Chapter 27 Attending The Banquet
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Over at the Goodridge residence. Waverly was leisurely enjoying a dessert made by her housekeeper in the dining when she suddenly saw Samuel rushing back home in a hurry.
Upon learning that his parents were in the study, he practically barged right in.
Alaric was enjoying his coffee when he was startled by the reckless behavior. He then reprimanded angrily. “Are you regressing the more you live? Where are your manners?”
Harriet also furrowed her brows, asking. “Samuel, what’s with you?”
A prickling sensation coursed through Samuel’s entire body, causing his voice to falter as he demanded. “Mom, Grandma mentioned that you set up a blind date between Jeremiah and Ray–Ray Is that true? Do you have any idea about the disreputable past of that guy from overseas? That man is ruthless, and he has no regard for family. I’d understand if Grandma didn’t know about it, but you must know it, right? You’re going to be the death of Ray–Ray!”
Alaric furrowed his brooding brows, quickly responding. “It was my idea. Your mother was simply carrying out my instructions.”
Samuel, unable to contain his dissatisfaction, asked, “Dad, why are you doing this? Even though Ray–Ray isn’t your biological child, you’ve raised her for eighteen years! Even if you were raising a dog, you’d still develop feelings! She has just gotten out of prison, and now you’re planning to throw her into the tiger’s lair of the Lorimer family!”
Harriet shook her head, saying, “Samuel. I understand your deep desire to protect your sister. However, in the face of absolute benefits, family ties must take a back seat. If she were to marry into the Lorimer family, it would be beneficial the Goodridge family. This is the only value Raylee can contribute back to our family.”
Samuel disagreed, a deep annoyance flashing in the depths of his eyes. “We had Ray–Ray locked up for four years, and now we’re still exploiting her remaining worth. Are we even human?”
A look of annoyance and anger appeared on Alaric’s face when he responded. “What do you know? Raylee knows everything about Jeremiah, and she was the one who willingly agreed to the blind date!”
“What? Isn’t she just rushing toward her own dernise?” Samuel was in disbelief.
Harriet consoled, “What you perceive as a death sentence might be seen as a path to transcend social classes in Ray–Ray’s eyes. You are not her. How could you possibly know her true thoughts?”
Samuel fell into deep thought, finally leaving the study with a heavy heart. That’s right! Raylee is no longer the same person she word to be. Who knows? In her eyes, Jeremiah might be a prized catch and a shortcut to a higher social status. After all, the Lorimer family is stronger than the Sutherland family. It would change her destiny forever if she could rise from rags to riches. Facing such a potent temptation, it’s not surprising that she’s developed a sense of vanity. Therefore, why should I hinder her success?
Upon learning that Raylee was set up for a blind date with the son of the Lorimer family, Waverly couldn’t help but feel envious. She playfully expressed her feelings to Samuel, saying, “Samuel, Raylee is going to have a good marriage. Why do you seem unhappy? I heard that although Jeremiah is an illegitimate child, he has already been acknowledged by the Lorimer family. He’s quite handsome as well. Currently, he’s serving as the CEO of Lorimer Group’s branch office. He’s a real catch, isn’t he? He’s Mr. Perfect with endless potential. Kaylee has struck gold!”
Samuel gently patted her shoulder, offering words of comfort by saying, “Don’t just judge by appearances. When you consider everything, your Casimir is still the best. He has already secured the city council project in the southern part of the city. His entry into the board of directors is imminent. When that happens, he’ll have absolute authority in the Sutherland family. The Lorimer family isn’t as it seems. Despite the glamorous facade, it’s a tangled mess on the inside with fierce internal strife, Jeremiah doesn’t have the ability to control the whole situation. It wouldn’t be a good thing for Raylee to marry into that family.”
Waverly nodded, only half–understanding
Even so, she remained defiant. Despite the complexity of the Lorimer family, it was still the most prestigious family in Jexburgh. The Lorimer family had connections with both sides of the law, and their power was overwhelming.
How is Raylee, an ex–convict, worthy of being associated with the prestigious Lorimer family! However, I shouldn’t be worried. It was just a blind date. Whether the Lorimer family would accept is still up in the air! Waverly didn’t think she needed to worry.
