Reclaiming Her Heart

Rachel Dorie was quick to offer an apology to Selena. "I sincerely didn't recognize you earlier. I hope no one is offended. I'll take responsibility for today," she said.

With a smile, she politely gestured towards Raymond Montague, "Mr. Montague, may we converse over there?" Her purpose for arranging today's meeting with Raymond was to discuss a potential collaboration.

The Montague family was venturing into the film and television industry, and investing in just one screenplay wouldn't suffice. However, after Rachel had voiced her intentions, Raymond remained unmoved, his gaze shifting back to Selena. His thoughts were clouded with confusion - Caterlington yesterday, Austin today - just how many men was she planning to ensnare?

His gaze darkened, and in a soft tone, he said, "You're coming with me later."

Selena frowned, her voice neutral, "I have plans later."

Raymond's demeanor grew colder, but with Rachel still present, he refrained from losing his temper. Instead, he reached out and adjusted something on the collar of Selena's blouse. Selena failed to perceive any gentleness in his threat. "Behave," he commanded.

She fell silent at once. Raymond then followed Rachel Dorie into a private room.

As soon as he left, Selena's expression turned icy. She grabbed a napkin and handed it to Austin. "Are you okay?" she asked.

Austin was covered in the scent of coffee. On hearing her, he shook his head slowly, "Just gave you a laugh, that's all."

At that moment, Selena truly felt big stars were no different from toys in the eyes of the wealthy.

Austin's phone began to ring again. It was Alex calling to inform him the lead role had been recast. Austin had already received a call from Alex, who had confirmed him as the lead, thinking this was his big break. Now, he couldn't help feeling anxious.

"Austin, I need to know why they suddenly switched actors," he pressed.

Alex was blunt, "It's not me who wants to replace you. It's the financial backer behind this-Raymond. He's insisted on crossing off your name. There's nothing I can do."

The mention of 'Raymond' silenced Austin; his eyes reddened momentarily, his voice growing hoarse. "Thanks, I understand," he replied.

After hanging up, he heard Selena's inquiry, "What's wrong?"

Austin gave her a wry smile, "Got replaced. It's okay, I'm used to it."

Ever since Rachel Dorie had shown her interest in him, directors had become wary of hiring him. In fact, he was practically blacklisted. If it hadn't been for his ongoing deal with Harper's Family, Rachel would have already forced her hand. "Who replaced you?"

Austin paused briefly before saying, "Mr. Montague."

Raymond? Selena frowned. Why would someone like Raymond go out of his way to trouble a lesser-known actor? Austin's phone rang again, this time from the agency. With the role now recast, the agency would give him a hard time too. He quickly got up. "Selena, sorry, there seems to be an issue at the agency. I need to sort it out. Can I take you out for coffee some other time?" She noted the urgency on his face and nodded slowly. Before leaving, Austin courteously paid the bill. Once he was gone, Selena had no desire to stay any longer, but as she stepped out of the café, she encountered John waiting for her. John held the gift bag that Raymond had wanted to give her the day before.

She frowned, intending to leave without it, but John spoke up. "Miss Selena, Mr. Montague asked me to give this to you. I'd be in a tough spot if you refused." John's words hit Selena's soft spot. She was soft-hearted and not inclined to make things difficult for those who bore no grudge against her. She pursed her lips, reaching out to take the item.

John exhaled in relief, "Mr. Montague is still talking with Mrs. Dorie. Do you want to wait for him?"

"I've got other matters to attend to." John stepped aside, not making a fuss.

Selena got back into her car and took a quick glance at the contents of the gift box. It was a beautiful bracelet, and although she wasn't accustomed to luxury, she could tell it wasn't cheap. Nonchalantly, she tossed the bracelet onto the back seat as if it were nothing more than a trinket picked up for ten bucks at a street bazaar.

With Raymond still around, she drove straight to Wolfland to personally press Madame Montague for compensation.

"Bitch, bitch." Madame Montague hadn't expected Selena to have already obtained shares of the Fair family, nor for her to be so aggressively demanding.

She was on the verge of going mad, especially with the continuous subpoenas from the court. She had been humiliated once already; if she had to go to court again, the Montagues' reputation would be completely ruined. Cassius might even have to step in at this point. Taking a deep breath, she instructed someone to bring a check.

A whole billion dollars, she handed it over to Selena.

Selena took it without hesitating. "Thank you, Madam."

Madame Montague couldn't contain her anger, hurling a teacup toward Selena. The cup hit her neck, the boiling water turning her skin red, but she seemed unfazed and simply placed the check in her bag. She had made up her mind; nothing was more important than her career. Since she would eventually leave the Montague family, she would endure the humiliation for now. She looked forward to the day she could soar freely.