Reclaiming Her Heart

Paul took a deep breath and sat across from Raymond.

"You ordered the interception of Nathan's shipment at the harbor. Do you realize who Nathan is working with? The Perez family!" Paul shouted.

Unlike Silver Bay City's prominent elite families, the Perez family operated in shadows. Their existence remained unknown to ordinary citizens, yet they commanded significant influence in black markets.

For decades, they had maintained their territory without overstepping boundaries, which allowed authorities to turn a blind eye-especially since the Perez family often handled matters too delicate for official channels.

Now Raymond had intercepted their largest shipment, entangling both the White family and the Perez family in his vendetta. By making enemies everywhere, he was leaving himself vulnerable. If these forces united against him, he would have nowhere to hide.

Paul suddenly understood Raymond's motivation: self-destruction, with the intent to drag all of Silver Bay City into madness with him.

"Raymond, the Perez family has already approached me. Our legitimate businesses have always maintained a careful distance from their operations. Don't do anything reckless. I can still mediate this situation-release their shipment before this becomes irreparable," Paul continued.

The Montague family's connections with high-ranking officials remained strong, with Donovan still in his position of power. Raymond's actions were putting Donovan in a difficult position, considering his occasional necessary collaborations with the Perez family.

Meanwhile, Nathan from the White family had become increasingly unpredictable. Raymond was courting destruction by antagonizing two powerful families simultaneously.

Paul inhaled deeply. "I understand your resentment about Christopher taking Selena, but if you continue this path, you'll throw all of Silver Bay City into chaos."

Raymond's elegant fingers still held playing cards, which he slowly placed on the table. "And?" His eyes remained calm, disturbingly rational.

Paul felt momentarily speechless, as if someone had gripped his throat. He had assumed Raymond's actions stemmed from irrationality, but now he recognized something far more dangerous-calculated madness.

Planning your weekend reading? Ensure you're on 5s.com for uninterrupted enjoyment. The next chapter is just a click away, exclusively available on our site. Happy reading!

Frustrated, Paul grabbed the cards from the table and threw them toward Raymond. "Nathan is unhinged, and the Perez family's methods are as ruthless as yours. Even if you eventually escape to Vistalia, do you plan to never return to your homeland?"

"Yes," Raymond replied casually, gathering the cards and shuffling them with unsettling elegance.

After a long pause, Paul asked, "Are you... waiting for Selena to come and talk you down?"noveldrama

"No." His answer came too quickly, revealing the truth in its haste.

Paul understood perfectly. Raymond was making enemies everywhere, and despite his current untouchable status, once someone managed to bring him down, he would be destroyed. The Perez family could make anyone disappear-even Raymond.

"If you're waiting for Selena, you'll be disappointed. I hear she hasn't left Christopher's villa. They're probably expecting a child by now. If she can be that heartless, what's the point of your self-destruction?"

"I like it this way. It pleases me. Yes, I'm orchestrating my own downfall. Satisfied?" Raymond finally discarded his last card and stood up. "It's getting late. I should go." Paul remained rooted to the spot, seething with frustration. "Raymond, even if by some miracle you two end up together again, with all these enemies you're making, how could you ever guarantee her safety?"

Raymond paused, a bitter smile forming on his lips. "Paul, didn't you hear what she said that day? She claimed I couldn't compare to even one of Christopher's fingers. I was just a substitute. She said my feelings for her were false that I don't understand what love is. What chance do we have?"

After several seconds of silence, he lowered his eyes. "Forget it. She's the one who found me unworthy."

No matter what he did, she would dismiss it with contempt. Even now, while he paraded around with Layla, she remained contentedly secluded with Christopher in his villa, not even sending a single message.

In her world, he was merely a passing figure, leaving no trace behind.

He couldn't bear to say more, fearing his voice might break.