a large medicine box with him, but seeing that there was no one else present, he guessed that the person probably hadn't taken Raymond's offer seriously.

"Did she give you a hard time?" he asked, his tone light.

Raymond set down the documents and changed the subject. "Why did you return to the country a year early?"

Dr. Barnes had initially planned to stay overseas for five years but had returned after only four. Raymond hadn't attended the last gathering, so Dr. Barnes took a seat nearby to explain the situation to him.

"You haven't been keeping up with the news from Spain," he began. "A month ago, it was discovered during a routine examination at our hospital that the little princess of the world's largest film and television company, the Smith family, who are currently ranked number one on the billionaire list, is not Mr. Smith's biological daughter. Mr. Smith and his wife had their child here in New York under urgent circumstances, but the hospital they went to failed to take any security measures. They were also facing threats and various unfavorable factors at the time. As a result, the child that Mrs. Smith gave birth to was switched with another baby. The current princess of the Smith family does not carry the Smith bloodline. The real princess of the world's largest film and television conglomerate is still out there, and only Mr. Smith is aware of this."

Dr. Barnes picked up the drink on the table and continued saying at a leisurely pace. "Mr. Smith invested in our hospital and has a relationship with me, so he entrusted this matter to me. I came back to work, and it's convenient for me to investigate this information in the hospital."