GoodNovelChapter 489 A Flof Jealousy At last, the persistent, searing sensation that had plagued him since his initial encounter with Caterlington becclear to him. It was jealousy. As he listened to his companions recount their lascivious exploits with unfiltered detail, he found the air growing increasingly oppressive.
Sensing his ill temper, Alex nudged his shoulder. "Shall we depart?" Alex had grown accustomed to their uninhibited discourse. To those on the outside, they appeared to be upstanding citizens engaged in discussions about stocks and business. However, beneath this veneer of respectability lurked less palatable subjects. It wasn't intended to belittle anyone; it was simply a manifestation of human nature, irrespective of one's background or education.
Yet, when Alex suggested they leave, Raymond remained resolutely in his seat. Alex, puzzled, was about to probe further when the door swung open, and Selena entered, sketchpad in hand. Caterlington sprang to his feet. "Selena." At the sound of her name, he eagerly bridged the gap between them.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Isn't it rather noisy in here?" She shook her head and quickly located Raymond, immediately discerning Caterlington's motives.
"I'm fine with whatever setting you prefer, Mr. Walsh." Impressed by Selena's earnest attitude, Caterlington quickly arranged a stool for her, carving out a space in the crowded room.
"Just a sketch will suffice, no need for anything elaborate." For an artist of Selena's caliber, sketching was rudimentary; even when exerting significant effort, she could complete a piece in under an hour. Mr. Walsh's concession was likely due to his concern that she might find the ambiance here disagreeable.
Relieved, Selena offered him a grateful smile. "Thank you, Mr. Walsh." Without acknowledging Raymond, she settled onto the stool and began her sketch, her focus unwavering. The room fell silent momentarily before the others began to tease Caterlington about his newfound interest. "Is this a new hobby of yours, Mr. Walsh?" one of them jested.
Caterlington dismissed them, unwilling to let the group make tasteless jokes about Selena. "This lady is a protégé of the esteemed Mr. Butler, so mind your tongues." Upon hearing that she was Mr. Butler's student and remembering that she was also Mr. Montague's designer-the jesters fell silent. Someone couldn't resist asking, "She's Mr. Montague's designer, isn't she?" Mr. Walsh raised his eyebrows in a smug manner. "Designing is merely her side job. After this commission, she's done. So, I thought I'd give her a chance to practice withfirst. Being able to focus in such a noisy environment is truly a testament to Mr. Butler's instruction." He winked at Selena, complimenting her in his unique way. She returned a fleeting smile before immersing herself back into her sketchpad, disregarding everyone else.
The crowd had essentially deciphered Caterlington's strategy. It wasn't so much about evaluating her artistic abilities as it was his subtle attempt to court her. By introducing Selena into their circle and publicizing her connection to Mr. Butler, she would becthe preferred artist for future commissions.
After a few compliments were exchanged, the group returned to their drinks, steering clear of the crude jokes about women they had been making earlier.
Raymond observed Selena closely, noting how from the moment she entered, she had been engaged in sform of interaction with Caterlington, sharing knowing smiles. He could feel a sudden surge of anger welling up within him, but he remained silent, gripping his glass with a sullen expression.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmAlex, cognizant of the situation, understood that Raymond's reluctance to leave was due to his anticipation of Selena's arrival. "I've always said, someone who'll cheat with you will cheat on you. Cheaters, be they men or women, are all the s- always in search of the next thrill."
The implication was unmistakable - Selena had grown weary of himm before he had tired of her and was now moving on.
Ve Raymond felt the sting of Alex's words and filled his glass, to the brim, maintaining a facade of indifference. "Do you really think I care about her?" he retorted.
Alex's lips twitched with a hint of disbelief. He had never realized how obstinate Raymond could be. "If you say you're not into it, then you're not into it. No need to be angry with me." "I'm not angry." Raymond downed another glass in a single gulp. "It was just a fling with her."
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