Chapter 4
Selena's path to interior design was totally accidental. She originally studied painting, and in her freshman year, she designed a villa for a classmate that later sold for ten times the original price to a wealthy buyer, catapulting her to fame.
After that, she accepted an invitation from her senior, Matthew, to work part-time as an interior designer at his studio.
Why it was part-time? Well, that's a long story.
Seeing the text, she turned the steering wheel.
The 54 Club was the go-to hangout for Silver Bay City's elite, frequented by those with deep pockets or even deeper connections.
When she got to the entrance of the 54 Club, Matthew sent another text: [I can't come to get you. Mr. Ashford said he'll have a friend bring you in. Wait at the entrance.]
The 54 Club ran on a membership basis. Selena didn't have one, so she had to wait for someone to bring her in.
Meanwhile, Raymond got a call from his cousin, Carter Ashford. Carter said, "Raymond, I have a friend I want you to meet at the entrance. Can you bring her in when you get here? You two should get to know each other."
Carter glanced at the design plans in his hand, thinking Raymond would like them. Manston Manor was about to start construction, and Raymond lacked nothing. It was rare to find something he might need. Carter added, "This gift I'm giving you will definitely be to your liking."
Raymond didn't have time to reply before the music on the other end got louder, making it impossible to hear what Carter was saying.
Carter was the most famous playboy in Silver Bay City.
Raymond had every reason to be suspicious of the so-called "gift" Carter mentioned.
When he got out of the car and saw Selena standing in the most obvious spot, he frowned. Was it her?
As he got closer, he realized he wasn't mistaken.
They had just seen each other in bed this morning.
Selena was about to call Matthew again when she saw Raymond walking over.
Raymond's striking figure and noble aura were too distinctive. Even in a place like the 54 Club, filled with wealthy people, he stood out.
Dressed in a custom black suit, with a cold demeanor, he walked like a distant mountain at dusk, calm and restrained.
Raymond had been puzzled by Selena's quick departure this morning. Now it seemed that Carter had probably already paid her.
Raymond asked, "Are you Carter's friend?"
Selena was surprised that Raymond would take the initiative to talk to her. Hearing him mention Carter, she realized that Carter must be the Mr. Ashford Matthew mentioned.
So Carter's friend was Raymond, and Carter wanted to introduce her to Raymond?
So she was to design his wedding house? Selena found it ironic. The divorce wasn't even final, and she was already being asked to design the wedding house for Raymond's future wife.
But she earned her money through her own abilities. There was no reason to refuse business that came her way.
Selena greeted, "Probably me. Mr. Montague, nice to meet you."
Raymond had this icy vibe that made him seem super aloof.
He shot a heavy look at Selena, his face a blank slate. "Let's go."
Selena trailed behind him as he swiped his card to get in.
The hall's floor was so shiny it was like walking on a mirror. Everyone waiting at the door bowed and greeted them with respect.
After a bit, Raymond turned to look at her.
Selena stopped too, giving him a polite smile.
Raymond asked, "How much did Carter pay you?"
Selena had no clue about the connection between Carter and Raymond. She didn't know much about the Montague Family and never bothered to find out.
In the past three years, she hadn't even met Raymond's dad.
To her, if Carter knew Raymond, he had to be from the same elite circle.
Selena replied, "My boss said this gig could be worth millions."
Raymond's tone was puzzled, touching on something he didn't get. "You have a boss in this line of work?"