Chapter 196: I Owe You For This
At that moment, Casimir’s actions spoke louder than any declaration of love could. If he didn’t have feelings for her, he wouldn’t have taken such a bold stand. Waverly didn’t expect to emerge as the ultimate victor. The more Casimir defended her, the harder it became for Tiffany to accept.
Her frustration built until it finally boiled over, and she snapped, “You think I’m scared? Casimir, you obviously don’t know me well enough. If I were so easily controlled, I wouldn’t deserve the title of the Lorimer family’s eldest daughter.”
“You are certainly known for your unyielding nature, but don’t underestimate me either. The Sutherland and Lorimer families are deeply invested in several significant projects together. If you’re willing to jeopardize that over a minor issue, it’s nothing less than making a mountain out of a molehill. I doubt your father, Mr. Victor, would appreciate seeing the partnership between our families derailed over petty grievances.”
“You’re actually dragging my father into this? Casimir, you’ve crossed the line!” Tiffany’s face flushed with anger, her composure slipping further. “For someone like her, you pulled the entire Sutherland family into this, even going as far as involving my father. Clearly, you’re not just blind; you’re blind at heart, too. Raylee was your fiancée once, wasn’t she? Why didn’t you stand up for her like this? Is Waverly’s place in your heart really so unique, so untouchable, that you’d go to such extremes to protect her?”
Her words struck Casimir like a blow, leaving him momentarily speechless. His expression darkened. Tiffany wasn’t wrong. Back then, he hadn’t fought for Raylee the way he was now fighting for Waverly. Instead, he’d stood silently on the sidelines, watching as Tiffany took Raylee away.
Now, his fierce determination to protect Waverly was because he couldn’t allow history to repeat itself. The guilt he carried for Raylee had shifted, finding a new outlet in his protection of Waverly.
To the onlookers, however, it seemed like something else entirely. What they saw was a devoted fiancé, willing to risk everything for his bride-to-be. He was bold enough to stand against Tiffany, challenging her authority without hesitation. In their eyes, he seemed head over heels in love with Waverly. Such profound emotions were truly admirable and touching.
Among the crowd, Raylee had been deeply absorbed in the unfolding drama. Watching Tiffany put Waverly in her place had initially brought her a sense of satisfaction. It seemed like the ultimate vengeance had been served, with Waverly firmly in Tiffany’s grasp, with no hope of escape from this dire predicament. But then, against all expectations, Casimir stepped forward, prepared to defend Waverly at any cost. Raylee’s expression began to dim, her initial glow fading.
In a quiet voice, she leaned toward Shanice, who was standing beside her, and murmured, “I should leave now.” There was no longer any reason to stay. There was nothing left to see. After all, Casimir hadn’t just brought the influence of the Sutherland family into play; he had also drawn in Victor. As formidable as Tiffany was, she couldn’t really stand against the combined power of both.
Shanice couldn’t hide her frustration. “My brother must have lost his mind. How could he go so far as to defend Waverly? No, I have to go and talk some sense into him!”
Raylee reached out and held her back. “Don’t bother. It’s not worth it. You don’t want Tiffany holding a grudge against you. It’s better to avoid trouble when you can.”
2:58 PM H
Chapter 196: I Owe You For This
“So I’m just supposed to stand by and watch Casimir stay stuck in this delusion?”
“Is he truly deluded? I don’t think so. He’s actually quite clear-headed…”
Feeling disappointed, Raylee cast one last glance at Casimir before turning to leave.
Finished
“Someone, save Ms. Goodridge!” Casimir commanded, and his bodyguards sprang into action, rescuing Waverly and bringing her back to safety. Tiffany didn’t stop them. She didn’t have the ability to either. While she had little regard for the Sutherland family, being forced to confront her father’s authority was her greatest vulnerability. Though she had managed to detain Waverly temporarily, harming her was a line she simply couldn’t cross. Tiffany clenched her teeth, her anger palpable.
“Comparison truly is the thief of joy. I always thought you truly loved Raylee, but it turns out Waverly is the one you really care about! Casimir, let me make this clear—I’ve always believed in settling scores. Your fiancée ruined my cake and hurt my assistant today, and I’m not letting it slide. You’d better protect her for the rest of her life because if I get the chance, I will…destroy…her!”
She nearly shouted the final words, her gaze fixed on Waverly with an intensity that suggested she wanted to rip her apart. Waverly trembled at the sight of Tiffany’s unrelenting rage. Breaking free from the bodyguards, she threw herself into Casimir’s arms and sobbed uncontrollably. Tiffany, her frustration mounting, turned on her heel and stormed off. The scene ended on a sour note.
“Everything’s fine now. Go on, head home with your brother. I’ll have my bodyguards escort you,” Casimir said in a calm, detached tone as he gently pushed Waverly toward Samuel.
“Thank you, Casimir. If it weren’t for you tonight, Waverly would have been in serious danger. I owe you for this,” Samuel said gratefully before swiftly leaving through the back door under the protection of Casimir’s bodyguards.
Meanwhile, back at the banquet, Casimir searched the crowd, but Raylee was nowhere to be found. A wave of disappointment washed over him.