Chapter 245: The Safe +8 Pearls
“Stop this nonsense already! We’re also heartbroken over Grandma’s passing, you know!” Samuel impatiently explained.
“A few days ago, it was Wavy’s birthday, and we also had to announce the engagement. Unfortunately, the timing was less than ideal, and we felt compelled to avoid visiting Grandma at the hospital to avoid any inauspicious implications.”
“What about Grandma’s funeral? Why didn’t they hold a funeral for her? Why didn’t they keep vigil for her?” Raylee’s voice had grown hoarse from crying. “Given your actions, Grandma won’t rest peacefully in her grave!”
Alaric said solemnly, “The funeral is merely a ceremony. Goodridge Group has just embarked on a new trajectory and can’t afford any negative press. That’s why I decided to handle it discreetly.”
Harriet also chimed in, saying, “Indeed, Ray-Ray, even though the deceased deserves great respect, those of us who are still alive must carry on living. Our life must go on. Grandma’s spirit in heaven will understand our actions. You should also calm down and accept reality.”
“Raylee, please don’t be mad. Can you stop blaming Mom and Dad too?” Waverly pleaded, her face crestfallen as she began to apologize. “It was all my fault; of all times, my birthday had to coincide with the announcement of my engagement with Casimir. I am the reason all this happened. If you need to blame someone, then blame me.”
When it came to discussing her engagement, there was an unmistakable hint of boastfulness she couldn’t hide in her voice.
“Wavy, you’ve done nothing wrong. Why should you apologize to her?” Samuel said protectively. “Raylee, stop trying to guilt-trip us here. Grandma passed away naturally, and her death has left all of us deeply saddened. Don’t act as if you’re the only one who’s dutiful in this family. To put it bluntly, you share no blood ties with Grandma. You don’t even have the right to attend her vigil!”
Alaric nodded with a stern face, saying, “Samuel is right. Haven’t you always been highlighting the declaration of disownment? Since you’re no longer associated with the Goodridge family, you truly have no right.”
“What are you two doing, ganging up on Ray-Ray?” Harriet asked, playing the peacemaker. “Ray-Ray, don’t take their nonsense to heart. You have nowhere to live now; come home. I’ll arrange a room for you to stay in. As long as you’re willing, you’ll always be my daughter.”
“I don’t need your false sympathy!” Raylee glared at her coldly. “This isn’t my home. Only Grandma’s house is my home. I won’t allow you to sell Goodridge Manor!”
“I inherited Goodridge Manor, so I can do whatever I please with it!” Alaric snorted. “In this home, if you choose to return, I’ll reluctantly accommodate you. All I ask is that you behave yourself and stop causing trouble. If you don’t want to come home, then leave immediately!”
Confronted with the relentless accusations from this heartless family, Raylee felt too defeated to argue with them. Her grandmother had passed away, and she had completely severed ties with the Goodridge family.
After a moment, she slowly began to speak. “Return Grandma’s safe to me, and I’ll leave immediately!”
“Everything from Goodridge Manor has been moved and stored in a warehouse on the outskirts. No one is allowed to touch it,” said Alaric.
“Give me the safe. I’m telling you for the last time, I just want the safe!”
Raylee stared at Alaric, seemingly possessed.
“Why insist on getting the safe?” Alaric frowned, his face revealing a cunning look. “Fine, here’s what you should do. Move back home obediently, follow the arrangements made by your family, and dutifully get married and have children. As long as you do as you’re told, I’ll give you the safe, alright?”
“Bullshit! After colluding with Casimir to swindle all my shares, you’re still trying to squeeze any remaining worth out of me, aren’t you?”
Raylee picked up a large vase from the side, hurling it fiercely toward them. “Don’t even think about it!”
Shards of glass scattered in every direction, some even landing on the dining table, nearly causing injury. Startled, Waverly let out a sharp scream.
“You think you can threaten me? Since you refuse to obey, you should get out! You can forget about ever getting your hands on the safe!”
“Raylee, could you please stop being mad at Dad and Mom? I’m begging you, alright?” Waverly approached, her face bearing a gentle expression. She took Raylee’s hand, pleading, “Just listen to me, move back home, alright? If not, how about I let you have the room I’m living in? As long as you let go of the grudges in your heart, I promise you that I will get along well with you and always be considerate of your feelings.”
Witnessing Waverly’s arrogance, Raylee lost her composure. She reached out, gripping Waverly’s throat tightly.
“Return Grandma’s to me, or I swear I’ll strangle her to death!”
“Ahh… Help!” Waverly cried out in terror.
Everyone else rushed forward, pulling the two apart.