Chapter 103: Just Get to the Point

“Calm down,” Casimir said, his tone laced with irritation. “Brandishing a weapon like that could lead to someone’s death. Do you really want to drag the entire Goodridge family down with you?”

Samuel, who had been ready to retrieve the discarded gun, froze in place at Casimir’s words.

“Very well, you dare to snatch my gun and even have the audacity to fire at me. Take him away!”

At Jeremiah’s command, his bodyguards swiftly stepped forward, taking Samuel away. Casimir, outnumbered and powerless, could do nothing to stop them.

“Mr. Sutherland, inform the Goodridge family to have Ray—Ray come and pick up her brother.” Jeremiah flashed a cryptic smile before slipping into his sports car and driving off without a second glance.

Immediately, Casimir dialed Victor’s number. “Mr. Victor, Samuel has been taken by Jeremiah.”

Meanwhile, in the ward, Shanice stayed by Raylee’s side. It wasn’t until the evening that Raylee finally regained consciousness. She couldn’t stomach any food, only managing to drink some water before she reclined on the bed to rest.

“Ray—Ray, there’s something I need to tell you. Jeremiah is here…”

Raylee’s body visibly trembled at the mere mention of his name. The man who had kidnapped her to East Aploth, who had nearly stolen her innocence and subjected her to the horrors of a water dungeon, was nothing short of a demon from the depths of hell. The mere thought of him filled her with a reflexive fear.

Yet, it didn’t take long for her to suppress that fear, relying on her unyielding mental strength. She reminded herself that she was on home ground now. No matter how bold he might be, there was little he could actually do here. Besides, someone so vile didn’t even deserve her fear.

“You said he’s here. Where is he?” Raylee asked, her voice calm, though her fists were clenched tightly atop the blanket. She had already started thinking ahead, deciding how to strike back if necessary.

Shanice replied, “Casimir told me that Jeremiah showed up at the hospital and ran into Samuel at the entrance. The two got into a fight, and eventually, Jeremiah took Samuel away.” She went on to recount the events outside the hospital, including the intense fight and the gunfire.

For a moment, shock flickered across Raylee’s calm face. She never would have believed that Samuel would stand up for her, let alone have the audacity to punch Jeremiah in public—or even attempt to shoot at him. His boldness was truly astonishing. During her time of unconsciousness, she vaguely recalled hearing him murmur words of remorse. Yet, in her heart, there wasn’t the faintest stir of emotion. It all seemed pointless to her. He had caused her so much pain, inflicted wounds that could never heal. He was no different from the devil that Jeremiah had proven himself to be.

“They’ll station themselves downstairs. Even if Jeremiah shows up, he won’t be able to get anywhere near you.”

“Thank you,” Raylee said with a nod, though her eyes betrayed a deep-seated resentment. “But I won’t avoid him. Once I feel a little better, I’ll go see him myself.”

“Have you thought about what’s next? Are you really still planning to marry him?” Shanice asked, her frustration evident. “You absolutely can’t marry someone like that. It’ll ruin your life! Your adoptive parents don’t seem to care about your well-being at all, pushing you into this marriage. They’re awful!”

As soon as the words left her mouth, a knock echoed from the door. Shanice went to answer it, and standing there were Harriet and Waverly. Her reception was anything but warm. Ignoring Waverly, she directed her attention to the older woman. “Mrs. Goodridge, what brings you here?”

Waverly anxiously replied, “Shanice, isn’t it only natural for my mom to visit Raylee? Let us in. She has something really important to discuss with Raylee.”

Harriet walked in and set a crockpot on the bedside table. “Ray—Ray, I made your favorite mushroom soup—”

Before she could finish, Raylee cut her off coldly. “How many times do I have to say it? I don’t like mushroom soup now, so don’t bother. Just get to the point and stop disturbing my rest.”

Waverly stepped forward protectively, shielding Harriet. “Raylee, Mom means well. She woke up early to buy the ingredients and made the soup herself. Could you at least not hurt her feelings? Last time, when you knocked over the soup she spent hours making, it really upset her. Mom is so kind. Why are you treating her this way?”

Harriet gently took Waverly’s hand and, choking back tears, said softly, “Wavy, it’s okay. Don’t talk to your sister like that. She’s hurt, and we need to be more understanding.”

“Enough already! Can you stop parading your mother-daughter bond in front of me?” Raylee snapped, irritation washing over her and making the pain from her wound throb even more.