Chapter 229: Marriage Proposal

I knew it the moment he showed up—trouble was bound to follow. To break me up with Percival, he’s even resorting to matchmaking me with someone else.

Raylee sneered, “Mr. Goodridge, your mother loves to play matchmaker, and it seems you’ve inherited that trait, haven’t you? Why don’t you transform all of Goodridge Group’s operations into a matchmaking service? It would be a blessing for the nation, boosting the marriage rate.”

“I was trying to be nice, but you’re acting all weird. Raylee, am I not treating you with respect?” Samuel huffed.

“You said it yourself, right after Jeremiah died, I was in a hurry to find a new partner, as the Lorimer family would hold me accountable,” Raylee scoffed. “So, what’s this, you’re going back on your words so soon? Aren’t you afraid I’ll drag the esteemed Goodridge family down with me? Or are you just targeting Dr. Shapiro?”

Samuel asserted, “No matter what, you just can’t be with Percival, but the Mulligan family is different. As the second most powerful family in the capital, even the Lorimer family holds them in some regard. If you were to marry into their family, it would be a wonderful match. Moreover, Halston Mulligan is a close friend of mine. I know him inside and out. It’s always best to keep good stuff within the family. Naturally, I would want to reserve the best for you.”

“Halston Mulligan?” After a moment of recollection, Vera had a vague impression of him. “Is it the chubby kid who used to pick on Raylee when they were little? Relying on the support of his older brothers, he caused trouble everywhere. In high school, he even impregnated someone and was subsequently urged to leave. Are you out of your mind, you brat? You’re vouching for this guy’s character, even considering introducing him to Raylee? What’s wrong with you?”

In the end, Vera could no longer contain her fury. With a forceful thump, she slammed her walking stick onto the ground.

“Exactly, even Grandma remembers what a scumbag he used to be. Yet, you’re still saying that you want to keep the good stuff for me? Mr. Goodridge, what are you really up to?” Raylee mocked.

“You’ve gotten the wrong idea!” Samuel hastily clarified. “That’s in the past. Things are different now. Halston wasn’t sensible back then, but he’s grown up and turned out to be a great person now. Grandma, why don’t you find out for yourself? I assure you, I’m not lying. He’s truly turned over a new leaf. As the saying goes, a changed man is worth more than gold. He truly is a changed man now!”

“Since he’s so great, you can have him. I can’t handle someone like that.”

Raylee shifted her gaze away, too indifferent to engage in pointless chatter with him. She continued to savor the delicious chili con carne.

Vera agreed, saying, “Yes, you can have him to yourself. My dear Raylee can’t handle it. Even if you were to marry that rascal and have his children, I wouldn’t object!”

“Grandma, I’m a man, how can I marry him and have children? Isn’t that absurd?” Samuel ranted.

Hazel came over and reminded, “Old Mrs. Goodridge, it’s time to check your blood pressure and take your medicine.”

Vera gave a yawn. “I’m off to my room, Raylee. Enjoying Dr. Shapiro’s chili con carne.” She lifted her head, glaring at Samuel once more.

“You brat, you better leave now! If you dare to introduce any more scumbags to Raylee, I’m going to make you regret it!” After Vera returned to her room, Samuel did not rush to leave.

He abruptly snatched away the chili con carne that Raylee was eating and tossed it into the trash can, gritting his teeth as he said, “You enjoyed that meal, didn’t you? Well, if you really like it so much, go ahead and pick it back up to continue eating!”

Infuriated, Raylee flung her fork at his face.

“Samuel, have you lost your mind? If you’re going to act crazy, go do it at your own home instead of here!”

Samuel wiped the food that had splashed onto his face, his gaze growing dark and intense as he fixed it firmly on Raylee.

“You tossed out the takeout I brought, yet you savored every bite of what Percival gave you. It’s one thing not to accept my…”

“Drop the act already!” Raylee snapped mercilessly. “Why should I be obliged to accept something just because you’ve made an effort? I’m not your pet, so why should I be grateful for any kindness you show me?”

“I’m not going to argue with you, you stubborn mule!” After calming down, Samuel continued to talk about the blind date.

“Give some thought to the matter with Halston. Everyone makes mistakes in their youth. He may have been irresponsible in the past, but he is all mature now. You should try getting to know him better. I’m not my parents. When it comes to arranged marriage alliances, I don’t place as much emphasis on benefits as they do. Just go and see for yourself. I won’t force you if you don’t like him, but I can guarantee that you’ll be pleased with how he is now.”

Without a second thought, Raylee instantly rejected the proposal, “Didn’t you pay attention to what Grandma said? Stop introducing me to all these random people. I have no interest in them at all!”

“Must you insist on choosing Percival?” Samuel’s face was taut with tension.