The metallic scent of blood lingered heavily in the air, assaulting Raylee's senses. A survivor of countless near-death encounters, she had no doubt that this place had witnessed its share of tragedies. In the East Aplothian region, a haven for criminals, human lives were treated as disposable. She was no exception; to these predators, she was nothing more than a lamb to the slaughter.

Her mind drifted back to her days in District Nine Prison, a time so agonizing that mere survival felt worse than death. The thought of enduring that nightmare once more sent waves of terror crashing over her. "What have I done wrong? Why is God doing this to me?"

She had barely savored her hard-won freedom, only to find herself thrust back into a different kind of imprisonment. Suddenly, Jeremih, who had previously left, returned. He held a hammer in his hand, his dark eyes emanating a chilling intensity as he advanced steadily toward Raylee.

“What are you trying to do?” Raylee gasped, recoiling in shock.

Jeremiah’s handsome face was now flushed with fury. His entire presence exuded a terrifying and commanding aura.

“What do you think?” he growled, his voice low and menacing, like a ravenous tiger ready to pounce and tear her apart.

“You’re planning to kill me? That’s a crime. You’re a member of the Lorimer family with a bright future ahead of you. Why would you risk tarnishing your hands with my blood?”

Faced with the looming threat of death, Raylee’s survival instincts kicked in. She tried to calm the enraged man standing before her. After she finished speaking, she found it all rather amusing. The man had already claimed countless lives. What difference would one more make?

Jeremiah, as silent as a shadow, approached her from behind with the hammer gripped tightly in his hand. Looking up, Raylee caught sight of his towering figure just as he raised the hammer, aiming it fiercely at the back of her head.

Meanwhile, at Richland Hospital in Jexburgh, Shanice was still confined to her room. Feeling bored, she decided to message Raylee for a chat. Despite sending several messages, she received no response. Then, out of the blue, a single reply came through: East.

“East?” Shanice could not understand what Raylee meant by sending this word. She was unaware that it was Raylee who had sent out a distress message from the airplane. However, due to a glitch in the network just before it shut down, only the word “East” from “East Aploth” managed to go through.

The single word appeared completely out of context, leaving her puzzled and unable to make sense of its meaning. At that moment, Samuel brought Waverly along to visit her.

“Shanice, I’ve bought your favorite cherries and strawberries. I even had someone go to Pudrana to get you the latest Xenlette bag. Aren’t you happy!”

Waverly carefully placed a pile of gifts on the table, hoping to brighten Shanice’s mood.

3:03 PM

However, to her surprise, Shanice’s attitude was cold and distant. Her gaze, sharp and icy, carried the weight of disdain, as if she were staring at an adversary.

“Take your things and leave. I don’t want them! They’re rubbish!”

The cutting glare and biting words drained the smile from Waverly’s face in an instant. Her expression shifted, and her eyes began to glisten with tears.

Shanice snapped impatiently, “Crying again? Are you made of tears or something? All you ever do is cry. If you love crying so much, go home and continue!”

“Shanice, if you don’t want to accept Wavy’s apology, that’s your choice. But was it necessary to speak so harshly?” Samuel grumbled, hurrying to comfort his sister. He couldn’t bear to see her cry.

Shanice, quick-tempered as ever, shot an irritated glare at both of them.

“Harsh? You think that was harsh? I was already holding back!”

Just then, Casimir entered the ward, his tone serious as he addressed Shanice. “Shanice, what are you doing? Wavy meant well. Do you really need to hold onto that minor issue and not let it go?”

Shanice, now seething with frustration, erupted angrily. “You two just keep defending her. Do you really think this is just a minor issue! You won’t understand the pain unless you’re the one who gets hurt. I was the one who nearly died. Who are you to tell me to forgive her? Get out! All of you! Stop bothering me!”

Casimir frowned but turned to Waverly and said gently, “My sister is still upset. Don’t take her words to heart.”

Waverly nodded pitifully as she replied. “I understand, Casimir. Thank you for being on my side. From now on, I won’t ignore those in need anymore.”

Casimir gave her an approving nod before turning his attention to Samuel, who was standing nearby.

“Where’s Raylee! I haven’t seen her in days. I’ve called her several times today, but she hasn’t answered. Is she avoiding me?”

“Will she keep her promise and only remove the pebble bracelet after ten days?”