Chapter 172: Take the Blame
With that, she hobbled over to Raylee and said joyfully, “Raylee, congratulations on making it back alive. We were all worried sick, thinking you might not return. Thank heavens, my daily prayers for you weren’t in vain.”
Listening to Waverly’s pretentious words, Raylee couldn’t help but retort, “You clearly didn’t do anything, yet it seems like all the credit goes to you. Remember this: My survival and return from Musmeynia isn’t good news for you. That’s because I will seek my revenge with everything I have!”
Raylee’s gaze, filled with resentment and hatred, was firmly fixed on Waverly. Waverly was taken aback by her menacing aura, retreating a few steps. Her eyes were burning with a fiery red as she said, “Raylee. I’m sorry. I know I’ve done some terrible things to you in the past, but I sincerely hoped that you could return safely from Musmeynia.”
Samuel immediately stepped in to defend, saying, “Raylee, why are you speaking to Wavy like that? Also, you’re the reason Wavy and I are walking around with crutches! Neither of us planned to hold you accountable, yet here you are, coming back with an attitude. Do you think you’re so impressive?”
“Compared to you, I am indeed quite remarkable,” Raylee scoffed. “After all, I’ve managed to protect the Goodridge family. This time, I’ve successfully taken the blame for you again.”
“When have I ever made you take the blame? What did I do wrong?” Samuel said indignantly.
“When I was in Musmeynia, it was Jeremiah who personally told me that he was deceived because you leaked the evidence,” Raylee said, staring at him disdainfully. “If I were to tell Mr. Victor that his son’s death was inevitably linked to you, what do you think would be your fate?”
After hearing those words, Samuel was completely flustered. Harriet said anxiously, “Ray–Ray, it’s best if only a few of us know about this matter. We don’t want to bring unexpected misfortune to Samuel.”
Waverly also defended Samuel through her tears, saying, “Raylee, please don’t reveal this matter! I beg you! Samuel didn’t do it on purpose. If you insist on seeking accountability, I’m willing to take responsibility on his behalf!”
Gritting his teeth, Samuel wore an expression of defiance. “Wavy, this matter has nothing to do with you. Don’t unnecessarily shoulder the blame. I’m responsible for my own actions. If she dares, let her take it up with the Lorimer family!”
Alaric roared, “Are you taking responsibility for your own actions? If you were that tough, Ray–Ray wouldn’t have had to take the blame for you! Apologize to Ray–Ray right now. Speak to her properly and try to earn her forgiveness!”
As he spoke, Alaric gave a swift kick to Samuel’s lower leg, sending him sprawling in front of Raylee.
“I don’t need your insincere apologies,” Raylee said. “You may have some leverage over me, but don’t flaunt your power in my presence. Otherwise, don’t blame me if I can’t keep my mouth shut!”
Kaylee shot him a chilly glare, issued a warning, and then turned to leave the Goodridge residence.
On her way back to Goodridge Manor, Raylee could only feel a bitter wind blowing against her face. She grew up in the Goodridge residence, and it housed her greatest love, as well as the relatives who loved her most. She lived a rare, free life, and every day was as if she was soaked in a jar of bliss. Everything she possessed was nothing but a unique favor bestowed upon her by the heavens. At that moment, however, it had turned into a place filled with scheming. Even though she had endured four long years of imprisonment, they continued to harm her relentlessly, exploiting her ruthlessly for their own gain. The joy she once experienced was then equally matched by the desolation.
Kaylee was walking dejectedly when she suddenly received a call from Layla. Her tone was so calm that it made Raylee feel uneasy. Raylee asked cautiously, “Where do you want me to go? Aren’t you at Lorimer Estate?”
“You’ll understand once you get there. Don’t try to escape because you can’t outrun this. You’ll have to answer me about Jeremiah’s affairs sooner or later. You owe me an explanation.”
With that, Layla ended the call. Even through the phone, Raylee could feel the simmering anger hidden beneath Layla’s calm tone. I have to give an explanation again…
After a hard-fought survival and return from Musmeynia, Raylee first went to Lorimer Estate to give an explanation before going to the Goodridge residence. At that moment, it was Layla she had to deal with. What have I done wrong? Why do I constantly have to provide explanations to these people? Who, then, is going to give me an explanation? With a sigh, Kaylee turned and started walking toward the exit of the residential area.
Layla was right, and they were destined to meet sooner or later. With Jeremiah’s death, one could say that Layla was the one who suffered the most. She and Jeremiah depended on each other, so no one could have been more devastated than her.