Chapter 176: The Bodyguard

"In a daze," she murmured. "That's impossible… Impossible…"

Raylee gently patted Layla's shoulder, soothingly saying, "Ms. Layla, I have no reason to deceive you. I stand by every word I've said. Bradley has already fled. If we find him, everything will be clear. I believe that with your capabilities, Ms. Layla, it won't be difficult to locate him."

Layla was still in a state of disbelief, finding it hard to accept as she said, "However, Bradley was the bodyguard my father assigned to me… Just a few days prior, he insisted on recommending this bodyguard to me. Even though I already had enough staff, he still strongly advocated for me to take Bradley on…"

"What? Was Bradley a bodyguard assigned by your father?" Raylee was taken aback, her mouth agape in disbelief, yet she managed to swallow back the words she was about to say. If Bradley was assigned by Mr. Victor, then Jeremiah's death…

Upon deeper contemplation, Raylee found it too terrifying to continue pondering.

"In other words, Jeremiah could have survived, but in the end, he was shot dead by Bradley." Layla wiped her tears, her emotions no longer as uncontrollable as before. However, a hint of inexplicable depth was added to her gaze.

Raylee wondered if Layla shared the same suspicions as her. Perhaps I'm just overthinking.

"Please leave. I'd like some time alone."

After a moment, Layla told Raylee to leave.

Raylee reached into her pocket and pulled out an emerald bracelet, handing it back to Layla.

"What are you doing? There's no reason for me to take back what I've given away," Layla said, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

"This is a family heirloom that your grandma gave to you. It was originally passed down to your mother, but after her passing, it came to you. Now, with what's happened to Jeremiah…" Raylee let out a deep sigh. "Regardless, this family heirloom no longer belongs to me. You should take it back."

Layla glared at her resentfully. "Though Jeremiah's death is unjust, it's undeniable that you were his favorite woman. In his heart, he must have already considered you his wife. I won't take back the emerald bracelet. Take good care of it. It's the greatest respect you could show Jeremiah. Moreover, whenever you look at the emerald bracelet, you'll be reminded of Jeremiah. I want you to carry a sense of guilt toward Jeremiah for the rest of your life!"

Raylee could sense that the hostility Layla initially held toward her had significantly lessened. It was a good thing. Otherwise, she would have been stuck with someone constantly watching her, wishing for her demise. If that were to be the case, she could die anytime.

Kayler approached the memorial portrait, her hand reaching out to touch the handsome face of Jeremiah in the portrait. With gentle touches, she traced the sharp contours of his face in the portrait.

"What a shame… When he was alive, I never truly took the time to closely examine him." Before leaving, Raylee discreetly left the emerald bracelet on the chair and then departed from the courtyard house.

She was fated to cross paths with Jeremiah, yet they were not destined to be together. She didn't want to unknowingly shackle herself with enormous chains.

A few days later, it was Jeremiah's funeral. Due to the fact that the body was lost abroad and couldn't be found, coupled with Victor's instructions, the funeral was conducted in a simple manner. Only a select few of the closest friends and family were there for the funeral. Even the Goodridge family wasn't invited to the funeral. Raylee, however, showed up uninvited.

Chapter 176: The Bodyguard

However, she encountered Casimir outside the mourning hall. Raylee's complexion turned sour in an instant. She didn't want any entanglement with him.

It was Jeremiah's funeral that day. It was complicated because while Jeremiah was Raylee's fiancé who had passed away, Casimir was an ex-fiancé of hers.

The more she tried to avoid him, the more conspicuous Casimir insisted on approaching her, whispering reprimands.

"Ray–Ray, how come you're here? Mr. Victor holds a grudge against the Goodridge family, so he didn't even send an invitation. Look at you, always sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. Do you enjoy stirring up trouble?"

"This is my fiancé's funeral. How am I stirring up trouble?" Raylee glared at him, clearly annoyed. "You can't say anything decent, can't you? If you can't do that, just stay silent. No one will mistake you for a mute!"

"Fiance? You didn't have any feelings for Jeremiah. Even in name alone, he couldn't be considered your fiancé. You're so eager to assign yourself that status, but it all depends on whether the Lorimer family acknowledges it or not!" In a serious tone, Casimir commanded, "Go back immediately before Layla sees you and before you two start arguing. Hurry up and leave. It's better to avoid bringing trouble upon yourself."

"Why do you think you can order me around? Wasn't I clear enough that day? Do I need to repeat myself?" Raylee said, her face stern.

Yet, Casimir remained unfazed, his tone still emanating dominance.

"Not giving me a chance is one thing, but your safety is another matter entirely. I simply can't stand by and watch you risk your life!"

Raylee couldn't be bothered to engage with him. She sidestepped him and headed toward the mourning hall.