Chapter 171: The Meddler
“Ray-Ray, what’s with your tone?” Alaric stood from the couch, his voice stern. “The head of the Lorimer family is no pushover. If he isn’t blaming us, there must be a reason. We simply want to know some details about your time in Musmeynia to see if we can find any clues. If the Lorimer family isn’t holding you accountable, it’s because Jeremiah owed you something. We can seek justice from the Lorimer family and reclaim what rightfully belongs to you.”
Kaylee didn’t hold back as she sarcastically remarked, “Even at a time like this, are you still hoping to find a trace of the Lorimer family owing me a favor? Instead of being grateful that the Lorimer family isn’t giving you any trouble, you’re trying to gain benefits from them. You must be driven mad by the thought of money, aren’t you?”
Harriet couldn’t help but reprimand, “Ray-Ray, how could you speak to your father like this? Your father is only trying to protect your interests. After all, you risked your life going to Musmeynia. It’s only logical that the Lorimer family owes you…”
“That’s enough. I don’t want to hear any more about what happened in Musmeynia, and you shouldn’t pry either. Since the Goodridge family has narrowly escaped disaster, you should now keep a low profile and stop hatching any crooked schemes,” Raylee warned.
“All right. I see you’ve grown independent now. We can’t even ask you a simple question,” Alaric said in annoyance. “Jeremiah is dead, and your hopes of marrying into the Lorimer family are gone. Therefore, I won’t be giving you the Goodridge family’s shares.”
“So, Mr. Alaric, are you planning to go back on your word?” Raylee didn’t really expect him to keep his promise, but she couldn’t help but mock him. “The esteemed chairman of Goodridge Group, speaking as if he’s just passing gas. Mr. Goodridge, your dignity is a precious thing, so could you please have some decency?”
“When have I ever gone back on my word?” grumbled Alaric. “When you set off for Musmeynia, I told you, didn’t I? Only if you could bring Jeremiah back safely would I give you the shares as your dowry. However, he’s dead now, and you have no ties with the Lorimer family anymore. Why would I have any reason to give you shares? However, that’s okay. I’ll continue to find you a suitable match. You’re my daughter, a member of the Goodridge family. There are plenty of eligible young men in Jexburgh for you to choose from.”
“Sorry, but I’m not accommodating you anymore. I’ve said it before. I won’t be your tool again!” Raylee spoke with righteous indignation.
“Ray-Ray…” Harriet came over, taking her arm and advising earnestly, “Jeremiah is already gone, so you need to start thinking about your own future. Your grandma is getting on in years, and it’s certain that she hopes you’ll find someone dependable to rely on during her lifetime.”
“Are you doing it to find me someone to rely on, or are you seeking benefits for the Goodridge family? You’re all as cunning as wily old foxes, so stop putting on an act,” Raylee said, shaking Harriet off abruptly. “I’ve said it before. I won’t be the Goodridge family’s tool anymore. You all can forget about that!”
Harriet, in a moment of inattention, was nearly thrown off balance and almost fell. At that moment, Samuel and Waverly, leaning on their crutches, entered the house with the assistance of their housekeepers.
Upon witnessing that scene, Samuel reacted like a lit dynamite stick, exploding instantly.
“Kaylee, I was barely out of the house, and you’re already bullying Mom?” Samuel was seething with anger.
Raylee looked at the siblings, both leaning on crutches, feeling quite frustrated. After all, when she pushed Waverly down the stairs, her intention was for her to end up either dead or severely injured, preferably crippled or maimed. However, Samuel, the meddler, just had to lend a hand.
Waverly is truly fortunate, but will her luck continue to hold? Raylee sneered inwardly. She had vowed that if she could make it back alive from Musmeynia, she would definitely not let Waverly off the hook easily.
Harriet hurriedly explained, “Samuel, Ray-Ray didn’t bully me. She barely made it back alive from Musmeynia, and you haven’t even expressed a word of concern. The first thing you do is scold her. Is that how a brother should act?”
Raylee found those words amusing. She’s saying that Samuel hasn’t expressed a single word of concern, but has she?
“So what if she’s alive? I heard that Jeremiah died out there. Do you think the Lorimer family will just let her off?” Samuel was both angry and worried. “If I were you, I wouldn’t strut around. I’d hide if I could and duck out of sight if possible instead of flaunting around at home. Are you tired of living? Did you forget everything Mom and Dad told you before you left? They told you over and over again not to come back if Jeremiah were to die. They told you to just wait for further instructions, no? You really have some nerve, rushing back here to meet your doom!”
“You don’t need to worry about that,” Harriet replied. “Mr. Victor has given his word. He won’t go after Ray-Ray, nor will he hold the Goodridge family accountable.”
“Such good fortune exists?” Samuel was in disbelief. “I don’t believe it.”
“If you don’t believe me, then forget it. What happened to you two? You were perfectly fine in the hospital. Why have you returned home with crutches?” Harriet asked.
Waverly obediently replied, “Mom, we heard that Raylee was back, so we immediately sorted out the discharge formalities and rushed back to see her.”