Chapter 99: Why Is She Burning Up?

Alaric nodded in agreement. “Your mom’s right. You’re part of the Goodridge family, which has a solid reputation in the capital. He wouldn’t dare hurt you. I’ll talk to his father, who has the power to keep him in line. As long as you marry him and stay here. I promise he won’t touch you!”

Raylee stared at the couple in disbelief. Do they even know what they’re saying? Do they genuinely think a murderer would refrain from harming me out of respect for the Goodridge family?

Raylee let go of Harriet, her face pale and swollen, devoid of any expression. “You’re asking me to give a murderer a chance. Is this a test of human nature where I wager my own life?”

Harriet gently patted the back of Raylee’s hand, trying her best to soothe her emotions. “Ray—Ray, don’t worry too much. Your dad will stand up for you. From now on, you’ll live a peaceful life in Jexburgh as Mrs. Lorimer, enjoying wealth and honor.”

Raylee looked at Alaric and pointed toward the main entrance as she yelled, “Stand up for me? Fine, then go to Lorimer Estate immediately and help me break off the engagement with this murderer!”

Alaric’s expression was serious. “Ray—Ray, this isn’t the right time to end the engagement. Instead, we should use this opportunity to ensure the Lorimer family feels indebted to us. Otherwise, wouldn’t all your suffering have been for nothing? We need to be patient. Patience can open the door to countless possibilities.”

Raylee slumped weakly onto the bed, her eyes reflecting profound despair as a bitter smile tugged at her lips. Suddenly, she lifted her gaze and directed a cold, piercing look at the couple. “If Waverly were the one to marry Jeremiah, would you all agree to it?”

Harriet frowned. “Ray—Ray, don’t be ridiculous. Wavy is engaged, and Casimir is still here!”

“Exactly,” Alaric chimed in. “It’s a pointless hypothetical. It holds no significance.”

Raylee’s expression darkened with a deep, sorrowful resolve. “You don’t get it, do you? I was comparing myself to your precious daughter! If it were Waverly, you wouldn’t even allow her to take a single step toward that jerk, let alone marry him!”

Alaric and Harriet fell silent.

Raylee let out a bitter laugh. “Caught you speechless, have I? Nothing left to say?”

Harriet sniffled, unable to hold back her tears as they fell once again.

“It’s not like that, Ray—Ray. Listen to me, I love you very much, and I care deeply about you. I’ve always treated you and Wavy equally.”

As Harriet spoke, she reached out, wanting to touch Raylee’s swollen face. However, Raylee slapped her hand away, leaving Harriet stunned. Tears streamed down her face as she looked at Raylee helplessly.

Waverly quickly stepped in to mediate. “Raylee, why are you taking your anger out on Mom? I’m me, and you’re you. There’s no point in comparing us. You had eighteen years as the cherished daughter of the Goodridge family, while I spent eighteen years struggling in your place. If we’re really comparing, could you ever repay what you owe me?”

Raylee lifted her head, her sharp, piercing gaze locking onto Waverly.

Intimidated, Waverly avoided Raylee’s eyes, unable to meet her stare. Yet, summoning her courage, she continued in a self-righteous tone. “You shouldn’t always assume that Mom and Dad are against you. Parents only ever want the best for their children. Besides, the one who harmed you was Jeremiah. If you need someone to blame, blame him. Don’t take it out on Mom and Dad.”

She had always portrayed a soft and delicate image. Every time she took a firm stance, it was to protect her family.

Harriet was moved by her approach, her heart swelling with gratitude toward Waverly. She thought to herself that all the love and care she had shown her daughter had not been in vain.

Samuel also aligned himself with Waverly, adding, “Wavy’s right. Reprisal for a wrong should be directed at the perpetrator. You shouldn’t lash out at innocent people. Jeremiah was the one who tricked and hurt you. The Goodridge family owes you nothing.”

“Innocent? The Goodridge family owes me nothing?” Raylee let out a hollow, bitter laugh. Her fury burned brightly, fueled by their shameless words. The intensity of her emotions overwhelmed her, and she suddenly lost consciousness. Just as she was about to collapse onto the ground, Samuel caught her.

“What’s going on? Why is she burning up?” His voice was filled with shock. As he held Raylee, he felt as if he was cradling a ball of fire. The heat radiating from her body was so intense, it seemed as though it could scorch his palms.

“She’s running a high fever. Of course, she’s burning up!” Shanice snapped impatiently. “The doctor warned that with a fever this severe, she could die at any moment!”