Chapter 16 Have A Lot Of Free Time
“Those scars, did you get them in prison?” Layla covered her mouth, unable to believe it.
Raylee numbly nodded her head.
“After all the pain you’ve endured, no wonder your personality has changed so drastically. You used to be so lively and adorable “Layla’s eyes filled with anger as she hissed. “Tiffany was way out of line! It was clearly a business rivalry, so why on earth did she have to drag you into it? I looked into it. It was the Goodridge family who interfered with Tiffany’s mother’s business interests abroad. That’s why they latched onto the necklace issue, to show you their power.”
Raylee had also figured it out. The Lorimer family wouldn’t go to such lengths just for a necklace.
The Goodridge family was certainly overwhelmed with their own troubles, so they didn’t dare to rescue her. They didn’t even dare to make a peep, let alone maintain their familial relationship with her.
“Regardless, it’s a fact that the Lorimer family caused you such suffering in prison. As a member of the Lorimer family, it’s only right that I make it up to you. Feel free to tell me what you want as compensation.”
Raylee asked uncertainly, “Layla, are you truly willing to compensate me?”
“Of course.”
Just as Layla assumed she was after money or perhaps fame and status, she was taken aback by an unexpected response.
“Layla, I hope you can adopt a three–year–old girl. I’ll write down the address for you.”
“No problem, but who is this little girl to you?”
Raylee let out a bitter laugh.
“She’s the daughter of a fellow inmate who helped me when I was being bullied. She ended up in prison because she accidentally stabbed her mother–in–law to death while defending herself against her abusive husband. Her husband was also injured in the incident, but he was saved. Her daughter’s life must be tough, being with that abusive man. The adoption process is sure to be a hassle. Just do your best, Layla”
“I absolutely detest men who resort to domestic violence. Don’t worry, I’ll handle this situation,” Layla assured
“Thank you. Then I won’t disturb you any further.”
Feeling genuinely grateful, Raylee expressed her thanks and then got up to leave.
Layla was somewhat skeptical. “That’s it? You don’t want any other compensation? As far as I know, your relationship with the Goodridge family isn’t exactly on good terms right now.”
“For now, that’s all. Although I’ve decided to leave the Goodridge family, I’m perfectly capable. I can support myself.”
Raylee turned and walked away.
Layla watched her, her stubborn silhouette tinged with a touch of defiance, and found herself lost in confusion and deep thought.
Even though Samuel and Raylee were not related by blood, their personalities radiated an indomitable tenacity, a resilience that showed they would rather perish than submit.
They were unlike her, who was timid and incapable, always obedient to every word and command.
Samuel’s name kept surfacing in her mind relentlessly.
Had she been a lot more assertive five years ago, perhaps she might have been in control of her own happiness….
Raylee had just left Lorimer Estate when a man emerged from a car parked by the roadside.
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Chapter 16 Have A Lot Of Free Time
“Ms. Goodridge, are you okay? Did the Lorimer family give you a hard time?”
Finished
Raylee was nearly pulled off her feet by the action. As a familiar, magnetic voice reached her ears, she lifted her head.
The moment she saw Casimir, she was somewhat stunned. “Why are you here?”
“I knew you were heading to Lorimer Estate alone, so I rushed over immediately, Samuel really is heartless! How could he let you go to the Lorimer family all by yourself?”
Casimir sounded very angry, his deep and dark eyes filled with rage. If he were a cat, his fur would likely be fluffed up in
Juger.
Kaylee didn’t understand, was his anger rooted in his concern for her?
From what perspective was he worrying about her?
Raylee tried to shake off his hand, but Casimir wouldn’t let go. Instead, he gripped her arm with his other hand, examining it from top to bottom. All the while, he asked with a worried tone, “Are you okay? Did anyone from the Lorimer family lay a hand on you? Did you get hurt anywhere? Don’t worry, I’ll get an expert to treat you!”
As he spoke, he pulled out his phone and dialed Percival. “Are you at the hospital? I’m bringing an injured person to you right
пом
“The injured party is your former fiancée, isn’t she? Mr. Sutherland, are you sure she’ll let me examine her this time?” Percival said, sounding quite exasperated.
Seizing the opportunity, Raylee broke free from Casimir. She cast him a cold, indifferent glance before turning around and leaving without a backward glance.
Casimir didn’t even hang up the phone when he hurriedly chased after her, calling out, “Raylee, where are you going?”
On the other end of the phone, Percival teased with a chuckle. “What’s this guy up to now? Is he trying to win his wife back? Wait no, she’s his ex–fiancée! How interesting!”
After catching up with Raylee, Casimir blocked her path. “Where do you think you’re going? I’m seeking a specialist to treat your injuries. Come with me.”
“No need!” Raylee glared at him coldly. “Mr. Sutherland, do you have a lot of free time? You seem to always be keeping tabs. on the Goodridge family’s affairs.”
“No, why would I be interested in the Goodridge family? I’m only interested in your affairs.” Casimir still had on that overly worried demeanor as he added. “You must have been scared coming to Lorimer Estate alone, right? I blame myself for not arriving sooner. If I had, I would have definitely gone in with you. That way, even if they were to make things difficult for you. I would have been there to back you up.”
A gust of cold wind blew, causing Raylee to shiver from the chill. However, in her eyes that were filled with indifference and sorrow, a glimmer of light appeared.
She had to admit, Casimir’s words had indeed stirred something within her.
Everyone in the Goodridge family had been forcing her to apologize to the Lorimer family, even going so far as to use Vera as a threat.
She had been feeling terrified, lost, and utterly clueless.
She had even been terrified that she might not be able to leave Lorimer Estate alive.
Only Casimir had said that he would accompany her into Lorimer Estate.
How could she not be touched? There was even a slight flutter in her heart….
An inappropriate thought popped into Kaylee’s mind, but she quickly dismissed it.
How could she have been so easily moved by a mere sentence?
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Chapter 16 Have A Lot Of Free Time
Gaining feelings for him was even more out of the question.
Casimir was no longer her fiance; he now belonged to Waverly!
“It’s too cold outside. Let’s get in the car first,” Casimir urged as he led her toward his car,
Raylee didn’t refuse. “Take me to Restora Hospital. I want to visit Grandma.”
Finished
“No, I’m taking you to Harmony Hospital first. My friend is a medical professor there and can treat your injuries. Why did you refuse treatment yesterday? The only one who suffers from that decision is you.”
“No need. I don’t want to be in your debt.”
“What’s all this about a debt? If we’re talking in those terms, then I owe you even more…”
“Then let it be a debt forever, I won’t let your conscience off so easily.”
“Ms. Goodridge. I understand you’re upset, but please don’t reject the amends I’m trying to make,” he pleaded.
“Enough with the nonsense. What you’re saying right now holds no significance to me.”
“All right. I won’t say any more. Let’s get you to the hospital to see Old Mrs. Goodridge first.”
Raylee nodded, and only then did she get into the car.
The car sped along the road.
The scenery flashed by outside the window, yet inside the car, it was so quiet one could hear a pin drop
Before, whenever she wanted to ride in Casimir’s car, he was always reluctant. But now, he was going out of his way to get her to ride in his car.
Regrettably, things had changed. She was no longer the innocent eldest daughter of the Goodridge family who used to love Casimir wholeheartedly.
The overly calm ambiance left Casimir somewhat disoriented and anxious.
He humbled himself and said, “Why aren’t you speaking? You can hit me or scold me, as long as it makes you feel better.”
