Chapter 13: Wanted Her To Take the Blame Again

Layla was assertive, but Samuel was even more so. “So the Lorimer family’s maternal relatives can act lawlessly? She bullied my sister! I must seek revenge!”

“Your sister? You mean Raylee?”

“You’re from the Lorimer family. Haven’t you heard about my sister’s situation?” With a light huff, Samuel continued sarcastically, “Right, after you married, you settled abroad and ignored everything and everyone back home, including me.”

Layla’s emotions were incredibly complicated. After a moment, she sighed, “I only returned recently, and I’ve heard about your sister. Samuel, I’m sorry. Back then, my family arranged the marriage; I didn’t have a choice.”

“Let’s not talk about the past,” Samuel said indifferently.

Layla nodded. “All right. As for today, please don’t act impulsively. Because of a necklace, Tiffany caused your sister to spend four years in prison. Wanda is a relative of Tiffany’s mother. Do you think they’d let you off easily if you kill her?”

Samuel fell silent. Within the Lorimer family, complexities and fierce internal strife were rife within the patriarch’s inner circle. Layla was his illegitimate daughter, while Tiffany was his legitimate child. If the prison bully was affiliated with Tiffany’s mother's side, and they investigated, Layla might not be able to protect him. The potential consequences were dreadful.

Aware of this, Samuel’s expression grew even more solemn. Noticing this, Layla placated him. “You should go. I’ll handle this matter.”

Samuel nodded, thanked her, and left the bar. If not for Layla’s intervention, he might have beaten Wanda to death.

For over three years, Raylee had been in District Nine Prison. He couldn’t imagine her ordeal. When she returned to Jexburgh, she likely expected the Goodridge family's help. Instead, they neglected her, and she suffered inhuman torment. That night, he witnessed Wanda’s atrocities firsthand; he imagined Raylee’s helplessness and silent endurance. The thought was agonizing.

He slapped himself. Why hadn’t he saved her sooner? Even if he beat himself to death, he couldn’t undo Raylee’s suffering.

He climbed into his car, his mind on the four-leaf clover necklace he’d prepared for Raylee.

Initially, it was thought their reunion after four years apart would be heartwarming. Yet, because of her slight temper, he’d kicked her out of the car, re-injuring her leg. Trusting Waverly and Mindy, he’d mistakenly believed she’d pushed Waverly down the stairs and lashed out at her. Guilt consumed him. Would Raylee ever forgive him?

He stared blankly at the necklace, fear gripping his heart. The sister he’d cherished for eighteen years, who’d endured so much, must despise him. The thought of losing her, of her eternal disdain, overwhelmed him.

But why wouldn’t she be more conciliatory? A little sweetness, and he would treat her well again. The Goodridge family would compensate her; she might even have a better life than before! Ultimately, she was too stubborn, disadvantaged by her personality.

Agitated, he tossed the necklace from the car. That night, Raylee received a call from Harriet. “Ray-Ray, come back. Your dad has something to tell you.”

“What a coincidence. I also have something to say to you all.”

When Raylee arrived, everyone was in the living room, faces devoid of expression. Alaric slapped Samuel and berated him angrily. “You ungrateful child! You dared offend the Lorimer family? Do you want our whole family to pay?”

Samuel remained silent. Waverly flung herself onto Samuel, crying, “Dad, don’t punish Samuel! He’s innocent. If not for Raylee, he wouldn’t have…” She’d successfully shifted blame to Raylee.

Harriet also cried, urging Alaric to stop and find a solution. Alaric sighed, turning to Raylee, “You’re back, Ray-Ray? Why is it that as soon as you return, your brother causes trouble?”

Raylee responded, “May I ask, what did I do? Did I tell him to beat a Lorimer relative? Mr. Alaric, are you planning to distort the truth again, like four years ago?”

“What did you call me? Mr. Alaric? You don’t even call me ‘Dad.’ After years in jail, have you forgotten manners?” Alaric said unhappily.

Raylee didn’t respond; he knew why she didn’t call him “Dad.” Samuel pleaded, “Dad, this has nothing to do with Ray-Ray. Blame me!”

“Shut up!” Alaric snapped. He added, “If the Lorimer family blames you, I would risk my life to save you. You’re my only son.”

Waverly stepped forward, “Dad, I won’t let anything happen to you. Let me take the fall!”

“No, you both can’t get into trouble. You’re my only children!” Harriet cried.

Samuel was the only son, Waverly the legitimate daughter. Neither could afford trouble. Alaric and Harriet simultaneously looked at Raylee.

Do they enjoy making me take the blame? Raylee thought. I’m not the same Raylee.

Harriet’s phone rang. After hanging up, she announced, “Good news! Samuel is fine. Ms. Layla, the second Lorimer daughter, spoke up for us. The Lorimer family won’t hold it against him.”

Waverly added joyfully, “I heard Samuel and Ms. Layla were childhood friends. Since she acted, Samuel is safe.”

“However…” Harriet’s joy vanished. Her gaze fell on Raylee, her expression serious. Raylee was perplexed.