Chapter 168: The Wrong Impression
“Did I scare you just now? Don’t take me seriously. I simply said what I said out of anger.”
“Don’t worry, even though you didn’t manage to bring Jerry back, your efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. I won’t hold you accountable for his death. I need you to assure me that Layla won’t kill me.”
“Layla?” Victor nodded. “That’s easy. I’ll deal with her. Publicly, I’ll announce that Jerry passed away due to illness, and we’ll keep the funeral as simple as possible. This way, news of your engagement won’t become common knowledge. Besides sparing your life, what other conditions do you have? You can ask for money or power.”
“Thanks, but that’s all I need,” Raylee casually replied.
Throughout the entire episode, she remained unaware of why Victor didn’t save Jeremiah. Nevertheless, having fulfilled the task of delivering the chip and ensuring her own survival, the trip to Lorimer Estate wasn’t in vain.
Meanwhile, at the entrance of Lorimer Estate, Casimir waited for a long time. He was so fearful for Raylee’s safety that he was tempted to rush in several times. In the end, he couldn’t resist the urge to barge in, even getting into an argument with the housekeepers and bodyguards who tried to stop him.
“Why am I not allowed in? Tell the head of the family to come out here! How can he bully a defenseless little girl? Where’s the honor in that?”
When Victor escorted Raylee out, he immediately wore a solemn expression upon witnessing the scene.
“So, you’re the kid from the Sutherland family? Your father has always spoken highly of you. He said you’re a force to be reckoned with, cool-headed and steady. He sees you as the future hope of the family. And now? How dare you berate me? Where is this young scion that was highly praised by your father and the rest of the world? Hmph, you show no respect for your elders and behave outrageously. In my opinion, if you’re the one to take over the Sutherland family, its decline is just a matter of time!”
Casimir’s face alternated between anger and embarrassment as he was scolded. However, his attention remained on Raylee. Seeing her bleeding from her forehead, he was instantly filled with concern.
“Ray–Ray, what happened to your forehead?”
“I bumped into something just now,” Raylee didn’t tell the truth.
“I don’t believe you. It was Mr. Victor who hurt you, am I right?” Casimir was outraged. “I told you not to go in there alone. After all the hardships you’ve endured in Musmeynia, you still insisted on returning to Lorimer Estate, only to face their wrath. I can’t believe how clouded your judgment is.”
“I was the one who did it. I acted impulsively just now, and I want to apologize to you. Please, go to the hospital to get yourself examined. I’ll cover all your medical expenses.”
When Victor took the initiative to apologize, it greatly surprised Casimir. In Casimir’s mind, Victor was a person of stern temperament and exacting nature. He never lowered himself in front of anyone, inspiring both respect and fear. He had a formidable reputation and influence both domestically and internationally, making him an individual who seemed invincible. This was also why, under his leadership, the Lorimer family had managed to maintain their position as the most prominent family in Jexburgh for many years.
This felt like the shock of the century to Casimir.
“Thank you, Mr. Victor,” Raylee said. “But I’m fine. There’s no need for a hospital. I’ll take my leave now.”
Just as Raylee was about to leave, Casimir grabbed her and warned Victor,
“Mr. Victor, it wasn’t Ray–Ray who caused Jeremiah’s death, and there’s nothing you can do to bring him back. I hope you won’t hold Ray–Ray responsible, as she’s just an innocent girl. If you dare lay a finger on her… I, Casimir, along with the entire Sutherland family, will fight you to the bitter end.”
“You sure have some nerve to threaten me.” Victor’s gaze was piercing, his eyes flashing with intense anger.
Despite being in many situations before, Casimir was still cowed by this profound gaze.
Right then, Raylee couldn’t comprehend why Casimir had suddenly kicked up a fuss. She furrowed her brows deeply, chastising him, “Casimir, mind your own business. Stop with your nonsense, and leave with me now!” It was no small feat to have narrowly escaped death at the hands of Victor, and the last thing she wanted was for Casimir to mess it up.
“I’m not leaving. If the outstanding issues aren’t resolved, you’ll only live in constant fear.” Casimir insisted on defending her interests.
“You intend to take down the Lorimer family? You might be fearless, but it seems to me that it has reached the point of recklessness. I’ve yet to meet someone who dares to speak to me this way!”
Victor’s face was ashen, his brows deeply furrowed. He stared at Casimir without moving, exuding an aura of sternness and authority.
In the end, Casimir buckled under the pressure of absolute authority due to his youth. He was aware that every word he uttered represented the Sutherland family; he apologized without hesitation,
“Mr. Victor, I’m sorry. My concern for Ray–Ray has led me to speak without thinking. I hope you won’t hold it against me.”
“Hmm, you’ve got some nerve, haven’t you? I hear when Jerry was still alive, you must have tried many times to steal his girl, didn’t you?” Victor insinuated, his sharp eyes seeming as if they could see through everything.