Christopher''s alter ego and several members of the Bailey family waited for Raymond the Montague Group headquarters, but after two hours, he still hadn''t appeared. The executives grew anxious as Raymond''s phone went unanswered.


    Finally, Christopher''s alter ego stood up, smiling at those around him. "Raymond is being quite childish, making all of us wait like this."


    The executives dared not express any dissatisfaction. The Montague Group had recently undergone a major purge, leaving only those fiercely loyal to Raymond. They wouldn''t switch allegiances based on Christopher''s provocations.


    Christopher''s alter ego turned to the visibly displeased Bailey family members. "I suppose tonight was just Raymond''s little game. Everyone should go home clearly he''s noting."


    The Bailey family was already angry, and now they felt they''d been yed.


    Abigail mmed her hand on the table and cursed. "Christopher, things would be so much better if you were still CEO of the Montague Group. Rest assured, we''ll always support you."


    With Abigail''s deration, the other Bailey family members quickly voiced their agreement.


    They desperately wanted to seize Raymond''s shares, but those were his personal holdings and not easily taken.


    Christopher''s alter ego said nothing, merely smiling as he arranged for his driver to take the Bailey family members home.


    It was now 10 PM, and everyone was exhausted from the evening''s drama.


    Christopher''s alter ego''s smile vanished as he rode back to his vi.


    Meanwhile, at the vi, Raymond received a call from Paul.


    Half an hour earlier, Raymond had asked Paul to investigate Christopher''s backing. The results revealed that Christopher''s power base was primarily in Vistalia, with many of his people having recently entered the country illegally.


    This meant that Christopher himself was under surveince by the authorities. As long as he remained within Silver Bay City, he couldn''t mobilize his forces.


    The security at the vi was hastily assembled and far less professional than the team at Manston Manor, which exined how Raymond had entered so easily.


    Understanding Christopher''swork, Raymond quickly formted a n.


    Paul warned him repeatedly, "Don''t do anything rash. Everyone in Silver Bay City is on edge, wondering whichpany you''ll acquire next. If someone organizes opposition against you, your position could be precarious."


    Raymond chuckled softly and ended the call.


    Standing in a blind spot of the security cameras, he heard a car engine outside- Christopher''s alter ego had returned.


    Christopher''s alter ego was in a foul mood. Upon returning, he went straight to shower and bed.


    At 1 AM, Raymond managed to distract the two guards for a few minutes, stealing a key from one of them to enter Selena''s room.


    Selena had been waiting for him but had fallen asleep, exhausted fromck of rest. Even blind, knowing Raymond was nearby gave her a sense of security.


    When she came to, she found herself in his arms.


    He had showered, his hair still slightly damp as he nuzzled her neck.


    "Selena," he whispered.


    Her heart melted as she gently ran her fingers through his hair.


    Raymond felt both heartbroken and filled with love, holding her tightly as if he wanted


    to merge her into his very being.


    He no longer needed to ask if she loved him or if her earlier words had been false.


    He already knew the answer.


    "I''m sorry," he said softly, regretting that he had believed her harsh words and left her alone to suffer.


    Selena slowly raised a finger, touching his cheek before cing it against his lips, signaling him not to apologize.


    If you''re loving the book, nel5s is where the adventure continues. Join us for theplete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Seeing her like this made Raymond even more distressed. He pulled her close, his lips pressed into a thin line.


    "I''ll make them pay for what they did to you," he said softly.


    His throat ached. In moments of profound grief, tears don''te-only a sensation of something blocking your throat.


    Selena remained silent, leaning forward to kiss the tip of his nose, feeling a sweet tenderness.


    She couldn''t articte her feelings for Raymond-they had grown far beyond mere affection.


    She wanted him to remain the powerful figure he was, not to lose everything he''d built in Silver Bay City for her sake.


    She understood what the Montague Group meant to him. If he gave it up, deep down he would feel he had truly lost to Christopher.


    Some people were healed by their childhood; others spent a lifetime healing from it.


    The Montague Group was Raymond''s healing. Even blind and mute, Selena refused to let him lose it.


    They fell asleep in each other''s arms.


    In another room down the hall, Christopher''s alter ego couldn''t have imagined Raymond''s audacitying directly to his vi and sleeping with Selena in his arms.