Chapter 19: No Smoke Without Fire

Moonhaze Band had achieved worldwide fame. Their music, renowned for its rhythmic dynamism, was exceptionally popular. The explosive DJ beats were a raging torrent, stirring every listener's nerves. Raylee had once been utterly captivated by the band, completely engrossed in their music. The year she topped her middle school class, Samuel even invited the entire band to perform for her at his home. Countless beautiful memories were associated with them. However, her subsequent imprisonment severed her from all that beauty. During her ordeal of torment and abuse, her tormentors played the band's music, ironically attempting to enhance the atmosphere. As she suffered, their songs echoed in her ears like a death knell. How could she still have liked it?

Vera's brows furrowed. "My darling, it's okay if you don't. But I believe Casimir hired the band, didn't he? Samuel messaged me yesterday, insisting you attend his birthday banquet. I completely forgot; my memory's been so unreliable. I've always sensed his interest in you."

"Grandma, I just want to stay here with you."

Kaylee lay obediently in her grandmother's lap, savoring the quiet moment. Her chilblains were excruciating. After her grandmother fell asleep, Raylee went to the outpatient building for chilblain ointment. Emerging from the pharmacy, she saw Samuel and Casimir. Both were bruised, their faces a patchwork of blue and red. They glared at each other, their hostility palpable even from a distance.

Were they at odds? A gloomy feeling settled over her. Their bond had seemed strong, and their families were business partners. What caused such a conflict?

Then Harriet and Waverly rushed in, still in party attire, clearly from the birthday banquet. Waverly approached Samuel, tears streaming. "Samuel, things aren't as you think—"

Infuriated, Samuel interrupted. "I saw it with my own eyes! Are you denying it? Do you think I'm blind?"

In fierce determination to protect his sister, he sternly warned Casimir, "You've crossed the line with my sister. Marry her, or I'll kill you!"

Casimir remained silent, respecting Waverly's dignity and choosing not to reveal the truth. Waverly, too embarrassed to speak, remained silent. Thus, Samuel assumed Casimir and Waverly were involved.

Raylee's realization dawned: Casimir and Waverly had been intimate at the banquet, a fact discovered by Samuel, leading to the fight. She scoffed inwardly. Samuel was incredibly overbearing; his protectiveness knew no bounds, and he failed to consider the situation. Was it so unusual for an engaged couple to become intimate? In our fast-paced society, such things aren't uncommon, especially for engaged couples. Casimir, however, was another matter. If he was going to throw a party, he should have done it properly. How could he treat Waverly like that?

Raylee treated it as entertainment, leaving without revealing herself. Harriet spotted her and pursued her. "Ray-Ray, can I talk to you?"

"What about?" Raylee asked impassively.

"Please keep your distance from Casimir. Your sister's had a hard life. Don't fight her for him."

"Mrs. Goodridge, why do you think I haven't?"

"Casimir took you home from Lorimer Estate and invited you to his banquet. There's no smoke without fire. Unless… you—"

Raylee coldly interrupted. "Are you implying I seduced him?"

"Ray-Ray, there are plenty of good men. Your grandma and I will help you find one. It doesn't have to be Casimir."

Harriet sighed, her words laced with warning.

"Mrs. Goodridge, if you're worried about me, perhaps you should secure your future son-in-law with a chain."

Tired of the conversation, Raylee left. She couldn't understand Casimir and Waverly's actions. Their relationship must be strong, right?

Three days later, Vera insisted on leaving the hospital. Kaylee accompanied her to Goodridge Manor. From childhood to adulthood, Raylee had spent time there, feeling a deep familiarity with every brick, tile, blade of grass, and tree. Returning to her old room, she slept soundly—her first full night's sleep since prison. Her mood improved. Unexpectedly, the manor's tranquility was shattered by the arrival of the Goodridge family. All except Alaric were present.

Waverly presented a gift to Raylee. "Raylee, you went to Lorimer Estate to apologize, resolving the conflict. This is a thank you."

"Thank you," Raylee said flatly, placing it on the table.

"Raylee, aren't you going to look? It's a necklace. A four-leaf clover, your favorite."

"Necklace?" Raylee scoffed. "I ended up in jail for stealing a necklace. Are you trying to disgust me?"

Waverly's eyes reddened. "Raylee, I didn't mean to upset you. Samuel said you liked clover jewelry, so I chose this for you."

Samuel's face was ashen. "I helped Waverly choose it! Blame me! I forgot about the incident. Do you have to spoil everyone's mood? Does that make you happy?"

A trace of sorrow crossed Raylee's eyes. Samuel was truly protective of his sister, just as he had been of her in the past. Now, with a new sister, he cast her aside. No matter what she did, it was always wrong.

"What's all this commotion?" Vera emerged, leaning on her cane.

Kaylee didn't want to dampen spirits, especially her grandmother's. "Grandma, we were discussing what the housekeeper should cook."