Chapter 206: A Freeloader
Those few words left Harriet and Samuel speechless.
With a stern expression, Alaric stated, “Mom, since you believe in punishment and reward, it wouldn’t be too much to reward Waverly as well, right? After all, she is your granddaughter.”
“That’s not too much. She deserves the reward!” Vera nodded in agreement.
Waverly’s eyes lit up. Am I also getting Goodridge Group’s shares? Unexpectedly, this stupid old hag has so much up her sleeve. I thought she was just a freeloader in the Goodridge family. Had I known earlier, I would have treated her better and not wished her dead.
Before Waverly had a chance to rejoice, she heard Vera’s tone shift as she said to Alaric, “However, it’s not me who’s giving the reward, but you. How about transferring the shares under your name to Waverly?”
Alaric furrowed his brows tightly, his tone filled with displeasure. “Mom, why don’t you reward her? They are both your granddaughters, yet you’re clearly showing favoritism. Isn’t this blatant favoritism?”
“You’re also biased, always favoring Waverly!” Vera retorted unabashedly. “If you all can play favorites, then why can’t I? Hmph! Since you treat Raylee like she’s insignificant, then I’ll treat her like a treasure. I’ll spoil my granddaughter myself!”
Once her words fell, the lawyer beside her presented another share transfer agreement. On the spot, Vera signed her own name.
Raylee was still in a state of confusion. She couldn’t believe what was unfolding before her eyes. Grandma has actually secured such a significant portion of the family’s shares for me! Holding those shares, she could throw her weight around within Goodridge Group. That essentially meant she held the lifeline of the Goodridge family. Just like that, Raylee no longer had to seek vengeance with nothing to her name.
“It’s your turn to sign, Raylee,” Vera gently urged.
“Grandma, are you really willing to give me your shares? Those are your assets… I…” As Raylee reached the end of her speech, she couldn’t help but feel a sting in her nose, her voice choking with emotion. She didn’t know how to repay Vera’s kindness.
Vera lovingly caressed her cheek, fondly saying, “Silly girl, I already have one foot in the grave. All my wealth, everything I own, it all belongs to you. You’ve suffered so much, and this family owes you more than words can express. The least I, as your grandmother, can do is to give you these worldly possessions. Even when I’m truly gone in the future, you’ll still have some protection.”
Watching the scene of a doting grandmother and a dutiful granddaughter, the Goodridge family members all had an unpleasant feeling in their hearts. It seemed as though, aside from Vera, everyone in the household was akin to a villain.
After Raylee had signed the share transfer agreement and completed some legal formalities, it was only then that Vera escorted her back to Goodridge Manor. From beginning to end, Raylee didn’t face any hardships. Instead, she ended up acquiring significant shares in Goodridge Group. She made a rough estimate of the market value, and the amount was astronomical. She had already returned the betrothal gifts that Jeremiah had previously sent her. She was a pauper before, but she had suddenly become a wealthy lady.
No sooner had Raylee stepped out of the mansion when something came to her mind, causing her to turn back. She approached Alaric and asked, “May I have a word with you in private?”
“What can’t it be discussed now?” Alaric had just lost his shares. His mood was far from pleasant, and his face was ashen.
Raylee didn’t beat around the bush. “Did you say something about me to Jeremiah? Do I have anything to do with his mother’s death?”
Alaric’s face drastically changed when he heard that. He immediately turned Raylee around before saying, “What nonsense are you spouting? How could his mother’s death possibly have anything to do with you? I’ve never discussed anything with him!”
“Before Jeremiah died, he personally confessed to me that you had called him.” Raylee stared at him and added, “I know you’ve been keeping something from me, and all I want is the truth.”
Alaric shook his head in denial. “I really have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“I figured you wouldn’t tell me easily. That’s fine. There’s plenty of time ahead,” Raylee said in a pensive manner, calmly turning around and leaving without any rush.
Alaric watched her serene and composed figure recede, his brows deeply furrowed, his face reflecting the weight of his worries.
Right then, Harriet came over and asked him, “Alaric, what were you whispering about with Raylee so secretly?”
“It’s nothing.” Alaric shook his head, his hands clasped behind his back.
“Is it about that—”
“Could you stop making wild guesses?” Alaric interrupted, clearly irritated.
After watching Raylee and Vera leave the Goodridge residence, Alaric angrily interrogated the housekeeper, who was sent to notify Raylee. “I only asked you to invite Raylee alone, and what did you do? You went ahead and invited a big shot as well?”