Reclaiming Her Heart

Chapter 495 Unyielding in Posture As the clock struck eight in the evening, Selena stirred from her slumber within the grand confines of Ashbourne Manor. Her body ached with a deep-rooted soreness, a testament to the trials she had recently endured. Fiona, her ever-attentive companion, had prepared a soothing bowl of soup, which Selena weakly sipped upon rousing. "Miss Fair," Fiona began, her voice laced with concern, "you seem troubled. Should I summon Mr. Montague Sr.?" Selena's grip on the spoon tightened, her long eyelashes casting a shadow over her cheeks as she murmured a soft refusal. "No need." A heavy sigh escaped Fiona's lips. "Then, my dear, you must rest. You're looking terribly thin." Selena's fingers traced her cheekbone, her lips parting to respond when the intrusive buzz of her phone interrupted. A message from the property management at Rose Gardens demanded her attention.

[Dear homeowner, we noticed an unfamiliar presence at your property last night during our security rounds. Regrettably, the surveillance footage was malfunctioning. A neighbor has reported suspected illicit activities at your residence, and the police have been notified. Your cooperation with the investigation would be appreciated.] Not Lillian again, Selena thought with a surge of irritation.

Driven by the need to address the situation, Selena made her way to Rose Gardens. Upon entering the lobby, she was greeted by the sight of Lillian and the police, waiting in anticipation. Lillian, glowing with health and happiness, was clearly enjoying her twith Carter.

As Selena cinto view, Lillian pointed a perfectly manicured nail in her direction. "That's her," she declared, her voice dripping with insinuation. "The men were seen leaving her place. Let's just say her bedroom's a revolving door, if you catch my drift." Ignoring the jab, Selena addressed the officer. "I've been out of town lately. My place must have been burglarized. Could you please look into it?" But Lillian was not one to be silenced. "Cut the act. You know exactly the kind of filth you're hiding." Selena returned her accusation with a smile. "Miss Lillian, I actually need to talk to you about something. Do you mind if we chat in private for a moment?" She gestured towards a secluded nook in the corridor.

Lillian scoffed, assuming Selena was frightened. "If you want to apologize, do it right here in front of everyone." "It's not about an apology. It's about Carter. Something serious." Lillian's expression shifted at the mention of Carter's name, and she followed Selena to the secluded corner of the hallway. "What is it about?" Before Lillian could finish her sentence, Selena's hand slapped her face, not once, but twice. The metallic taste of blood filled Lillian's mouth as her cheek flared with pain. Selena had been simmering with rage all evening, and unfortunately for Lillian, she had walked right into the line of fire.

Selena had no intention of causing a scene in front of the police, hence the secluded corner, conveniently out of the camera's view. "You hit me?" Lillian gasped in disbelief. But before she could react further, Selena grabbed her by the hair and slammed her head against the wall.

Lillian's world spun, her voice a desperate plea. "Help, officer, she's going to kill me!" Their location was hidden from view. Now, truly frightened by Selena's ferocity, Lillian trembled. "Keep screaming, and I'll give you a concussion right now," Selena threatened.

Tears streamed down Lillian's face, her body frozen in fear. Selena's boldness, despite the police's proximity, was a clear indication that she had lost her patience. "Wait for it, I'll tell Carter everything," Lillian whimpered through her dizziness, but Selena's voice cut through, "You live right across from me. If I wanted to do something, it'd be easy. Miss Lillian, if you keep slandering people, I wouldn't mind making it look like a double suicide whenever. My life's a mess right now. Dying wouldn't be the worst thing, and I'd be taking someone down with me." Selena's tone was chilling, hinting at desperation. People like Lillian wouldn't stop unless they were truly scared. If not, Selena's troubles would never end.

Lillian sank to the floor, her cheeks wet with tears. Selena crouched down and coldly patted her swollen face. "If I were you, 'd treasure the I were you, life you have right now. Why ask for trouble? Ms. Lillian seems to be living the dream. I'm even a bit envious-how does a woman manage to break through those social barriers? It's maddening."

She said this with a laugh, her palm resting on Lillian's neck. "And if you e I stir up trouble foragain, I swear I'll be waiting for you right at your doorstep to give you a few good stabs. We can go to the grave together." Her hand drew back, and she watched Lillian with a composed and cool detachment. "Moving won't help you. I can get to Mr. Ashford, and once I see you, I know how to handle you." She leaned in close, her eyes fierce. "I can't stand to see someone happier than me."

Selena was putting on a show, wanting Lillian to realize she desperately needed someone to take the fall. Lillian was $6 frightened by Selena's ruthless gaze that she was rendered speechless. The police had arrived by then, due to her earlier screams, and upon seeing her kneeling, asked, "What happened here?" Selena helped her up. "It's fine, she might've just been shocked by the burglar in my place we are neighbors, after all."