Chapter 200: Prioritize Your Health
Samuel’s fists clenched tightly, his expression darkening. “Fine, let’s say it was a miscommunication. But then, why would the assistant tell Waverly that Casimir had some big surprise planned for her? And those messy recordings—they were clearly staged! The whole thing was obviously a setup! There’s no way you had nothing to do with it!”
Raylee shot him a calm, almost dismissive glance. “I wish I had an answer for you. But if you’re asking me, who am I supposed to ask? You’ve already made up your mind and come here demanding I confess to something I didn’t do. That’s not evidence; it’s just you trying to force a confession. History really does have a way of repeating itself, doesn’t it? Are you trying to pull the same stunt on me now that you did four years ago?”
“You’re seriously going to deny it?” Samuel shouted, his anger boiling over.
“How can I admit to something I didn’t do?” Raylee said with a light scoff.
A flicker of sorrow crossed Harriet’s face as she asked softly, “Ray—Ray, why do you keep bringing up what happened four years ago? Back then, we didn’t have a choice—we had to point the finger at you. It wasn’t something we did on purpose. But what you’ve done to Waverly now was intentional. These two situations are totally different; you can’t compare them.”
Raylee’s eyes blazed with fury. “You knew I was innocent, but you still framed me. How is that not intentional? Why do you get to twist right and wrong whenever it suits you? Even when you’re clearly in the wrong, you somehow make yourself look like you’re in the right! And me? All I wanted was to defend myself, but you all went out of your way to paint me as some kind of heartless monster. So what does that make you? Are you even human, or are you just predators who destroy lives without leaving a single shred behind?”
Facing Raylee’s constant criticisms, the Goodridge family grimaced.
Samuel, unapologetically defiant, challenged her, “How long are you going to keep dragging up the past? Do you find joy in endless revenge, making everyone else miserable?”
“That’s right,” Raylee retorted with a bitter laugh, her eyes flashing with dark intensity. “Only when you’re all suffering do I find joy! Weren’t you all so determined to make me admit I hurt Waverly? Fine, let’s cut to the chase. Yes, I teamed up with Tiffany. I paid off Casimir’s assistant to trick Waverly into showing up at the banquet. I had every intention of taking her down. Too bad for me, though. She got lucky and managed to dodge a bullet.”
Samuel’s face burned with fury. “So you finally admit it? Raylee, you’re absolutely vile! To get rid of Wavy, you actually stooped this low!”
“If you’re looking to blame someone, blame Mr. Sutherland for giving me the opportunity!” Raylee said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “As Waverly’s fiancé, who would’ve thought he’d gift me something so valuable for my birthday, creating the perfect excuse for me to interact with his assistant? Otherwise, I’d never have found such an ideal opportunity in time!”
As Raylee spoke, Waverly emerged from her room, assisted by the housekeeper. She had, in fact, attempted suicide by running into a wall. Her forehead was wrapped in thick bandages, faint traces of blood seeping through. Her face was ghostly pale, completely drained of color, giving her an air of delicate fragility.
Raylee couldn’t help but marvel at Waverly’s ability to evoke sympathy. She had staged a suicide attempt to perfect the image of a fragile and pitiable damsel, the sheer sight of which could sway even the coldest hearts.
It was no wonder the entire Goodridge family was so frantic, ready to confront Raylee for her supposed actions. “Wavy, why aren’t you resting in your room? What are you doing out here?” Harriet exclaimed, rushing to her side immediately, her expression a mix of overwhelming anxiety and deep concern.
Samuel went over nervously as well. “Exactly, Wavy, you need to focus on recovering right now. The doctor said stay in bed and rest. Don’t worry, we’ll make sure justice is served for you.”
They lavished Waverly with affection, bordering on overindulgence. While the Goodridge family showered her with care and sympathy, Raylee couldn’t resist stirring the pot.
“Waverly, we share the same birthday, yet your fiancé only gave a gift to me, a ridiculously expensive necklace he won at an auction. Have you never felt like a failure? As someone who knows a thing or two about losing, care to share your thoughts?”
Waverly’s emotions spiraled at the provocation. “Raylee, not only did you take Casimir from me, but you also nearly got me caught by Tiffany. I swear, I’m going to kill you!” she cried out, rushing at Raylee in a frenzy.
Samuel immediately caught her in a protective embrace. “Wavy, calm down. She’s doing this to provoke you. Don’t give her the satisfaction. A necklace doesn’t prove anything. As long as I’m here, Casimir wouldn’t dare betray you.”
Harriet quickly chimed in, “Wavy, you need to prioritize your health. The doctor specifically warned against stress, remember? Be a good girl and head back to your room. Your dad and I will make sure justice is served for you.”
Just then, Alaric slammed his hand on the table. His aura radiated authority, carrying an undeniable sense of power and dominance.