Chapter 16: Have a Lot of Free Time

“Those scars… did you get them in prison?” Layla gasped, incredulous.

Raylee nodded numbly.

“After all you’ve endured, no wonder your personality’s changed so drastically. You used to be so lively and adorable,” Layla’s eyes flashed with anger. “Tiffany was way out of line! It was clearly business rivalry; why drag you into it? I investigated. The Goodridge family interfered with Tiffany’s mother’s overseas business. That’s why they latched onto the necklace—to assert their power.”

Raylee had reached the same conclusion. The Lorimers wouldn’t go to such lengths for a necklace. The Goodridges, burdened by their own problems, dared not intervene, let alone maintain a relationship with her.

“Regardless, the Lorimers caused your suffering. As a Lorimer, I should compensate you. Tell me what you want.”

Raylee asked hesitantly, “Layla, are you serious?”

“Of course.”

Expecting a request for money or status, Layla was surprised.

“Layla, I hope you’ll adopt a three-year-old girl. I’ll give you the address.”

“Of course, but who is she to you?”

Raylee gave a bitter laugh.

“She’s the daughter of a fellow inmate who helped me. She’s in prison for accidentally stabbing her mother-in-law while defending herself against her abusive husband. Her husband was injured but survived. The girl’s life must be hard. The adoption process will be difficult. Just do your best, Layla.”

“I detest domestic abusers. Don’t worry, I’ll handle it,” Layla assured her.

“Thank you. I won’t bother you further.”

Grateful, Raylee rose to leave.

Layla was skeptical. “That’s it? No other compensation? Your relationship with the Goodridges is strained.”

“For now, that’s all. I’ve left the Goodridges; I can support myself.”

Raylee departed. Layla watched her defiant silhouette, lost in thought. Samuel and Raylee, though unrelated, possessed an indomitable spirit, a resilience that refused submission. Unlike her timid, obedient self. Samuel’s name echoed in her mind. Had she been more assertive five years ago…?

Raylee left the Lorimer estate when a man emerged from a roadside car.

"Ms. Goodridge, are you alright? Did the Lorimers give you trouble?"

Raylee nearly stumbled. A familiar voice made her look up. Seeing Casimir, she was stunned. “Why are you here?”

“Knowing you were going to the Lorimer estate alone, I rushed over. Samuel is heartless! How could he let you go alone?”

Casimir’s anger was palpable; his dark eyes blazed. Raylee wondered if his anger stemmed from concern. From what perspective did he worry about her? She tried to pull away, but Casimir held her arm, examining it. “Are you okay? Did anyone hurt you? Don’t worry, I’ll get an expert.” He called Percival. “Are you at the hospital? I’m bringing someone injured.”

“It’s your former fiancée, isn’t it? Mr. Sutherland, are you sure she’ll let me examine her?” Percival sounded exasperated.

Seizing the chance, Raylee broke free, giving Casimir a cold glance before leaving. Casimir, without hanging up, chased after her. “Raylee, where are you going?”

Percival chuckled. “What’s he up to now? Trying to win his wife back? No, his ex-fiancée! Interesting!”

Casimir blocked Raylee’s path. “Where are you going? I’m getting a specialist. Come with me.”

“No need!” Raylee glared. “Mr. Sutherland, do you have a lot of free time? You seem to always be involved in Goodridge family affairs.”

“No, why would I care about the Goodridges? I only care about your affairs.” Casimir’s worried demeanor persisted. “You must have been scared going to the Lorimer estate alone. I blame myself for not getting there sooner. I would have gone in with you. Even if they made things difficult, I would have been there.”

A cold wind chilled Raylee, but a glimmer appeared in her otherwise indifferent eyes. Casimir’s words had touched her. The Goodridges had forced her to apologize, even threatening Vera. She’d been terrified, lost, fearing she wouldn’t leave alive. Only Casimir had offered to accompany her. How could she not be moved? A slight flutter in her heart…

An inappropriate thought surfaced, quickly dismissed. How could she be so easily swayed? Gaining feelings for him was impossible. He belonged to Waverly.

“It’s cold. Let’s get in the car,” Casimir urged, leading her to his car.

Raylee didn’t refuse. “Take me to Restora Hospital. I want to visit Grandma.”

“No, Harmony Hospital first. My friend is a medical professor. Why did you refuse treatment yesterday? You’re the only one suffering.”

“No need. I don’t want to be in your debt.”

“Debt? I owe you even more…”

“Then let it be a debt forever. I won’t let your conscience off easily.”

“Ms. Goodridge, I understand you’re upset, but please don’t reject my amends,” he pleaded.

“Enough nonsense. What you’re saying is meaningless to me.”

“All right. I won’t say more. Let’s get you to see Old Mrs. Goodridge.”

Raylee nodded, entering the car. The car sped along, the silence profound. Before, he'd been reluctant to let her ride with him. Now, he was going out of his way. Regrettably, things had changed. She was no longer the innocent girl who loved him wholeheartedly. The calm ambiance left Casimir disoriented and anxious.

He humbled himself. “Why aren’t you speaking? Hit me, scold me—anything to make you feel better.”