Chapter 207: An Understanding Daughter
The housekeeper pleaded innocently, “Mr. Goodridge, I truly had no idea why Old Mrs. Goodridge would come. I swear I didn’t alarm her!”
Alaric immediately flew into a rage. It was only natural; he was infuriated. As a businessman who wouldn’t get out of bed without the promise of profit, he had given away five percent of his shares without gaining any benefit in return. In other words, it was a massive loss for him.
After a moment of hesitation, Harriet finally said, “Alaric, Mom has given some shares to Ray-Ray. Perhaps you could consider giving some to Wavy as well?”
With a frown on his face, Alaric retorted, “Is today some sort of significant holiday? Why is everyone hounding me for shares?”
Waverly immediately felt an extreme sense of injustice, and her head lowered as she began to sob softly. For the first time, Alaric found Waverly’s crying extremely off-putting. The incessant sobbing was just like that of a horsefly, disturbing the peace.
At that moment, Alaric thought Vera was right. Her constant crying was as if she were driving away the family’s fortune and luck. He then couldn’t help but recall the once lively Raylee. Back then, Raylee was always cheerful. At home, she was like a ray of sunshine, always filled with laughter and joy. Every time he returned home, he could always hear her joyful laughter. There and then, all his work-related worries and stress would dissipate with her laughter.
On the other hand, there was Waverly, who always seemed to burst into tears before she could even finish a couple of sentences. For the first time, Alaric didn’t console her as he usually would. Instead, he started scolding her.
“Wavy, why are you crying again? Can’t you just say what you want to say? What good does crying do? I never said I wouldn’t give you shares. Naturally, when you marry Casimir, I will present the shares as your dowry,” Alaric said.
After being scolded, Waverly was immediately panic-stricken. “Dad, I didn’t ask you for any shares. I know I’m a girl, so our family’s inheritance belongs to Samuel. I have no illusions about claiming what’s rightfully his. Mom and Dad, in this lifetime, if I could stay by your side and fulfill my filial duties, I would be truly content.”
Upon hearing those words, Harriet was overwhelmed with heartache. “Alaric, why are you just like your mom? Every word out of your mouth is like a spark ready to ignite! Look at how understanding Wavy is! Could Ray-Ray ever say something like this? She’d probably wish to take away all your shares! How could you scold such a sensible daughter? Alaric, you’re truly disheartening!”
Samuel also chimed in indignantly, “Mom’s right. Dad, you’ve been too harsh. We lost Wavy for so many years, and she’s only just managed to return home. I wouldn’t mind giving her everything the Goodridge family has, let alone some shares!”
Alaric was beside himself with frustration. “When did I scold? Didn’t I just tell her not to cry and to speak her mind? How was I being unreasonable? Do you all believe that crying can solve all your problems? Wavy, don’t take this the wrong way, but don’t you think you should have some mental toughness? You attended the birthday party and caused such a huge mess. It’s a miracle you returned safely. Yet, you came back and immediately contemplated life and death! Could you face Samuel and Casimir, who protected you?”
Upon hearing those words, Waverly immediately ceased her crying, her face filled with unease and anxiety.
“So generous that you could even give away the entire Goodridge family’s legacy? Had I known you were such a generous character, I should have just gotten a dog instead!”
With that, the irritated Alaric turned around and retreated to his study, leaving the three people utterly bewildered.
With reddened eyes, Waverly said, “Mom, is Dad angry with me? I didn’t mean to upset him. I’ll go apologize to him. Samuel, I’m sorry. It’s my fault that Dad got angry and you ended up getting scolded because of me.”
Harriet quickly comforted her, “Don’t mind him. Your father can be like that sometimes. When he’s in a bad mood, he tends to spew nonsense. He’ll be fine once he calms down.”
Samuel, on the other hand, didn’t see it that way. His tone carried a hint of seriousness as he said, “Dad wasn’t entirely wrong, Wavy. Every time you face a setback, you contemplate death. Over and over again, who could bear that?”
Waverly nodded, feeling wronged. “I will listen to Dad’s advice. I’ll try to cry less in the future and have some mental toughness. However, Samuel, when my depression hits, I can’t even control myself.”
“You’re only dealing with mild to moderate depression. Taking your medication on time can keep it under control.” Samuel sighed deeply before adding helplessly, “Look at Raylee. After spending four years in prison and facing countless setbacks, she’s never succumbed to depression. Even though you grew up without much wealth, you didn’t endure excessive hardship, did you? Surely, there’s nothing that’s been bothering you to an extreme extent, right?”