Chapter 147: Did He Change His Mind?

“You’re completely unreliable, Casimir,” continued coldly. “You were supposed to give her a ride, and you ended up dumping her in the red-light district. Do you have any idea what could’ve happened? It’s a miracle she didn’t stab you.”

“That was an accident! I didn’t do it on purpose!” Samuel protested.

Casimir didn’t let up. “Maybe not, but do you understand that a single mistake can ruin someone’s life? What do you think would’ve happened if she hadn’t escaped? If she hadn’t run into Percival? Face it. You lost her. She’s not your little sister anymore, and you have no right to control her.”

Samuel snorted. “She’s not mine, so what, she’s yours now? Tell me, are you doing all this out of guilt, or out of love? Is she really worth it?”

Casimir’s voice was steady. “Yes. She’s worth it.”

Even if heading to Musmeynia meant risking his life, it was a rare opportunity. He wasn’t going to let it slip away.

Samuel scoffed. “She’s worth it? And what about Waverly? You always want the best of both worlds, don’t you? Maybe you should take a break from meddling in other people’s business and focus on fixing your own mess.”

Casimir smirked. “And you think Layla’s easy to deal with? You better worry about yourself.”

Samuel’s face turned red. “Fine! I won’t meddle in your love life. But you can’t lose your damn mind like Raylee did! Musmeynia is crawling with criminals. If something happens to you, the Sutherland family will come for the Goodridge family. Do you really think I’ll let you go?”

“You have no say in this. I’ve decided—I’ll protect Raylee. If the Goodridge family won’t look after her, I will,” Casimir shot back.

Meanwhile, Raylee quietly slipped into her grandmother’s room. Seeing the peaceful expression on her sleeping face, Raylee couldn’t help but tear up. Her journey to Musmeynia was treacherous, with little chance of survival. She had no idea if she’d ever return. The agony of parting weighed heavily on her chest, so much so that she couldn’t hold back her sobs.

“Raylee?” In her half-sleep, the elderly Vera opened her eyes. When she saw Raylee crying at her bedside, she instantly grew alarmed. “What’s wrong? Don’t cry. Did someone upset you? Tell me—I’ll stand up for you.”

“I had a nightmare, Grandma. I want to sleep with you, just like when I was little, when you’d hold me until I fell asleep.”

“Come here, my dear child.”

Raylee nestled close to her grandmother.

The next morning, after having breakfast with her, she tidied up a bit, made up an excuse, and left for the airport. Casimir hadn’t shown up. She hadn’t expected him to. After all, how could a privileged young master truly be willing to walk into the face of death?

She recalled his promise from the night before. Raylee let out a bitter chuckle. She swore she’d never again fall for a man’s grand words. Those sweet promises were like an oversized pie—tempting, but in the end, they only left her feeling sick.

She was about to go through security, when a voice called out to her, “Raylee!”

Was Casimir…? Didn’t he change his mind?

She turned in surprise and saw him rushing toward her, luggage in hand. Shanice was there too.

“I went to Goodridge Manor,” Casimir said anxiously. “Old Mrs. Goodridge said you’d left on a trip. Why’d you leave so suddenly, without waiting for me…?”

2:47 PM

Chapter 147: Did He Change His Mind? Finished.

Heart tremble.

“Raylee, you left without saying a word. If I hadn’t found out in time, would I have lost you forever?” Shanice sobbed as she hugged her tightly. “Why do they want you to bring Jeremiah back? What’s their real motive? Even the toughest men wouldn’t last there. How can they expect you to survive?”

Raylee patted her back. “I’ve had so many brushes with death, I stopped fearing it long ago. In this fleeting life, the fact that we went from enemies to friends is already enough for me. Please, don’t cry.”

Her voice trembled at the end.

Shanice, tears streaming, let go of her. “I’ll go with you. I brought my passport. You saved my life, and I don’t care if I live or die.”

Casimir’s expression turned sharp. “No. You’d only be a burden. I don’t have time to protect you. I already threw your passport away, so forget it!”

“You threw away my passport?! Casimir, do you even care about me? I’m your sister! This is too much!” Shanice snapped.

Raylee gently reassured her. “He does care, Shanice. Casimir did the right thing. You shouldn’t follow us.”