Chapter 190: Being Paranoid
Finished, shaking her head, Raylee said, “He was kidnapped. For some reason, I was needed to go and rescue him.”
“Why on earth would they send a delicate woman like you to such a godforsaken place?” Vera fumed. “Was it your parents who asked you to go there? I knew it! Whenever there’s a problem, their first thought is to have you take the fall! No matter what, you’re still the daughter they raised for eighteen years. Just because you’re not their biological child, that doesn’t mean they can disregard your life. Ray—Ray, don’t be scared. I will definitely seek justice for you!”
Raylee didn’t deny it. After all, Samuel had a part to play in Jeremiah being deceived into going to Musmeynia. Alaric and Harriet had even warned her, insisting that if she couldn’t safely rescue Jeremiah, she might as well perish there and not return. Just like Vera had said, they completely disregarded Raylee’s life.
“Grandma, Jeremiah is gone…” Raylee couldn’t help but break down in sobs again.
“I thought you despised that abusive man. I never expected you to harbor such deep feelings for him,” Vera sighed deeply. “That guy was no ordinary person. Even in death, he’s managed to take your heart with him.”
“Grandma, I don’t have those kinds of feelings for him. He was simply very important to me,” Raylee sobbed, recalling the scene from the night Jeremiah passed away. “We were in great peril in Musmeynia, and we almost died. At the brink of life and death, I had intended to die alongside him. Jeremiah, even after being shot, jumped into the river. His sacrifice ignited my will to survive. He was the one who saved me…”
“Who would have thought that young man would do something good before his end?” Vera sighed. “Ray—Ray, I’m truly heartbroken. I didn’t know I almost lost you.”
Vera held Raylee tightly and added, “It’s all in the past. Don’t be sad. I will introduce you to a better man.”
With tears in her eyes, Raylee nodded. In this world, it seems there’s probably no one better than Jeremiah… When I was thirteen, my rebellious actions inadvertently led to his imprisonment for murder. That debt of gratitude alone is something I could never repay in my entire lifetime.
Kaylee then recalled the words Layla spoke in the courtyard house and those photographs etched in memory. Perhaps there will never be another man who would silently watch over me and risk his life to save me… Jeremiah, why did you have to leave us so soon? I am now destined to live my entire life owing this favor that could never be fully repaid… Do you have any idea how much I’m suffering?
As soon as Samuel returned to the Goodridge residence, he was greeted by the sight of Waverly, dolled up and looking radiant before him.
“Samuel, what do you think about this makeup and outfit for the banquet?” Waverly looked at him with anticipation.
The mere thought of that night stirred her excitement. She was to be announced as Casimir’s fiancée under the watchful eyes of thousands. She wished time could fly, so that day would arrive immediately.
“It’s Ms. Tiffany’s birthday party, so she’s the star of the evening. It isn’t quite right for you to dress up like this and steal her thunder,” Samuel said, his face stern and displeased. “In my opinion, you should just stay put and save Mom and Dad from worrying.”
“No! I must go!” Waverly insisted with determination.
“Why do you have to go? Is it absolutely necessary to make friends at Tiffany’s birthday party? Wavy, are you keeping secrets from me?” Samuel gazed at her solemnly. “Have you had any recent encounters with Raylee or any other odd individuals? Be honest with me. Otherwise, if something goes wrong, I won’t be able to cover for you.”
Waverly had given her word to Casimir’s assistant, promising to keep the matter confidential. Hence, she wouldn’t utter a single word about it. She thought she had everything checked out. That man—who was indeed Casimir’s assistant.
Moreover, she had subtly hinted to Casimir about her birthday. Although he was a man of few words, he knew when her special day was. Armed with that crucial information, she had no doubts about the surprise Casimir had prepared for her.
Hence, when confronted with Samuel’s skepticism, she deftly responded, “I haven’t seen Raylee for several days now. I’ve been spending all my time at home, only stepping out to collect deliveries and takeaways.”
“Really? However, the housekeeper mentioned she saw you talking with a man at the door for quite a while this morning.” Samuel said skeptically.
“That was just the courier. The collectible figurine I ordered online has arrived,” Waverly lied.
“Don’t just randomly buy things online. The quality can’t be guaranteed. Tell me what you want, and I’ll get it for you.”
“I understand, but the value of a thing isn’t determined by its price. That’s a collectible figurine that I waited a long time for,” Waverly replied. “Come on, Samuel. Can you stop being so paranoid? The incident with Tiffany was four years ago. It’s been a long time! She has no idea that I was the one who stole the necklace, and Raylee even took the blame for me. Ms. Tiffany is far from idle, so why would she hold onto such trivial matters?”