Chapter 227: Brewing Conflict

“This is your problem; why should I take the fall for you? Let’s not argue anymore. Finding a solution to our problem should be our priority,” Waverly said, taking a sip of iced water and striving to calm herself.

“The situation isn’t as straightforward as it seems. I believe someone is setting you up on purpose. What’s the story behind the creditor? You know, the guy with the snake tattoo on his face—does he know Raylee?”

“Why are you bringing Raylee up? What does she have to do with this?” Mindy asked, puzzled.

“Given your recent feud with her, it’s entirely plausible she might conspire with outsiders to plot against you,” Waverly speculated.

Mindy was visibly irritated. “What makes you think she’s so capable? Viper only started establishing himself in Jexburgh two years ago. Back then, Raylee was still in prison! Even if they’ve recently become acquainted, given Viper’s status, it’s unlikely he’d conspire with her against me.”

“Why are you so sure?” Waverly asked.

Mindy stated confidently, “Isn’t it obvious? Viper oversees a huge gambling den, and guess who has his back? It was none other than the scions of the Lorimer family. How could an underworld boss who works for the Lorimer family possibly mingle with a woman like Raylee?”

“If they’re so powerful, why would they bother swapping my jewelry? You’re incredibly naive!” Waverly said scornfully.

“I don’t care; I just need an answer. Will you help me cover this twenty million or not?”

At that moment, Mindy was on edge. Nothing Waverly said could get through to her. In her bloodshot eyes, all she was looking for was money.

“I want to help you too, but I’m powerless to do so! The thirty million was something I had barely managed to scrape together. Now, you’re telling me you need another twenty million? Do you think I’m a money-printing machine?”

“So you won’t help, huh? Fine, let’s just sink together!” Mindy clenched her teeth, her face pale with anger. “I believe your family would certainly be curious about a few things. For instance, how did you return to the Goodridge family four years ago? And before you came back, what sort of unsavory deeds were you involved in? If I were to expose all your secrets one after another, do you think you could still maintain your position as the real heiress of the Goodridge family?”

“How dare you threaten me?” Waverly roared in a stern voice.

With a darkened expression, Mindy argued, “Hmph, you could stand by and watch me get hounded to death by the creditors, so what’s the big deal with me threatening you? I’ve no choice but to be selfish. I just want to live a good life. You must help me!”

Waverly was outraged, yet she dared not lose her composure.

“You’re nothing but a hopeless gambler. If I were to help you, it would be like throwing money into a bottomless pit. Setting you out? Aside from the fact that I don’t have the money this time, what if you gamble again in the future and expect me to bail you out? Even if I were to sell myself, I wouldn’t have enough money!”

“Help me get through this crisis, and I promise you, I’ll never gamble again,” Mindy vowed.

However, there was no way Waverly could believe the words of a gambler. The only strategy she could employ was to stall for time.

“Give me some time. I’ll think of a way to help you.”

“They gave me one day. All you need to do is help me gather twenty million,” Mindy reminded. “Remember, don’t try and trick them with fake jewelry again. If I get hit because of this, don’t blame me if I can’t keep my mouth shut and accidentally spill some secrets!”

“I’ll help you, but you need to watch your mouth!” she warned, her face flushing red.

“If you keep your word, I’ll definitely keep your secret, my dear friend. I’ll be waiting for your updates.”

After flashing her a charming smile, Mindy opened the door of the private room.

The pair had just stepped out of the private room when the door of the adjacent room also opened, and out walked Percival. Waverly was taken aback. The sound insulation here is poor. Could Percival have overheard their conversation?

She greeted him with a forced smile. “Hey, Dr. Shapiro, fancy seeing you here.”

“Ms. Goodridge, how are you? I just overheard you talking about a secret. What secret were you discussing just now?” Percival asked curiously.

“There’s no secret here, Dr. Shapiro; you must have misunderstood. We were just having a casual chat.”

With a meaningful look, Waverly signaled Mindy to leave.

She then tried to get cozy with Percival. “Dr. Shapiro, I heard that you had a late-night date with my sister the night before last, is that true?”

Percival furrowed his brows. “You’re not thinking that I’m dating her like your brother does, are you?”

Waverly couldn’t help but chuckle. “So, let me indulge in some gossip here, is it true? Alright, Dr. Shapiro. I won’t pry any further, but I can tell that my sister really likes you!”

The remark triggered a subtle hint of longing to flash across Percival’s face.