Chapter 202: Empower Herself
“Raylee, since when do you get to interrupt when Grandma is speaking?” Samuel barked at her, his anger flaring as he glared. “Wavy is my sister, and I won’t allow anyone to harm her in any way. If you dare to speak disrespectfully again, don’t blame me for turning cold!”
Unable to confront his grandmother, Samuel vented his frustrations on Raylee, his actions strongly hinting at an attempt to throw indirect jabs.
“You little scumbag!” Vera turned her stern gaze toward Samuel. “Do you think I can’t tell you’re insulting me? If you have something to say, say it to my face. There’s no need to scold indirectly! Dare to cross me, you little brat? Think you can do whatever you want? Just watch me beat the life out of you!”
As she spoke, Vera hobbled over, raising her cane to strike Samuel. Samuel didn’t dare dodge, enduring several blows to his back. The pain was so intense that he couldn’t help but cry out. With a heart filled with concern, Harriet stepped in front of him, shielding him as she said, “Mom, please stop hitting him. Samuel is your only grandson. If anything happens to him, who would carry on the family legacy?”
“Pfft!” Vera snapped in annoyance. “Didn’t you hear him say he wanted to turn cold on me? I don’t need such a scoundrel to carry on the family legacy. He has no respect for his elders or compassion for the young. If he’s out of the picture, so be it!” As Vera spoke, her anger once again shifted toward Harriet.
“How could you call yourself a mother? All day, you’re idling at home, not properly taking care of your husband and teaching your children, and now look at what your son has become! This bastard, growing up under your care, is a total disaster. Even your biological daughter isn’t any better! As the saying goes, a good wife is the cornerstone of a happy home, but the wrong spouse can bring a lifetime of regret. My son marrying you is truly the worst luck!” Vera yelled.
Harriet, who had been scolded for no apparent reason, was so upset that her eyes were rimmed with red. She couldn’t help but retort, “Mom, how could you say such things about me in front of the children? We’ve been mother and daughter-in-law for decades now. I can confidently say that I’ve treated you with utmost respect and consideration, always putting you first in everything. Who would have thought, in your eyes, I’m really such a disappointment? It truly chills my heart.”
“Seriously? Don’t you feel embarrassed saying such things?” Vera was livid that day. She couldn’t keep her frustration in. “You’re a joke! Every time you came to Goodridge Manor, your attitude was as casual as if you were just going through the motions. You’re so fake that it makes me want to laugh!”
“Mom, how could you say that? I’m genuinely sincere toward you.”
Harriet couldn’t help but start to sob quietly.
Vera scolded everyone, showing no mercy regardless of their age. Waverly swiftly embraced Harriet, standing up for her. “Grandma, Mom is the best in the world! I won’t allow you to speak of her in such a way!”
Alaric couldn’t help but interject, “Mom, you are indeed being a bit unreasonable. The children are here. Can’t we discuss this matter privately?”
Vera was still visibly distressed, and she pointed accusingly at Harriet, saying, “You have the nerve to cry? Hmph! There are matters I’d rather not bring up, but you’re not the one who should feel embarrassed! I am! In the entire Goodridge family, only Ray-Ray is the most reliable! She’s such a wonderful child, but you all don’t appreciate her as you should. Fine! If you don’t cherish her, that’s one thing. However, to go out of your way to bully her? Seriously, don’t you guys have a conscience? Aren’t you afraid of divine retribution for tormenting a girl like this? Ray-Ray has never done anything wrong in this family. Even the deliberate switch that happened years ago wasn’t her fault. Throughout my life, I’ve always held fast to the principle of valuing peace above all else, turning a blind eye to the issues at home. As long as you didn’t cross the line, I usually couldn’t be bothered to reprimand you. Today, however, you’ve really ticked me off! Do you really think Ray-Ray is helpless just because she doesn’t fight back? I’m warning you! If you dare to lay a finger on Ray-Ray today, I’ll risk my life to fight back!”
The righteous words spoken had left everyone in the Goodridge family blushing in embarrassment, unable to find a place to hide their shame. Raylee was so touched that her eyes welled up, rimmed with red.
In that fleeting moment, she felt a wave of relief wash over her. Being the object of someone’s affection feels this good. Having someone to back me up feels amazing. It was as if she had been transported back four years ago before Waverly returned to the Goodridge residence. Back then, she, too, was everyone’s favorite. At that moment, only her grandmother remained as her sole source of affection. However, Vera could only love her for so long.
That didn’t discourage Raylee, though. She was determined to love and empower herself from that point onward. Only when I’m strong and hold absolute authority can I handle all the injustices and humiliations in this world! Once I become strong, everyone will favor me!
For a full minute, the members of the Goodridge family exchanged glances, remaining silent amongst themselves. The housekeeper fetched the whip from the study, handing it over to Alaric.