Chapter 1439 Destiny Denied
Selena and Raymond spent the night at the Smith Villa.
Early the next morning, a servant knocked on their door.
"Ms. Fair, Mrs. Smith requests your presence in the study," the maid said.
Anxiety fluttered in Selena's chest.
Raymond, already dressed, attempted to accompany her but was stopped by the servant.
"Sir, Mrs. Smith specifically asked for Ms. Fair alone."
He paused, looking at Selena with concern.
Selena squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'll be back soon."
"I'll wait outside the study," Raymond said firmly. "If anything happens, just drop a glass or something, and I'll come in for you."
"Okay."
He turned to the servant, his tone icy. "I presume Mrs. Smith hasn't forbidden me from waiting outside the study?"
The housekeeper hesitated momentarily, unable to dispute this point.
Selena approached the study and knocked. Tatum's voice came from within, "Enter."
She pushed the door open and stepped inside. Only Tatum was present; Nolan was nowhere to be seen.
"Grandmother," she greeted respectfully.
Tatum's gaze settled on her, softening noticeably when their eyes met.
"You have Octavia's eyes," she remarked.
This was the first time anyone in the Smith family had mentioned Octavia to her. Selena remained silent.
Tatum continued, "Years ago, the priest warned us that Octavia would bring nothing but trouble. He said Jason could only preserve his life by staying away from her. That's why we opposed their marriage."
Unsure of Tatum's intentions in bringing this up, Selena tactfully held her tongue.
Tatum set down her teacup. "The results will be ready soon. The rest of the Smith family will be arriving this morning. You're probably wondering why I summoned you privately."
Selena nodded.
"Selena, you've suffered greatly, wandering on your own all these years."
Selena wasn't particularly moved. There was something unsettling about Tatum—her face projected warmth, but there was a certain coldness beneath the surface. Most elderly people yearned to be close to their children, yet Tatum and Nolan had retreated to their island, disconnected from the outside world. Such detachment was rare, as was the decisiveness they'd shown in Lawrence's situation.
"Grandmother, I never felt I was suffering," she replied.
As she spoke, Selena noticed Tatum's teacup tilting precariously. She quickly stepped forward to steady it, inadvertently touching Tatum's hand. Hot tea spilled over both their hands.
Tatum immediately withdrew her hand, letting the cup crash to the floor.
"Selena, I'll have the servants clean this up. You should go now—your grandfather has probably returned."
Maintaining her composure, Selena nodded and left the room.
Opening the door, she found Raymond waiting outside.
He looked surprised. "That was quick. What did Mrs. Smith say to you?"
He pulled her into his arms.
Selena shook her head. Tatum had been about to tell her something important, but the spilled tea had cut their conversation short.
Voices drifted up from the main hall—other members of the Smith family had already arrived.
As Selena and Raymond descended the stairs, they saw Nolan entering from outside. It was evident he had obtained the results he sought.
Nolan appeared robust for his age. Seated in the center of the sofa, he acknowledged Selena with a nod.
"Come here. I've spoken with the priest."
Selena approached him.
Richard sat nearby, visibly uneasy.
At that moment, Tatum came downstairs, having changed her clothes, looking as dignified as ever.
She took her place beside Nolan and asked softly, "Do we have the results?"
Nolan nodded. "Yes. There's no spiritual connection—they aren't meant to be together."
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