Chapter 143: Video Call
Casimir and Rayler watched as the two continued to dig up old grudges, arguing until their faces turned red and their voices grew hoarse. Both were taken aback. With Jeremiah tricked into going to Musmcynia and his fate still uncertain, wasn’t the situation chaotic enough already? Did these two have to add fuel to the fire?
After the heated argument, Layla, seething with anger, barked an order: “Talon, Blade, tie up Samuel and lock him in here with this woman!”
“Understood.” The two bodyguards immediately pulled out their restraints and closed in on Samuel.
“I’m from the Goodridge family. Do you dare to lay a hand on me?” Samuel demanded incredulously.
“Why wouldn’t I? From the moment Kaylee exposed that evidence, every last one of you from the Goodridge family was as good as dead to me!” Layla’s gaze was sharp as a blade, locked onto Samuel.
In a flash, Casimir stepped forward, shielding Samuel as he pleaded. “Ms. Layla, please calm down. Lashing out at them now won’t solve anything. What we should be doing is figuring out how to save Jeremiah. That’s the real priority. We have contacts in East Aploth and Musmeynia. Maybe they can help.”
“Mr. Sutherland, this has nothing to do with you,” Layla warned icily. “I advise you not to meddle, or you’ll get burned.”
“But I am involved. I stand with the Goodridge family in this matter. If you’re planning to hold them accountable, then I’ll do everything I can to protect them!” Casimir declared firmly, making his stance clear.
Layla sneered. “Well, aren’t you going all out for your ex? But I heard your current fiancée is the real heiress, isn’t she? Aren’t you afraid of causing a scandal in the harem?”
Gasimir’s face darkened, turning red, then pale. Clearly, he hadn’t expected that. “Ms. Layla, my personal affairs are none of your concern. Like I’ve always said, harmony is precious.”
Layla scoffed. “Harmony? That’s a joke. There’s no reconciliation in this lifetime. Unless my brother returns safely. I will make the Goodridge family pay!”
Samuel’s expression turned grim as he shouted, “Then come at us! I’d love to see what an illegitimate, married daughter like—”
Rayler was speechless. Before, she’d simply thought Samuel was socially inept. But now? The man was an outright fool with questionable intelligence!
Layla was furious, emotionally unstable—and yet he chose to provoke her? Was he asking for trouble?
Sure enough, Layla’s expression twisted in rage, her face turning a sickly shade of purple. Pointing at Samuel, she shrieked, “Take them down! And anyone who dares to interfere—take them down too! No need to hold back!”
Just as the atmosphere reached its breaking point, Casimir’s phone rang. He answered, listened for a moment, then responded: “Got it. Thanks for your help. Once you’re back in the country, dinner’s on me.”
Hanging up, he turned to Layla, his face heavy with meaning. “I have good news and bad news about Jeremiah. Which do—”
“Just say it now!” Layla demanded anxiously.
Casimir didn’t drag it out. “A friend in Toursh helped me establish contact with the Musmeynian military. After some negotiation, I managed to get a chance to video call with Jeremiah. The good news—your brother’s still alive. You don’t need to worry too much for now. The bad news: if your father doesn’t step in and forcefully defend Jeremiah, General Mosley likely won’t let him go easily. Father, we should talk to Jeremiah first.”
It was at that moment Layla realized Casimir wasn’t someone to be underestimated. She knew it herself. With her father refusing to act, saving Jeremiah on her own would be nearly impossible. Bhatar was different. While the Sutherland family’s power in Jeabugh wasn’t as great as the Lorimers’, Casimir was the son of the Sutherland family head. His abilities were top-notch, and he wielded absolute authority within his family. If he was willing—
“All right, let’s call my brother first. I need to know his situation. Rhonda, hurry up and make some coffee for our guests!” Layla ordered the housekeeper.
“What about Raylee and Samuel!”
Layla’s attitude shifted drastically. “Let them go.”
Returning to the living room, they used Casimir’s connections to successfully video call Jeremiah. On-screen, Jeremiah looked weary, his face marred with visible scars, but he was conscious.
Tears welled up in Layla’s eyes. “Jeremiah! How are you? Did they hurt you?”
Jeremiah shook his head. “I’m fine. They won’t take my life yet.”
“What do they want to release you? Money? Terms?”
“It’s useless. They won’t let me go. Don’t waste your energy.”