Chapter 32: Double Standards

“Concrete evidence? Did you even investigate? All you saw was the surface! Mr. Goodridge, I beg you, stop making accusations based on half-truths!”

Samuel faltered, his confidence wavering slightly. “When have I ever wronged you?”

Kaylee’s laugh was hollow. “No? Then let’s talk about that night at the bar. When Waverly accused me of pushing her down the stairs, you never brought it up again. Didn’t you investigate and find out I was falsely accused? Should we just pretend that never happened?”

Samuel’s jaw tightened. “That incident… you were innocent. Mindy set you up and even deleted the security footage. Waverly was also a victim—she misidentified you. But in the end, I didn’t hold you accountable. It’s in the past; there’s no need to dwell on it.”

Raylee’s laugh carried a trace of pain. “So, when I am wronged, there’s no need for an apology or compensation? Just a simple ‘I won’t hold you responsible’ is supposed to be enough?”

Her words struck him silent. She studied his face, her expression filled with disappointment. Though guilt gnawed at him, he couldn’t bring himself to apologize.

Samuel was a hypocrite. He never cared about truth or fairness. When he was at fault, he never apologized. But if she made even the smallest mistake, he would magnify it endlessly, as if she were beyond redemption. She wondered sometimes if he was regressing; his reasoning skills seemed no better than a single-celled organism's.

As she turned to leave, Samuel blocked her path. “We’re not done here. You let Jeremiah snatch the pink diamond—I won’t let that slide! Waverly had her eyes on that for a long time. I came to the auction tonight specifically for the pink diamond. You have to give it up!”

Raylee watched him throw his tantrum, acting so ridiculously she felt a sudden urge to smack him hard enough to stick him to the wall.

But she couldn’t be bothered to argue. She simply stepped aside and walked away.

At the banquet hall entrance, a swimming pool stretched before her. Unpleasant memories surged to the surface as she glanced into its dark depths. A wave of fear hit her, making her quicken her pace.

But Samuel wasn’t about to let her go. He intercepted her at poolside, his tone commanding. “I’ll give you fifty million—hand over the pink diamond!”

“I’d advise you to know when to stop,” he warned coldly. “Fifty million is an astronomical sum—more than you could ever dream of earning in your lifetime. Don’t be insatiably greedy!”

Raylee shot him a chilling look. “I’ve already told you, the pink diamond isn’t mine. If you want to negotiate, talk to Jeremiah. Don’t try to put me in a tough spot!”

“Don’t use Jeremiah as an excuse. I’ll ask you one last time—are you going to give it up or not?” Samuel growled.

They stood at an impasse, Samuel blocking her escape.

Just then, Waverly stepped forward, clutching Samuel’s arm. Her voice was pitiful as she pleaded, “Samuel, please don’t make things difficult for Raylee. If she’s unwilling to part with it, that just means she really cherishes the pink diamond. I don’t want any bad blood between you two. I just want you to be happy.”

Samuel’s expression darkened. “Jeremiah even bought other jewelry for you, so why are you so fixated on this pink diamond? I get it now,” he accused, his voice full of disdain. “You’re refusing to give it up because you know how much Waverly loves it! Why do you have to treat Waverly so unfairly? She suffered for eighteen years in your place. Isn’t that enough?”

Raylee’s expression was utterly indifferent. “Think whatever you want,” she said flatly. “I’ll say it one last time—if you want the pink diamond, negotiate with Jeremiah yourself!”

She turned to leave, intending to circumvent the pool. She never expected what would happen next. Samuel, always calm and refined, suddenly acted with force. Without hesitation, he snatched the auction item from her hands.

“You’ve lost your mind!” Raylee snarled, clutching the jewelry box.