Reclaiming Her Heart
Chapter 537 Selena's Departure Years Ago

Raymond was steadfast in his conviction that Selena would never betray him. He held onto the hope that she could genuinely resolve the issue at hand, as it would be to his benefit. After all, the woman who had ensnared him at home was unlikely to release him from her grasp anytime soon. "Have you previously designed houses for the Fair family?" he asked.

"I suppose so," she replied nonchalantly.

Raymond's eyes narrowed, his grip on her tightening. "You..." His words were cut off by the intrusive ring of his phone. It was a call from Mr. Montague Sr., likely regarding Oliver's situation.

Releasing Selena, Raymond grabbed his coat and rose from his seat. "I won't mention this to Olivia," he assured her. His phone continued its insistent ringing, as if it would persist until he answered.

Recognizing his preoccupation, Selena followed him out. "If you have pressing matters, you should go ahead," she suggested.

However, as the elevator descended, Raymond seized her head and kissed her forcefully, as if attempting to extract her very soul. Her legs weakened beneath her. Why did it feel as though he was marching towards his execution?

The elevator doors opened and closed rhythmically in the underground garage, and Selena struggled to catch her breath amidst the fervor of the kiss. With no one entering and no buttons pressed, the elevator eventually came to a halt. In the confined space, Raymond's scent enveloped her.

Releasing her, Raymond said, "I'll have John take you home."

Selena intended to inquire about his destination, but the exit had shifted. "It's more convenient for me to hail a cab," she countered.

Raymond's phone continued its relentless ringing. The duration of their delay mirrored the length of the call, highlighting the urgency of the caller.

"Mr. Montague, you should leave first," she urged.

As Raymond climbed into the car, he turned and fixed her with a profound gaze. Selena couldn't shake the feeling that there was a deeper significance behind his glance.

Raymond arrived at the Montague family's residence, and before he could even cross the threshold, a cup was hurled at his chest. Grandpa's furious voice echoed through the air, "Kneel outside, kneel until you die!" Without a moment's hesitation, Raymond obeyed, dropping to his knees.

Seated next to Grandpa was Oliver, who looked as though he had been on the receiving end of a severe beating. His face was swollen and distorted, resembling a pig's head, and he was unable to move his body, drool dribbling from his mouth. "Grandpa..." Oliver managed to croak out, flinching instinctively when he saw Raymond.

Mr. Montague Sr, leaning heavily on his cane, slowly made his way to the doorway, his face a mask of ill health. "What did Oliver do to deserve such a brutal beating?" he demanded. Oliver, unable to form a coherent sentence due to his injuries, was unable to explain that Raymond had beaten him for making a move on Selena.

Despite his condition, Oliver had managed to communicate his need to see Grandpa. The moment Mr. Montague Sr laid eyes on him, he knew instinctively that Raymond was responsible. Among the Montague clan, Raymond was known for his ruthlessness.

Even as he knelt on the ground, Raymond maintained an air of nobility. "Grandpa, do you remember the night I returned to the country? You wondered why I left the party early. Oliver drugged me, and I ended up sleeping with a woman." The revelation nearly caused Mr. Montague Sr to stumble down the stairs.

Upon hearing this, Oliver struggled futilely. His pupils contracted in shock. He had indeed drugged Raymond that night, but Raymond had been too cautious, too wary of the Montague family, for the plan to succeed. His initial intention had been to photograph Raymond in a compromising position and show it to Olivia, hoping to shatter her faith in him. But when his plan failed, he had abandoned it. He hadn't expected Raymond to bring it up now, and he felt a chill creep over his body.

Raymond continued, "Because of my mistake, I had a relationship with someone. Of course, I have to take responsibility. Oliver threatened me by capturing the other party, and in the heat of the moment, I thought about that night." Oliver trembled with rage, feeling as though the truth was being twisted.

Mr. Montague Sr frowned. He wouldn't tolerate fratricide, let alone such repugnant tactics, particularly using a victimized woman as a means of coercion. He rubbed his forehead and ordered, "Kneel, kneel all night, and reflect on yourself!" Oliver whimpered in protest, but his objections fell on deaf ears. Grandpa, assisted by the butler, left the room, appearing physically and mentally drained.

Once Grandpa had left, Raymond turned his gaze on Oliver. His eyes were as sharp as a knife, causing Oliver to break out in a cold sweat and quickly lower his head. He knew that if he continued to argue, he wouldn't have another chance to plead his case. Grandpa clearly favored Raymond. Besides, with only one heir remaining, Grandpa would never let anything happen to him.

The others quickly ushered Oliver away, leaving Raymond alone, still kneeling outside. The surrounding servants didn't dare approach. Upstairs in his study, Mr. Montague Sr sighed heavily as the butler handed him a cup of tea. "Mr. Montague Sr, please calm down," he implored.

Mr. Montague Sr pondered whether it was right to let Selena marry Raymond. The reckless young man had been involved with multiple women; how could he be worthy of Selena? "Oliver is still young and immature, perhaps he will change in a few years," he mused. But with a cold laugh, he added, "A few years later, Selena will have already left him. He will only learn his lesson after losing out!"