Reclaiming Her Heart

Chapter 425 Domestic Violence "How long have you been working here?" Selena asked.

"Two years," the woman responded.

That meant she knew about James' family living in a villa and running a company in New York even before Steven, possibly even before Victoria. She had kept silent all this time. It was also her who had notified James last night. Selena noticed the bruised skin peeping from beneath the woman's sleeve. It seemed that even now, Steven had never ceased his violent ways at home.

When Lily Fair saw that Selena had nothing more to say, she suddenly burst into tears.

"Miss. Fair, please don't fire me." Selena was startled and quickly pulled her up, "What are you doing?" Lily Fair looked down. "I know you never really liked our family..." Selena was silent. She didn't have a strong impression of Lily Fair. Now, seeing her small and frail, with a face marked by hardships and exposed skin covered in bruises, Selena couldn't help but feel a surge of compassion. "I never considered firing you. Just cooperate with the police to give your statement for now." Lily Fair, fearing Selena might regret her leniency, hurriedly nodded and left.

Once she was gone, Selena felt a slight alleviation of her headache.

Lily Fair had been working here for two years, and her father hadn't even realized that she was his brother's wife. Selena was about to dive into her work files when a message from Raymond popped up. Sent to her personal number, it was clearly intended for his wife.

A brief message read: "Take the money." Selena smiled to herself, fully realizing what the money meant. First, it was compensation for last night's ordeal. Second, it was a hush money to keep her from telling her grandfather, with the obvious threat implied.

"Mr. Montague, if you wish to proceed with a divorce, I am ready to complete the formalities at the court anytime." Selena had been kept in the dark all of last night, her face shrouded; Raymond certainly hadn't seen her. But then again, Raymond had told James that he knew exactly what Selena was thinking.

How could he say such a thing? He didn't know her at all, acting as if she had committed sgrave error.

His words could even be considered an accusation.

Selena wanted to retaliate, to ask Raymond what misunderstanding lay between them that made him speak so clearly.

But it was not necessary.

Raymond felt a surge of anger when he read the message.

He vividly remembered Selena's previous attempts to seduce him.

Raymond gave a mocking laugh; Selena sure could act.

He even suspected that last night's incident was a orchestrated by her to gain his sympathy.

Otherwise, why would the kidnappers leave so readily? Raymond furrowed his brow, his gaze turning colder.

He tossed his phone aside without replying to Selena's message.

Not that Selena expected a reply. She immersed herself in work, staying busy until evening arrived, her mood lifting a bit when she learned that the police had taken away those involved from her company for questioning. She wasn't one to lose her cool easily.

Selena remained at the office until dusk before making a trip to Manhattan. She was eager to finalize the house deal, hoping to minimize her encounters with Raymond.

Fortunately, there was only one accident with the house's renovation, and Cornerstone Construction has a good reputation in the industry, so they're still to be trusted. Selena went up to the second floor to check the progress. She had prepared an exceptionally large master bedroom for Raymond.

After all, it was the last house she designed; she only wanted it to be perfect.

Selena sent Raymond a message from her work number.

"Mr. Montague, I noticed you have quite a talent for painting when we were in Ridgefield. Would you liketo prepare a separate stufor you?" At that moment, Raymond was over at Alex's place, where Alex had invited sfriends for a small gathering at his villa.

He was no stranger to such revelries, hosting nearly a hundred every year, e always seeking out the liveliest spots.

"Raymond, isn't Madam Montague coming back? This is an oil painting I acquired last time. Heard it was started by Master Butler, but hem suddenly had urgent matters and flew out of the country, leaving half unfinished. It got sold as is. The person who gave it tosaid many artists dared not touch it, but you definitely would. Here, take this painting. Why don't you finish the rest and gift it to Madam Montague for her birthday?" Alex was excited, nudging Raymond with his elbow.

Raymond took a glance at the painting, recognizing it as a genuine piece by Mr. Butler.

True to his free-spirited nature, it was entirely plausible for Mr. Butler to leave his painting half-finished.

A flicker of amusement crossed Raymond's eyes as he chuckled, "Why not let Mr. Butler's student complete it?" This piqued Alex's interest, and even Paul, who was sitting nearby, set down his glass.

Mr. Butler's paintings were popular in these circles, and though it wasm rumored he had taken a student, no one knew their name. Raymond simply smiled without a word.

After sitting there for half an hour, Raymond left with the painting.

After storing the painting safely, he returned to the hotel.

Then, he made a call to Selena.

"Selena, cto the hotel and bring your painting tools."