GoodNovelChapter 434 Madam Montague At that moment, Selena crouched on the floor, searching for the ring that had vanished after Raymond's careless toss. She lifted the couch, which she had already scoured underneath once to no avail.
Max, her pet, was playfully prancing around, begging for her attention, but she remained focused on her task. Every corner of the floor had been checked, yet the ring remained elusive. Her spirits sank, eyes reddening-she should have never worn it tonight.
After midnight, the tiny ring seemed to have vanished into thin air.
Selena grew increasingly restless and sat on the couch, dazed and contemplating a sleepless night ahead. That's when she heard Max's bark and there it was the ring, trapped in the crevice of the couch.
A spark of relief ignited in her eyes as she retrieved the treasured piece. She carefully placed it back into the box in her bedroom, where it lay next to a sealed letter. They were both secured under lock and key, along with her notebook. She breathed a sigh of relief but then remembered the row she had with Raymond and how she had sent him away.
But she wasn't about to apologize, not now. After all, it was his fault.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtSelena didn't cave this tand let things be.
And so, they were at an impasse for a week until Mrs. Montague, the matriarch of the Montague family, returned.
Mrs. Montague, close to Catherine, was greeted personally by her upon arrival. But Raymond didn't show. Neither did Mr. Montague Sr.
Mrs. Montague exuded elegance in her tasteful gown..
Catherine poured her a glass of red wine and listened as she inquired, "What about the woman Raymond married?" Taking a sip, Mrs. Montague mused, "Three years, and the boy hasn't left her. He's quite patient." Catherine reassured demurely, "Mom, don't you worry. I've warned her not to have any illusions." Mrs. Montague didn't stay at the old Montague estate but at Catherine's place, Wolfland. It was a clear sign she wasn't on the best terms with the old man.
She scoffed. "The old man insisted on this marriage. Who knows what spell he was under." Then, the doorbell rang. The maid opened the door to reveal Olivia, staggering in with an armful of presents.
"Mrs. Montague, you're finally back! I missed you so much." Mrs. Montague's face broke into a warm smile upon seeing her.
"Oh, my dear Olivia. Chere and letsee how beautiful you've become." Eagerly, Olivia presented her gifts.
"Mrs. Montague, this is Mr. Butler's latest work. I brought it just for you, knowing how much you admire him." If Selena were here, she'd immediately spot that it was a fake, but a superb one at that. Likely, only the artist himself and she could tell the difference.
A gleam appeared in Mrs. Montague's eyes as she rose to examine the painting closely.
"Oh, Olivia, how thoughtful of you. I heard Mr. Butler had gifted this piece to someone. I never imagined it would end up with you." Olivia's lips curled into a slight smile.
"I had always wanted to study under Mr. Butler, and it wasn't easy to secure a session with him. Getting my hands on this painting was quite a feat. As long as you're pleased, Mrs. Montague, that's all that matters. It's been ages since we last met, and you're looking even younger." Mrs. Montague let out a chuckle and affectionately tapped Olivia on the forehead.
"Oh, you sweet-talker, always the charmer. Just like you used to be. Poor Raymond never did cash in on his luck." Olivia's face fell as she mentioned that, her eyes welling up with tears.
"Please, don't say that, Mrs. Montague. It's my fault. Raymond and I, we were just too young back then."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Hmph! It's not your fault at all. You have such a talent for painting. You almost landed an apprenticeship with Mr. Butler. I remember Raymond remember trying to impress Mr. Butler as well, but he was turned down for being too introverted. Your personality complements his perfectly, though. Once he's divorced, if you don't mind, the doors of the Montague family will always be open for you."
Olivia quickly responded, "How could I ever look down on Raymond? And I O know he was forced into that marriage. He hasn't even laid a hand on that woman." "That's good to hear. No hard feelings then." The three of them sat together, chatting and laughing.
But deep down, Catherine couldn't help but look down on Olivia-forlit was sheer duck that had brought her was sheer into Mrs. Montague's good graces. Catherine still hoped Raymond would find someone more suitable, ideally a true lady of high society.
Once Olivia had left with a spring in her step, Mrs. Montague's face turned cold.
"What's the nof the woman who married Raymond? She hasn't even had the decency to csee me." Catherine sneered internally, guessing that probably no one had informed Selena.
After all, Selena barely cast a shadow on the Montague family.
But she kept these thoughts from Mrs. Montague.
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