Chapter 27: Attending the Banquet

At the Goodridge residence, Waverly was enjoying dessert when she saw Samuel rushing in. Learning his parents were in the study, he burst in. Alaric, startled, reprimanded him angrily, "Are you regressing with age? Where are your manners?" Harriet, equally perturbed, asked, "Samuel, what's wrong?"

A prickling sensation coursed through Samuel. His voice faltered as he demanded, "Mom, Grandma said you arranged a blind date between Jeremiah and Raylee. Is that true? Do you know about this man's disreputable past? He's ruthless and has no regard for family. I'd understand if Grandma didn't know, but you must! You're going to ruin Raylee!"

Alaric, his brow furrowed, responded, "It was my idea. Your mother simply followed my instructions."

Samuel, his dissatisfaction evident, asked, "Dad, why? Even if Raylee isn't your biological child, you've raised her for eighteen years! You'd feel something even for a dog! She just left prison, and you're throwing her to the Lorimers!"

Harriet shook her head. "Samuel, I understand your protectiveness. However, significant benefits outweigh family ties. Marrying into the Lorimer family benefits the Goodridges. This is the only way Raylee can repay us."

Samuel, annoyance flashing in his eyes, disagreed. "We kept Raylee locked up for four years, and now we're exploiting her remaining value? Are we human?"

Alaric, anger evident, retorted, "What do you know? Raylee knows about Jeremiah and agreed to the date!"

"What? Isn't she rushing to her demise?" Samuel exclaimed, incredulous.

Harriet consoled him, "What you see as a death sentence, she might see as social ascension. You aren't her. How can you know her thoughts?"

Samuel fell silent, finally leaving, heavy-hearted. He realized Raylee wasn't the same person. Perhaps Jeremiah was a prized catch, a shortcut to higher social status. The Lorimers were stronger than the Sutherlands; marrying into them could change her destiny. Facing such temptation, her new sense of vanity wasn't surprising. Why should he hinder her success?

Learning of Raylee's blind date, Waverly felt envious. She playfully told Samuel, "Raylee's getting a good marriage. Why are you unhappy? Jeremiah, though illegitimate, is acknowledged by the Lorimers. He's handsome and CEO of a Lorimer Group branch. He's Mr. Perfect! Raylee struck gold!"

Samuel patted her shoulder. "Don't judge by appearances. Casimir is still better. He secured the city council project and board entry is imminent. He'll have absolute authority in the Sutherland family. The Lorimers aren't as they seem. There's fierce internal strife; Jeremiah can't control everything. Marrying into that family won't be good for Raylee."

Waverly nodded, only half-understanding, but remained defiant. Despite the Lorimer family's complexity, they were Jexburgh's most prestigious family. Their power was overwhelming.

How could Raylee, an ex-convict, be worthy of them? But it was just a blind date. Whether the Lorimers would accept her was still uncertain. Waverly decided not to worry.

7:00 PM

Chapter 27: Attending the Banquet (continued)

The next day, after breakfast with Vera, Raylee strolled in the courtyard. She and Jeremiah had exchanged numbers. She received a message: "Future wife, could you accompany me to a banquet tonight?"

Raylee instantly declined. Four years in prison had transformed her from a social butterfly to someone with social anxiety. Jeremiah's banquets would be lavish, requiring formal attire. Covered in scars, she couldn't wear a formal dress.

Jeremiah replied with a sad emoji. Raylee didn't respond.

Vera then suggested, "Raylee, there's a charity auction tonight. It's been years. Getting back out there might be good."

Raylee frowned. "What's going on today? Banquets are chasing me! First Jeremiah, now Grandma."

Vera, her voice heavy with concern, said, "Raylee, could you accompany me? I hope you reintegrate. Let bygones be bygones."

"But I don't have the right clothes."

"That's not an issue. We can have a designer make something."

Raylee agreed. The designer arrived. Raylee requested an outfit covering her skin and custom gloves.

The designer, initially surprised, understood upon seeing Raylee's injuries. With teary eyes, she took measurements.

Raylee sighed. Her injuries were terrifying. Jeremiah said he'd marry her in two months, but would he flee at the sight of her scars?

As evening approached, Vera felt chest pains. After taking medicine, she weakly pleaded, "Raylee, I can't attend the auction. Please go in my place. It's important. I donated a family heirloom ring; you must get it back for me."

The housekeeper added, "Ms. Raylee, since your incarceration, Old Mrs. Goodridge established a foundation in your name. This is the tenth charity dinner; it's significant. You should go on her behalf."

Raylee agreed. She was touched; Vera had truly treated her well. Vera's deteriorating health worried her; losing Vera would devastate Raylee.

Chapter 27: Attending the Banquet (continued)

She surveyed the crowd, faces unfamiliar yet oddly recognizable. Her black eyes shimmered with panic. She knew some, but time had blurred memories.

All eyes were on her. Initially surprised by her modest gown, they were captivated by her beauty. Raylee's features were delicate, innocent, and sweet. Lightly made-up, her post-incarceration fragility made her seem pitiable, like an angel in the mortal realm.

But these gazes instilled fear. Her psychological issues, a consequence of prison, resurfaced. She feared dark, confined spaces and crowds.

She quickly turned towards the restroom. Adjusting her composure, a sharp voice cut through the silence.

"Oh, look who it is! The pseudo-heiress of the Goodridge family, huh?"