Reclaiming Her Heart

"Madam, it appears my presence is unwelcome. I shall take my leave," Selena stated, her voice laced with a hint of regret. Madame Montague, trembling with fury, could only stammer, "You, you..." But by the time she found her words, Selena was already out of sight. In the aftermath of her departure, Madame Montague was once again rushed to the hospital.

As Selena navigated the winding roads leading away from Wolfland, she glanced at the check resting on the passenger seat. A wave of relief washed over her, so potent that it managed to momentarily overshadow the throbbing pain in her neck. She had no intention of addressing the discomfort; there were more pressing matters at hand.

She pulled into the parking lot of a second-hand luxury goods market. The shopkeeper, a man of middle age, squinted at the bracelet in her hand, adjusting his glasses several times in disbelief. "Are you certain you wish to pawn this?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Selena simply nodded in response.

Wiping the sweat from his brow, the shopkeeper suggested, "Miss, this piece is quite valuable. Our owner happens to be present today. I'll consult with him. Please, make yourself comfortable in the waiting room." Two attendants guided Selena to a nearby lounge, leaving the shopkeeper to handle the precious item with utmost care as he ascended the stairs.

"Boss Paul, a lady wishes to pawn this," he began, laying the bracelet before the man seated in the chair. "It was showcased in the last jewelry exhibit a unique piece, the only one of its kind in the world. Due to its immense value..."

The man in question was none other than Paul. His hands were busy disassembling a firearm, an odd sight in a place that dealt primarily with luxury goods. But this market was a lucrative business, dealing in everything from high-end items to under-the-table weapons, a fact known only to those privy to its inner workings.

Casting a cursory glance at the bracelet, Paul inquired, "Is it authentic?" The shopkeeper nodded, "I've verified it. It's genuine."

"And its estimated worth?"

"The retail price hovers around two hundred million, but our maximum offer would be one hundred fifty million."

Paul considered this for a moment. The bracelet's rarity could indeed command a higher price over time. "Keep it," he finally decided, returning his attention to the firearm.

Back on the ground floor, the shopkeeper relayed the offer to Selena. "Miss, our boss can offer a maximum of one hundred fifty million." Selena blinked in surprise.

"How much?" she echoed, her voice a whisper.

Misinterpreting her shock for dissatisfaction, the shopkeeper hastily explained, "This is a second-hand market, after all. Luxury items depreciate significantly once they leave the retail counter. If you're unwilling..."

But Selena was already on her feet. The shopkeeper braced himself for a refusal, only to hear her say, "Why would I be unwilling? Sell it, I'll sell." Her eagerness was palpable.

One hundred fifty million? One hundred fifty million! Coupled with today's earnings from Madame Montague, she was on the verge of pocketing a staggering two hundred fifty million. The shopkeeper, sensing her determination, quickly arranged for the bank transfer.

Before long, the money was deposited into Selena's account. He escorted her to the door, his manner nothing short of reverential. "Miss, with this card and transactions exceeding a hundred million, you'll be considered a top-tier VIP here. Please feel free to contact me for your future visits, regardless of the hour. I'll be at your service."

Still in a state of disbelief, Selena saved the shopkeeper's number. Once back in her car, she found her thoughts returning to the bracelet. Had Raymond lost his mind, gifting her something of such immense value?

Then she remembered his words-Olivia had rejected it, and it had fallen to her. Any lingering doubts evaporated; it was only natural that Raymond would choose the best for Olivia.

Meanwhile, Raymond had concluded his conversation with Rachel Dorie. He had expected Selena to wait for him, and was disappointed to find her gone.

However, upon learning that Selena had accepted the bracelet, his mood brightened. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, barely noticeable.

She would appreciate this gift, wouldn't she?