Chapter 42: Why Are You So Harsh Today?

For reasons he couldn't quite understand, Casimir found himself increasingly drawn to Raylee after her release from prison. He even regretted never truly seeing her before. Perhaps it was an inherent flaw in men, to realize the true worth of something only after it had slipped through their fingers, leaving them wrestling with the unyielding weight of regret.

Raylee felt a sudden warmth rise in her cheeks as she found herself staring into Casimir's face, inches from hers. It was as if a tiny flame had ignited in her heart. No matter how much she despised him or how certain she was they had no future, she could still feel the remnants of her love for him, buried deep within. That fleeting moment reignited buried emotions, shaking her resolve and sending her heart into chaos.

Nevertheless, she refused to let her emotions override her rationality. She abruptly pushed him away, insisting he keep his distance. "You need to leave now. You're Waverly's fiancé. If someone sees us alone together at this late hour, it could cause misunderstandings."

Casimir started to speak but stopped. After a moment, he sighed deeply. "I know no matter what I say, you won't believe me anyway. Just get some rest. I'll drop by another day."

The next day, Raylee insisted on being discharged from the hospital. Since her release from prison, she had spent considerable time there and could no longer bear the overwhelming scent of disinfectant. Returning to the old house, she chose not to mention the previous night's events, not wanting to worry Vera unnecessarily. As for the heirloom ring left by the poolside, she decided to leave it to Jeremiah to handle.

Two days later, while finishing breakfast, she received an urgent call from Harriet, urging her to rush home because Jeremiah had sent someone. Raylee hurried over.

Upon arrival, she saw Matthew overseeing the delivery of various items to the Goodridge residence. Spotting her, he greeted her respectfully. "Hello, Ms. Somers. Mr. Lorimer had to leave on an unexpected business trip, so he asked me to deliver the items he won at the auction, including Old Mrs. Goodridge's ring."

"Thank you," Raylee replied, her gaze shifting to the numerous boxes being unloaded. With a puzzled expression, she asked, "I remember there were only a few items up for auction. What are all these?"

"Oh, these are betrothal gifts from the Lorimer family," replied Matthew.

"Betrothal gifts?"

Before she could react, Harriet joyfully rushed over and embraced her. "Ray—Ray! The Lorimer family actually sent betrothal gifts! This is amazing! Your marriage is officially happening!"

Raylee stared at the dazzling array of jewelry boxes and chests piled in the living room, momentarily lost in confusion. Am I really going to marry a man I've only known for a few days? Just a week ago, she was a convict serving her sentence. The rumors about Jeremiah's scandalous affairs overseas, heard in prison, flashed through her mind. Will marrying Jeremiah bring immense wealth and prosperity, or is it just a disaster waiting to happen?

Matthew listed the betrothal gifts: "Ms. Somers, allow me to list the gifts: an unlimited black card, a private jet, five hundred million shares from the Lorimer Group, and jewelry worth a total of ten billion…"

As the list unfolded, Harriet and Waverly's expressions grew increasingly incredulous. They truly lived up to their reputation as the premier family in Jerburgh. Even Harriet, a woman of considerable wealth and experience, was taken aback by the extravagance.

Once Matthew finished, Waverly sidled up to Raylee, her voice filled with admiration. "Oh, what a sincere gesture from the Lorimer family! Raylee, just the betrothal gifts alone are impressive. Once you're married into the Lorimer family, won't you be able to call the shots? Jeremiah is really good to you, so generous. Sigh, Casimir is nothing like him. His betrothal gifts for me aren't even a tenth of yours!"

"Sounds like you're a little jealous," Raylee teased with a smirk. "Does Casimir know you think his betrothal gift isn't enough? Want me to pass the message? I'll tell him to up the stakes. Wouldn't want you feeling shortchanged and envious!"

As she finished speaking, Raylee pulled out her phone.

"No, no, don't! Raylee, don't tell Casimir nonsense," Waverly blurted out in a panic.

Raylee chuckled. "Nonsense? Which part? Weren't you the one who said the Sutherland family's betrothal gifts weren't even a tenth of mine?"

Waverly was speechless, tears welling up.

"Ray—Ray, Waverly was just joking. Why are you taking it so seriously?" Harriet quickly intervened, gently patting Waverly's shoulder.

Raylee scoffed, "Instead of saying I'm overreacting, maybe she should watch what she says next time. Otherwise, people might start questioning your family's genes!"

"Raylee, why are you talking like this?" Harriet frowned. "Why are you being so harsh today?"