Helenughed softly on the other end of the line. He then said, "Perfect. I emailed you the details earlier but followed up when I hadn''t heard back. Jason''s missing daughter is likely somewhere in Silver Bay City."


    "Understood," Raymond replied.


    After ending the call, Raymond massaged his temples. Sleep deprivation had left him with a pounding headache, though his body remained oddly alert, as if wound too tight.


    He decided to visit Sky Gallery to see the "new merchandise" Alex had mentioned.


    The women at Sky Gallery were always exceptional; Alex himself had one sitting beside him.


    No sooner had Raymond taken his seat than a young woman in a white t-shirt slid next to him. She had an innocent look-hair pulled back in a simple ponytail, and clear, guileless eyes.


    "Would you like a drink, Mr. Montague?" she offered.


    When she turned to face him fully, Raymond froze. The resemnce to Selena was uncanny not just her features, but her entire demeanor.


    She reminded him of high school Selena. After William''s death, Raymond had discovered a photograph at The Montague Vi-clearly one of William''s treasures. In it, teenage Selena wore a white t-shirt and ponytail, holding flowers, likely a school picture.


    That single glimpse into Selena''s past had be Raymond''s secret obsession, hidden from everyone.


    This girl before him was like seeing that photographe to life-pure, gentle, with a beautiful smile.


    But Raymond hadn''t known Selena in high school. Christopher had.


    No matter what Raymond did, he could neverpete with Christopher in Selena''s heart.


    Even when he''d offered to abandon the Montague Group, even when he''d only wanted


    to take her to Vistalia-she''d treated him with contempt, trampling his feelings and dignity.


    How could any woman be so cruel?


    "Are you alright, Mr. Montague?" the girl asked, tentatively taking his hand.


    She was new here, and to her, Raymond was the most handsome man she''d ever seen -infinitely superior to the pretentious college boys she knew. Wealthy and charismatic, she''d fallen for him after watching his interviews. What woman wouldn''t?


    She''d dreamed of this moment, and despite her shyness, couldn''t resist reaching for his hand.


    Raymond withdrew his hand, unmoved by her attention.


    Alex, noticing the girl''s appearance, raised an eyebrow. "She resembles Selena, doesn''t she?"


    Raymond''s tone remained detached as he pushed away the drink she''d offered. "Perhaps."


    "Just a resemnce," Alex remarked bluntly. "Though I''d say she''s prettier than Selena -youth has its advantages."


    Before he could continue, two security guards entered, moving to seize the girl.


    She gasped, clutching Raymond''s arm. "Please help me, Mr. Montague!"


    Raymond frowned at the intruders, who immediately backed off upon recognizing him.


    "Mr. Montague, this woman belongs to Mr. Reed. He paid for her education from high school through college, with the understanding that she would sleep with him when she turned neen."


    Raymond nced questioningly at Alex.


    Alex rarely visited the Reed Vi, especially after past incidents had strained family rtions. The Reed name stillmanded respect-evident in how the guards deferred to Alex.


    Alex waved dismissively, unwilling to interfere. "Take her, then."


    The girl clung desperately to Raymond''s arm. "Please save me, Mr. Montague. I''ll do anything I''ll repay the money. Take me instead. If I remind you of someone, I can be her recement. I''ll be good, I promise."


    Women at Sky Gallery never dared approach Raymond directly everyone knew he didn''t keep mistresses.


    Yet something in her desperate plea gave Raymond pause. He looked at Alex, who immediately understood.


    "Tell your boss I''ve taken an interest in her," Alex informed the guards. "Here''s three million dors-enough to cover her educational expenses."


    The guards epted the check and departed reluctantly.


    The girl''s eyes brightened as she timidly touched Raymond''s sleeve. "My name is La Scott, Mr. Montague."


    Raymond studied her face briefly before his phone rang-Richard calling.


    "Raymond, what''s going on? Selena''s suddenly with Christopher? Lawrence tells me she''s staying at Christopher''s vi now-they''re apparently quite close."


    At those words, Raymond''s expression darkened.


    Richard had prepared a lengthy speech but remembered their ongoing feud. "I''ve also heard Christopher is nning to propose to Selena next month-just got the news myself."


    The ss in Raymond''s hand crashed to the floor.


    Struggling to breathe, he instinctively pulled La into his arms.