Reclaiming Her Heart

Selena cruised back to Richard's place in his car, then headed back to Ashbourne Manor herself.

Before hitting the sack, Shelley gave her a ring.

"What's the buzz about Richard and Raymond? Everyone's saying they threw down over you." Shelley's voice was dripping with gossip. "Selena, are you really with Raymond?" "Nope," Selena shot back.

Catching the tiredness in her voice, Shelley wrapped it up quick. "It's been ages since we grabbed a bite. How about tomorrow?"

"Shelley, I got plans tomorrow," Selena said.

"Alright, you do you then."

Selena's "plans" meant heading to the Montague family's crib to find William. She was seriously worried about getting snatched up by Catherine again.

Meanwhile, Raymond got into his car, looking seriously pissed.

John, not wanting to poke the bear, kept his mouth shut.

But tonight's drama had already made waves, and someone had tipped off William.

So, halfway through the drive, William called Raymond, telling him to come over.

Not too long ago, Raymond had been in hot water with his family, and he figured he might be in for another round of punishment, thanks to Penny. When he rolled up to the Montague family's place, he was ready to kneel outside for a while.

But the place was eerily quiet.

The butler opened the door and quickly stepped aside.

Raymond saw William chilling on the sofa. Since it was late, he wasn't sipping tea; just a glass of plain water sat in front of him.

It wasn't the tense vibe Raymond had expected; it was surprisingly chill.

"Grandpa," Raymond called out, slowly walking over to sit down.

William gripped his cane tight and gave a slight nod. "Tonight, you and Richard threw down over a chick?"

That's the word he got, and at first, he couldn't believe it. 'Raymond and Richard?'

These two didn't seem like the hot-headed type.

But right now, Raymond's neck was all bandaged up, and he looked colder than usual.

William tapped his cane. "Go bring that girl to me right now. Raymond, if I have to go myself, I can't promise she'll come back alive."

Raymond immediately dropped to his knees.

William was a bit taken aback. Usually, Raymond would kneel reluctantly, but this time he did it without a fuss?

"Grandpa, this has nothing to do with her," Raymond said.

This protective move surprised William even more.

He knew Raymond didn't really get what it meant to like someone. His idea of liking was probably still at a grade-school level, where you annoy the heck out of someone just to get their attention.

As long as the other person noticed him, even if it was with hate, it was better than being ignored.

But now, he was clearly sticking up for this girl.

William was so mad he laughed. He had hoped Selena would become his granddaughter-in-law and had kept her at the Montague family for three years. Yet, she and Raymond had no spark, and now some outsider had swooped in. In his anger, he raised his cane and struck.

Raymond didn't flinch or blink as the cane smacked him hard.

"I wanted you to be with Selena, and you blew it off. Now, for some random girl, you're willing to fight Richard. Are you trying to drive me to my grave?" William asked.

Raymond stayed obedient in front of William, head down. "If you're mad, hit me a few more times, but leave her out of it. The stuff between her and me, I'll handle it." As Raymond said this, he couldn't help but grit his teeth.

Seeing this, William thought, 'Could it be that she doesn't even like him? Serves him right! Karma!'

William really didn't want to see Raymond anymore. He wasn't unreasonable and wouldn't go after a girl like some people would.

A girl who could make two guys fight over her, no matter how she did it, had her own charm.

William would never think she was just good at seducing men. If anyone was to blame, it was Raymond for not thinking straight.

He had only wanted to test Raymond's attitude tonight, still holding a faint hope that Selena might come back.

But now that hope was shattered, and seeing Raymond so angry, he just hoped the girl would reject him more. Let him taste the bitterness of love!