Reclaiming Her Heart

Raymond's position had grown precarious. With his influence in Stellaria severely restricted, intelligence came to him at a glacial pace.

Paul's death still didn't sit right with him, but he couldn't risk calling. Ralph remained unconscious. If authorities discovered Paul's connection to Raymond-now labeled a fugitive even if Paul were alive, he'd face prosecution.

Logic dictated Raymond should stay put and wait for news, but if Paul had truly died because of their association, how could he remain detached?

After splashing cold water on his face in the bathroom, Raymond emerged to find Helen waiting.

"Mario's ready to talk," she said.

Mario had always harbored a visceral antipathy toward Christopher. Constantly hearing praise for Christopher's brilliance while confined in that sterile, blindingly bright room had broken something in him.

When they brought him out, his face still twisted with rage. Seeing Raymond, he lunged forward, attempting to throw a punch despite the shackles binding his wrists and ankles. The chains allowed him only seven or eight feet of movement before pulling taut.

He glared at Raymond, eventually offering a bitter laugh. "The research facility, right? I'll need to think carefully-my knowledge on that subject is... limited."

"Then let Christopher surface. He knows."noveldrama

"You think I don't want him to emerge? He's repeatedly tried to destroy us both and barely clings to consciousness now. Only Selena can reach him anymore."

Raymond's eyelashes flickered at the mention of her name.

Mario, sensing the vulnerability, raised his chin defiantly. "Christopher loves Selena desperately. During those years in the facility, it was their promise that kept him sane. Raymond, you just got lucky, slipping in during his absence."

"Luck is also a form of strength," Raymond replied with unexpected coldness. He knew his enemy now and saw no point in verbal sparring over Selena.

"Mario, either bring Christopher forward, or work harder at accessing those memories yourself."

Mario was suddenly cornered. Though influential in Vistalia, his power paled compared to the underground fighting rings. Raymond's reckless actions showed how dangerous he could be when desperate.

"Let me walk around this seventh level of yours. Perhaps it might jog my memory." Seeing his willingness to cooperate, Raymond nodded to Helen.

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"Keep him under constant supervision," he instructed. "He may have inherited some of Christopher's pharmaceutical knowledge. Don't let him touch anything. And search him again-leave him nothing but his clothes. Absolutely nothing else."

Christopher's medical genius meant even simple items could become deadly in the right hands.

Helen nodded. "Understood."

As Raymond grabbed his suit jacket, preparing to leave, Helen stepped forward to block his path.

She began, "You're planning to sneak back home? Raymond, listen to me. Your return would only destabilize Silver Bay City further. If you love Selena-and I believe she's no ordinary woman-trust in her strength as she trusts in yours. Isn't that what real partnership means? Think about who else you might be overlooking."

Her words struck home.

Raymond had always relied on his own resources to solve problems, forgetting that Selena was constantly evolving too. Despite lacking family connections, her growth had been remarkable. She never surrendered to adversity-that had always been her greatest quality.

He immediately contacted Ann to connect him with Betty.

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Betty was urgently recalled from her film set. When informed she needed to find Nathan, she didn't hesitate, though her first worried question was: "Has Ms. Fair's eyesight returned?"

Everyone at S.M Corporation remained concerned about Selena's blindness. Since then, Selena hadn't contacted the company, leaving everyone anxious.

After Ann heard from Paul about Raymond's departure abroad, the core team members were all informed, their collective worry mounting. No one dared contact either Raymond or Selena directly, fearing one wrong call might trigger disastrous consequences.

"She's fine," Raymond assured her.

"That's a relief," Betty said. "Mr. Montague, can I still reach you at this number? Don't worry, I'll find Nathan immediately and have him investigate Paul's situation."

"Thank you."

This was Betty's first direct interaction with Raymond, and the first time she'd heard someone of his stature express gratitude.

After hanging up, she carefully applied makeup, preparing to meet with Nathan.