Chapter 48: I Leave My Fortune To You

Vera dismissively withdrew her arm. "I'm no longer young, so my diet must be light. I have a nutritionist who plans my meals. There's no need for you to cook for me."

She turned to Raylee. "You should go, dear. I won't accompany you."

"I'm not going. I want to stay home with you, Grandma," Raylee said, resting her head on Vera's arm.

"Very well, if you don't wish to go, then don't." Vera affectionately ruffled Raylee's hair.

Her demeanor shifted when she looked at Waverly. "We're not going. You go ahead."

Watching their interaction, Waverly felt a surge of jealousy, though she masked it with a vulnerable pretense.

"Grandma, are you displeased with me? If there's something I can change..."

Vera, suffering a headache from Waverly's rambling, interrupted impatiently. "I'm going to bed. You should leave."

Waverly pleaded, "Raylee, please go to dinner. Dad, Mom, and Samuel miss you. About the swimming pool incident—"

"Shut up!" Raylee's voice rang out. "Leave!"

Raylee had kept the swimming pool incident secret, fearing it would upset Vera. Waverly's mention of it felt deliberate.

Waverly, startled by Raylee's intensity, said tearfully, "Okay. Goodbye, Raylee, Grandma."

"What swimming pool incident?" Vera asked anxiously.

"The ring fell in. Nothing else. Don't worry, Grandma."

"You gave me a fright, Raylee. If something's wrong, tell me. I won't let anyone bully you."

Raylee nodded.

Vera continued, "Why don't you go tomorrow? Otherwise, who knows what that sly girl will do? She might even drive a wedge between you, your parents, and your brother!"

Raylee shook her head. "Let her be. But Grandma, you don't seem to like her, do you?"

"Remove the 'seems like'," Vera said indignantly. "She's been back four years and never treated me with respect. When I was hospitalized and my caregiver was away, she 'volunteered' to care for me. I lost control of my bladder and bowels, and she was disgusted. She even cursed me, wishing I'd die. She thought I was asleep, but I heard her. She may be my granddaughter, but she has a wicked heart!"

Raylee was shocked. "She cursed Grandma? Waverly is horrible!"

"She manipulates your father, mother, and brother," Vera said. "If not for family, I wouldn't tolerate her! I've made my will. Not a penny goes to her."

Raylee's eyes filled with tears. "Grandma, I don't care about your wealth. Even if you left it to me, I'd donate it. From now on, I'll be by your side. If anyone harms you, they'll deal with me!"

That night, Raylee slept peacefully in Vera's lap, as she had as a child.

Three days later, it was Christmas. Jeremiah had invited Raylee to a nearby amusement park. Raylee, anxious, initially declined, but agreed to a short evening event. There were to be Christmas fireworks at ten o'clock.

At eight o'clock on Christmas evening, Raylee set off. The car broke down about a kilometer from the park, so she walked. At a crosswalk, the light turned green, and she proceeded. A pink sports car sped toward her, running a red light. Raylee threw herself into the roadside greenery to avoid being hit. The car screeched to a halt.

A woman in black boots stormed out, angrily berating Raylee. "Are you blind? I almost hit you!"

Raylee was stunned. The woman had clearly run the red light!

Raylee, having lost a shoe in her escape, stood up. Her quick reaction had saved her from serious injury, or worse.