Chapter 205: A Crucial Moment
“Mom, have you lost your mind? How could I possibly give her such a large share for such a trivial matter?” Alaric exclaimed in shock.
“You caused Ray-Ray to suffer in prison for four years and made her endure endless hardship! Is this even a trivial matter?” Vera’s gaze was stern, yet it held a hint of menace.
“All right. Since that’s a trivial matter to you, fine! However, didn’t you promise Ray-Ray a five percent share when you sent her to Musmeynia to save someone? What’s the matter? Are you going back on your word now? Don’t assume that just because I, an old woman, don’t step out of my front door, I’m unaware of what’s going on. Let me tell you something. I know everything! I also know that Samuel, this brat, played a part in what happened to Jeremiah!”
Alaric explained with a stern face, “There were conditions attached, of course. Ray-Ray had to ensure Jeremiah’s safe return and successfully marry him. Only then would those shares serve as her dowry. However, she didn’t accomplish the task and nearly caused the Lorimer family to blame us!”
Vera retorted exasperatedly, “I don’t care about your conditions. The fact is that Ray-Ray went to Musmeynia and nearly lost her life there. She’s worth more than just five percent. She’d be worth even fifty percent of the shares! Even now, the Lorimer family hasn’t pursued the Goodridge family’s mistakes, all thanks to Ray-Ray’s efforts. If you don’t compensate her, then I’ll report Samuel for causing the death of the son of the Lorimer family!”
“No, please… Mom, Samuel is your grandson. Are you really going to place righteousness before family?” Harriet pleaded through her tears.
Seeing Vera’s unwavering stance, Alaric had no choice but to reluctantly nod in agreement. “Mom, I understand. I will fulfill my promise. I’ll have the lawyer draft the share transfer agreement when I have some free time.”
“Some free time? My foot! Are you making empty promises in front of me? You’re still too green!” Vera’s voice was loud, and her tone was stern, leaving Alaric feeling utterly ashamed.
He truly intended to play for time, but he didn’t anticipate that his ruse would be exposed. He then responded with an awkward bravado, “Mom, listen to what you’re saying. A man’s word is his bond. If I’ve said it, I’ll definitely do it.”
“Bullshit! Men are liars. Do you take me for a naive young girl in her teens?” Vera shot him a glare and proceeded to make a phone call right in front of him.
Before long, a lawyer dressed in a suit walked in. Raylee was utterly bewildered. Grandma has everything ready! She’s just been waiting for the crucial moment!
“Mr. Goodridge, the share transfer agreement is all set up. Both parties just need to sign it, and the agreement will come into effect immediately.”
The lawyer handed over a document to Alaric. Even though Alaric was filled with resentment, he had no choice but to acquiesce. After all, his elderly mother was watching him closely, even using his own son as leverage against him.
With no room to refuse, he reluctantly signed the agreement, his heart unwilling and his feelings unresolved. Once he had finished signing, it was Raylee’s turn to sign.
Naturally, without a moment’s hesitation, Raylee gladly accepted those shares, believing it to be a wonderful opportunity. She didn’t care about money, but when it came to the funds of the Goodridge family that could potentially end up in her pocket, she wouldn’t let them off.
“All right. Let’s put Musmeynia behind us, Ray-Ray. Now that you have shares in the company, you mustn’t bring up what happened before, okay?”
After putting on a show of scolding for a bit, Vera continued, “As the saying goes, where there is punishment, there is reward. Since Ray-Ray has been punished, naturally, a reward would follow. So, I’ve made up my mind. I’m transferring all of my shares in Goodridge Crown to Ba. Dal.”
As soon as those words were spoken, everyone in the Goodridge family fell silent in fear. That was especially the case for Waverly. She didn’t even cry. Her eyes were wide open as if she had seen a ghost. She glared resentfully at Raylee, her eyes filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred.
The person in question, Raylee, was also left bewildered. Wait… I’ve just gotten five percent of Alaric’s shares, and now Grandma has given me another seven percent… Doesn’t that mean all her shares combined exceed ten percent? Raylee could be part of Goodridge Group’s board of directors with those shares.
As the heir of the Goodridge family, Samuel watched as their family fortune slipped away. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of injustice. “Grandma, when did Raylee get punished? She came here today, and we haven’t even laid a finger on her!”
Vera calmly said, “Ray-Ray accepted her punishment, no? It’s just that you all didn’t want to accept it. So, your dad used his shares to offset it. Since it’s been offset, it proves that Ray-Ray has accepted her punishment. Isn’t that right?”
“Grandma, you’re being completely unreasonable!” Samuel was enraged.
Harriet also felt a sense of injustice. “Mom, Ray-Ray already owns five percent of the shares, and now you’re giving her another seven percent. Her shares are going to surpass mine. That’s not fair, is it?”
“How is it unreasonable? How is it unfair?” Vera scoffed dismissively. “What right do you have to dictate what I do with my own shares? Even if I were to donate it all, it’s none of your business, let alone giving it to Ray-Ray!