7:00 PM
Chapter 27 Attending The Banquet
The following day, after having breakfast with Vera, Raylee took a stroll in the courtyard, basking in the winter sun
Finished
She and Jeremiah had already exchanged WhatsApp contacts. At this moment, she received a message from him that read: Future trife, could you accompany me to a banquet tonight?
na
Without a second thought, Raylee declined. After spending four years in prison, she had transformed from a social butterfly to someone with social anxiety,
Furthermore, the banquets Jeremiah attended would undoubtedly be lavish, requiring formal attire.
At that moment, she was covered in countless scars, even afraid to expose her neck and arms. She thought she couldn’t possibly wear a formal dress.
Rejected, Jeremiah responded with a sad emoji.
Raylee didn’t respond anymore,
At that moment. Vera suddenly suggested, “Ray–Ray, there’s a charity auction tonight. Would you be able to accompany me? It’s been quite a few years since you last attended such an event. It might be good for you to get back out there and see the world again.
Kaylee knitted her brows in distress. It’hat our earth is going on today! Are banquets after me or something? First, it was Jeremiah. Note, Grandma is asking me to attend one.
“Ray–Ray, would it be too much to ask for your company? Besides, I hope that you can reintegrate into society as quickly as possible. Let bygones be bygones,” said Vera, her words heavy with heartfelt concern,
“However, I don’t have the right clothes.”
“That isn’t an issue. We can even have the designer whip up something on the spot right now.”
Given that even Vera had said as much, it was hard for Raylee to refuse. All she could do was nod in agreement.
The designer arrived promptly. Raylee’s request was for an outfit that could fully cover her skin, and she also wanted a pair of gloves custom–made,
The designer was initially taken aback by her request, wondering if this high–society young lady had any peculiar tastes.
After seeing the injuries on her body, the designer understood it. With teary eyes, she took Raylee’s measurements.
Upon witnessing that scene, Raylee couldn’t help but let out a deep sigh.
The injuries she bore were truly terrifying. Jeremiah had said that he would marry her in two months, but she wondered if he would be frightened into fleeing at the sight of her numerous scars,
As the evening departure was drawing near, Vera suddenly felt a discomfort in her chest.
After taking her medicine, she lay weakly on the bed and pleaded in a frail voice, “Ray–Ray, I’m unable to attend the charity auction. Could you please go in my place? It’s important to go. Do a good deed on my behalf, okay? There’s something very important. I’ve donated a ring, a family heirloom passed down through generations. You must ensure you get it back for me”
The housekeeper by the side also advised, “Ms. Raylee, ever since your incarceration, Old Mrs. Goodridge established a charitable foundation in your name. This is the tenth charity dinner organized by the foundation, and it holds significant meaning. You should go on behalf of Old Mrs. Goodridge.”
With the conversation having reached this point, Kaylee had no reason to refuse, so she had no choice but to agree. She didn’t think that after she was imprisoned, Vera would do all these things for her. It was only natural that she was moved.
In this world, only Vera had truly treated her well.
However, Vera’s health was deteriorating rapidly. If something had were to happen to Vera, Raylee would lose the motivation. to continue living
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2:00 PM = d
Chapter 27 Attending The Banquet
Finished
She gazed upon the sea of faces, each one unfamiliar yet oddly recognizable. Her pure black eyes shimmered with a hint of panic
She knew she had met some of them before, but due to the passage of time, she no longer recognized them,
The guests‘ gazes were all drawn to her. Initially, they were surprised by the modesty of her gown, but when their eyes fell on her face, they were captivated by her beauty.
Raylee’s features were exquisitely delicate, embodying an innocent and sweet charm. That night, she was lightly made up Her post–incarceration demeanor carried an air of frailty. That made her appear all the more pitiable, like an angel who had mistakenly wandered into the mortal realm.
However, these gazes instilled a profound sense of fear in Raylee’s heart.
The psychological issues she was grappling with were the aftermath of four years spent in prison. She was terrified of dark. confined spaces and equally fearful of crowded places.
She quickly turned around and headed to the restroom.
She was standing in front of the mirror, adjusting her composure, when a sharp voice suddenly rang out from behind her
“Oh Look who it is! It’s the pseudo–heiress of the Goodridge family, huh?”
