Reclaiming Her Heart

Chapter 500 - A Willing Heart, Only For You The day dawned anew. Selena had barely concluded her dealings with the Fair family's documents when her phone buzzed with a call from Austin. He proposed a meeting at a café, a high-end establishment, no less. Before venturing out, Selena made a point to pressure the court to expedite Madam Montague's settlement or cough up the due compensation. She wasn't about to let the painting issue be swept under the rug without a fight. Thus, she set off for the café. Upon her arrival, she found Austin impeccably dressed, a clear indication of the effort he had put into his appearance. As soon as he caught sight of her, he rose to his feet. "Selena," he greeted.

She acknowledged him with a nod, but before she could utter a word, he declared, "I'm willing, if it's you." Austin was not a domineering man; he exuded a gentleness that momentarily reminded Selena of someone else. It was as if she was whisked back in time, lost in her thoughts.

As fate would have it, Austin had blurted out the very words that someone else had once said to her. "The moment I first saw you, I thought you were great." Selena's fingertips lightly grazed the coffee cup in her hand, her lips parting to respond when a cup of strong coffee was hurled directly into Austin's face.

This café was not a place for the common man or prying paparazzi. It required reservations and was frequented by influential businessmen and celebrities. Upon entering, Austin had removed his hat and mask, revealing his face. Now, dark coffee dripped down his cheeks.

Selena's gaze shifted to the woman responsible for the coffee incident: an older lady accompanied by a young man who appeared barely of age. It didn't take long for Selena to identify the woman as the affluent Mrs. Montague of All Star Entertainment-Rachel Dorie-that Shelley had mentioned.

All Star Entertainment had been a prominent player in the showbiz industry for over a decade, having launched numerous big names. Rachel Dorie scrutinized Austin.

Despite her efforts to maintain her appearance, she was still a woman in her fifties with a fondness for young men, which left her looking somewhat hollow. Her weight was also an issue, her chin marked by three layers of flesh. Spotting Selena, she raised her hand threateningly. "How dare you touch what's mine?!" Rachel didn't recognize Selena and assumed she was neither a socialite nor an important heiress.

Selena swiftly grabbed her wrist and pushed her away, causing Rachel to stumble back, gasping for breath. Rachel was surrounded by four bodyguards who chuckled at Austin and Selena's predicament. "Austin," Rachel sneered, "it seems you haven't learned your lesson." Her reference to a 'last time' caused Austin's complexion to pale. He lacked the influential backing to stand against Rachel Dorie.

Rachel was akin to a greasy, overweight middle-aged man, only in a woman's form. The 'last time' she referred to was when she had Austin beaten up just before his TV show commenced shooting. To conceal his bruises, he had to cake on makeup, which looked so artificial on screen that he was heavily ridiculed for it. Even now, trolls used screenshots from that show to mock him.

Austin appeared unwell, and fearing that Rachel might cause trouble for Selena, he rose to his feet, intending to shield her from Rachel. But Selena held him back and confronted Rachel herself.

Assuming that Selena was merely an ardent fan of Austin, Rachel Dorie commanded with a dismissive wave, "Con, take her out and give her a beating. Let's see who dares to touch Austin after that." Austin was the talent she had set her sights on. Once his contract with Harper's Family expired, she was prepared to go to any lengths to poach him for All Star Entertainment.

But just as she finished speaking, the café door swung open again, and Raymond walked in. Rachel Dorie's face transformed instantly, and she scurried over to him in a fawning trot. "Mr. Montague, right this way, please." Simultaneously, she signaled her bodyguards to make their move.

Raymond spotted Selena and Austin and immediately veered towards them. Rachel Dorie was taken aback, but then watched as he pulled Selena towards him, quickly assessed her for any harm, and then released her. Selena appeared displeased, struggling to free herself from his grasp the entire time.

Sensing the situation turning sour, Rachel Dorie hurried over again with a forced smile. "Mr. Montague, and N who might this be?" She subtly signaled her bodyguards to stand down. Raymond looked at her flatly and said, "Seems like quite the turnout today, Mrs. Dorie."

Rachel Dorie's face twitched embarrassingly, her flesh quivering ha, wash slightly "Ha ha, Ewasn't awar aware that the young lady was acquainted with you, Mr. Montague."

Raymond glanced at Selena, then at Austin across from her, suppressing his irritation. Although he could be harsh to Selena in private, in public, he knew he had to uphold her dignity. Otherwise, she might not withstand Rachel Dorie's tactics after today. "My sole designer," he introduced her.