Chapter 43: The Pink Diamond Is Hers

Raylee ignored the mother and daughter. Matthew interjected, “Ms. Somers, a pink diamond is missing from the auction items left by the poolside. Surveillance footage indicates Mr. and Ms. Goodridge are prime suspects. How should we proceed?”

“Hand it over,” Raylee said, her gaze fixed on Waverly.

“I didn’t steal it, and neither did my brother! We’ve been wrongfully accused,” Waverly vehemently protested.

Raylee remained silent. The pink diamond cost Mr. Lorimer one hundred and fifty million. “If you refuse to hand it over, I’ll call the police. With its value, a prison sentence is a real possibility.”

Hearing “rot in prison,” Waverly burst into tears. After a moment, Harriet retrieved a jewelry box from her room and gave it to Raylee.

“I took it. It has nothing to do with Samuel or Waverly. Hold me accountable. I’m ready to face the consequences.”

“Mom, you’re innocent! I stole it! Let Raylee catch me!” Waverly cried, embracing her mother. They clung together, weeping.

Raylee felt the jewelry box was surprisingly heavy. The pink diamond wasn't actually taken by Harriet; it was a calculated act of protection, yet she hadn't even blamed anyone. Despite her innocence, she found herself cast as the villain—a frustrating situation.

“Raylee, please turn me in! Spare Mom. She’s too old for prison!” Waverly pleaded, falling to her knees.

Samuel stormed in, his shoulder injury causing him to stagger. His face was livid upon hearing Raylee's words. Alaric followed, equally pale. Raylee realized Waverly had chosen her moment perfectly. She truly intended to take the blame.

“Waverly, I’m sorry I’m late. You’ve been wronged,” Samuel said, helping her up and glaring at Raylee. “Are you bullying my mother and sister? How dare you threaten the police? Just because you’re marrying into the Lorimer family, you think you’re above everyone?”

Raylee retorted, “You stole the diamond and still deny it? The Goodridge family’s ethics are…impressive. You argue even when you’re wrong. I wonder how you act when you’re right?”

Harriet, listlessly cradling her head on the couch, groaned, “My head is spinning. Stop arguing!”

Samuel, Waverly, and Alaric rushed to her side. Raylee’s presence stood in stark contrast to their familial warmth.

Once Harriet was comforted, Samuel declared, “I’ll buy the pink diamond. One hundred and fifty million. Not a penny less!”

“Discuss this with Matthew,” Raylee replied indifferently. “The diamond belongs to Jeremiah. I don’t make the decision.”

Matthew called Jeremiah. He returned, saying, “Mr. Lorimer says the diamond was a gift for Ms. Somers. It’s hers to do with as she pleases.”

Raylee was exasperated with Jeremiah. She didn't want undeserved rewards, but the Lorimer family had already sent betrothal gifts. She might as well consider the diamond part of them. She accepted it, saying to Samuel, “No matter how much you offer, I’m not selling!”

Samuel’s face paled. “Kaylee, are you selling or not?”

“I’m not selling!” Raylee declared.

Frustrated, Samuel kicked a box of betrothal gifts. The box was surprisingly sturdy; he injured his foot and aggravated his shoulder wound, collapsing to the ground in pain.