Chapter 145: Just Like the Old Days

A wave of dizziness hit Raylee, but she quickly steadied herself. They were just trying to ease their guilt. She had no reason to be moved by their pathetic attempts at redemption. Right now, the real question was—who had she angered? Why did they want her to go to Musimeynia to save Jeremiah?

A sense of unease crept over her. Something wasn’t right. She could feel it. Somewhere, someone had set a trap for her.

Casimir’s voice was low and serious. “Ray—Ray, is there something you’re not telling us? Why would they specifically ask for you?”

Raylee shook her head. “I really don’t know anything. I don’t know anyone in Musimeynia. I don’t understand why they’re doing this.”

Casimir frowned, deep in thought. “This isn’t a coincidence. If you weren’t valuable to them, they wouldn’t be going through all this trouble.”

Suddenly, something clicked. “Could it be that they tricked Jeremiah there just to lure you…”

Raylee was even more confused. Since when was she valuable enough for someone to pull a scheme like this?

Samuel analyzed the situation. “That doesn’t make sense. Raylee is just a regular person. She even did time in prison. Why would anyone go to such lengths for her?”

“Unless… it has to do with the criminal records. Maybe they think she leaked some information. Or maybe they believe she knows something bigger. That’s why they lured her in.” His expression darkened. “Whatever the reason, she’s not going. Even a man might not survive there, let alone a woman with no way to defend herself. If she goes, she’s as good as dead!”

Casimir nodded in agreement. “We need to find another way to save Jeremiah. Raylee shouldn’t have to take that risk.”

While they were discussing, Layla suddenly rushed over. With a heavy thud, she dropped to her knees, sobbing. “Ray—Ray, please. I’m begging you!” she cried. “My brother is everything to me. If anything happens to him, I don’t want to live either!”

Raylee stared at Layla, stunned. She wanted to help her up, but her hand froze halfway. Just a short while ago, she had walked into the Lorimer Estate, only for Layla to hurl insults at her and lock her in the basement. Now, Layla was on her knees, crying and begging. Her sudden change in attitude was so drastic, it felt like she had split personalities.

It made Raylee uncomfortable. But what choice did she have?

She looked at Layla, who was still crying uncontrollably, and finally spoke. “Get up. I’ll go and bring your brother back. But I can’t guarantee anything…”

“Hah?” Layla hadn’t processed her words yet.

After a few seconds, realization hit. She jumped up and grabbed Raylee’s hands tightly. “Thank you, Ray—Ray! I’ll arrange for a bodyguard to go with you, to make sure you’re safe. As long as you bring my brother back. I’ll give you anything you want!”

Kaylee nodded, but there wasn’t a trace of hope in her eyes. Musimeynia was a hell on earth. She didn’t believe she could make it out alive. But if she refused, would Layla let her go? And how long could Casimir and Samuel protect her? She was doomed either way.

Let’s take a gamble then. After all, having spent three years in District Nine Prison, I’ve seen everything. What’s there to fear about Musimeynia?

Samuel watched the two of them come to an agreement, his face dark with fury. “Layla, are you deaf? I told you it’s not happening! Do you think you can manipulate Raylee just because she’s soft-hearted?”

He turned to Raylee, his voice sharp with anger. “And you! Do you even know where you’re going? Musimeynia is a den of criminals! Do you think you can just stroll in and come back out alive? You won’t just be delivering a head on a platter—you’ll be lucky if you even die cleanly! At best, they’ll scam you. At worst, they’ll use you as a toy. And once you’re no longer useful, they’ll tear you apart and sell you piece by piece!”

His voice was filled with frustration. “Have you not suffered enough? Do you really want to throw yourself into another nightmare?”

Samuel froze, unable to respond. Casimir sighed. “Ray—Ray, your brother is right. We need to think this through. You don’t have to do this.”