Chapter 185: A Surprise
Raylee didn't want to wait. The opportunity to use others to eliminate her enemies wasn't something that came around often. What could she do to trick Waverly? Just as Raylee was grappling with a headache, opportunity conveniently came knocking at her door.
Raylee's birthday was also around the corner, and Casimir had his assistant deliver her birthday gift in advance. Upon seeing that it was a necklace, Raylee instinctively resisted. After all, four years ago, she was imprisoned under the false accusation of stealing a necklace. The necklace had become the accessory she despised most in her entire life.
After her refusal, Casimir's assistant said, “Mr. Sutherland is on a business trip abroad, and he acquired this precious ruby necklace at an auction. He had it flown back to the country overnight and instructed me to ensure it was delivered into your hands, Ms. Goodridge. Please accept this, Ms. Goodridge. Don't put me in a difficult position.”
Raylee stared at him. “You look quite young. You’re new here, aren’t you? I don’t recall seeing you before.”
“Yes. I’m the new addition to the secretarial department, specifically in charge of managing Mr. Sutherland’s personal affairs.”
“Have you just graduated? How much do you make in a month? What’s your name?”
“That’s right. I’ve just graduated and am earning roughly ten thousand. My name is Bertrand Leedon, but Ms. Goodridge, you can call me Bert.”
“Bert, do you have any idea how much this necklace costs?” Raylee held up a finger. “At least one hundred million.”
Bertrand Leedon’s eyes widened in shock.
Raylee let out a soft laugh. “Do you feel like it’s an astronomical figure, something you could never earn in several lifetimes? However, for the wealthy, this is nothing unusual! Mr. Sutherland has always been generous in his giving, and accepting these gifts from him feels as mundane as receiving a lollipop, utterly devoid of any surprise.”
“Ms. Goodridge, why are you telling me all this…” Bertrand scratched his head. “I’m just a regular worker.”
Facing the naiveté on Bertrand’s face, Raylee laid out her terms directly, saying, “Right now, there’s an opportunity to strike it rich right before your eyes. It’s up to you whether you want to seize it or not.”
Two hours later, Bertrand, bearing a gift, showed up at the front door of the Goodridge residence. He was carrying the same ruby necklace. The recipient of the gift, however, had become Waverly. Waverly and Raylee shared the same birthday. Naturally, if Casimir prepared a birthday gift for Raylee, he would also have one ready for Waverly. However, Bertrand mentioned that, for the time being, Casimir had only purchased one gift. That also made it easier for Raylee to carry out her plan.
“Ms. Goodridge, this is an early birthday present from Mr. Sutherland, a precious ruby necklace he bought at an auction. It’s priceless.”
Waverly was brimming with joy. “Is it really from Casimir? Why didn’t he deliver it to me personally?”
“That’s because Mr. Sutherland is on a business trip abroad. He had me rush back to the country with the necklace he bought at the auction. This clearly shows the importance Mr. Sutherland places on you, Ms. Goodridge. Mr. Sutherland also said…”
Bertrand intentionally paused for a moment.
Bertrand continued, “Mr. Sutherland announced that he would be hosting an early birthday celebration for you at the top of the Majemio Hotel a week later, Ms. Goodridge. He plans to invite all friends and relatives from Jexburgh to attend and publicly announce his engagement to you, Ms. Goodridge. Mr. Sutherland has even commissioned the most renowned wedding planner in the country to arrange the venue. There’s a heartwarming engagement ceremony, accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display worth millions.”
Waverly’s eyes sparkled with excitement when she heard that. Majencio Hotel was renowned as the most luxurious establishment in Jexburgh. Its top floor, perched atop ninety-nine floors, was regarded as the pinnacle of opulence, only a select few wealthy scions from Jexburgh, possessing considerable influence, had the privilege to reserve. Surprisingly, Casimir had actually reserved the entire top floor to celebrate her birthday.
Waverly responded in disbelief, “Why has Casimir suddenly started paying so much attention to me? I need to personally call him to express my gratitude—”
Bertrand watched as Waverly pulled out her phone to make a call. However, he was remarkably composed. Taking out his phone first, he interrupted, “Ms. Goodridge, Mr. Sutherland has sent me quite a few voice messages. He asked me to listen to them for any further instructions.”
“All right! Listen now!”
Next, in front of Waverly, Bertrand played the voice messages.
“Bert, all you need to do is deliver the birthday gift on time. I’ll be announcing our engagement at Majencio Hotel’s top floor publicly, but let’s keep it a secret from Waverly for now.”
“I’ll be back in the country exactly a week from now to celebrate her birthday. It’s a surprise I have planned for her. You must keep it a secret.”
“In the past, I owed her a lot. Now, I’ve come to realize it. I intend to treat her well from now on.”
“That’s Casimir’s voice! He’s truly started to value me!” Waverly was enveloped in an unexpected wave of happiness, her eyes brimming with emotion. She felt as if she had finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel, believing that even if she were to die then, it would be worth it.
“Um,” Bertrand appeared to be at a loss. “Ms. Goodridge, what should I do? Mr. Sutherland wanted this to be a surprise for you and asked me to keep it a secret. But now, I’ve told you everything! Yikes… What am I going to do? With such a lapse in my duties, there’s no doubt that Mr. Sutherland will fire me! Ms. Goodridge, may I plead with you not to reveal this matter to Mr. Sutherland? I beg you. Finding a job is not easy these days. Please, Ms. Goodridge, help me keep my livelihood.”