Chapter 58: Nip it in the Bud

Kaylee continued, “What kind of grudge do you hold against me that you wish to make a fool of me? If you despise me so much, you might as well kill me!”

Harriet’s eyes widened. “Samuel, is what Kaylee said true? Were you truly planning to make her a fool?”

Alaric, furious, hurled a bowl across the room. Waverly, self-sacrificingly, shielded Samuel, taking the blow to her forehead. Blood welled up.

Harriet, distressed, rushed to her daughter, scolding Alaric, “Can’t you communicate without resorting to violence?”

Alaric snapped, “He pulled such a heinous stunt! How could I remain calm? Look how you’ve spoiled him! He’s lawless! Overindulgence ruins a child. You’ll ruin him!”

“He’s half yours too. You’re always busy, neglecting him. Yet, when something happens, you explode and shirk responsibility. Is that your idea of being a father?” Harriet retorted, her eyes reddening. “Either way, I must beat this scoundrel!”

Enraged, Alaric charged toward Samuel, intent on harming him.

Waverly, despite her pain, bravely intervened, “Dad, please don’t hit Samuel. I beg you! Samuel said he did this for our family, and I believe him. He would never harm Kaylee.”

Kaylee felt her worldview crumbling. It was precisely because she was Samuel’s ardent admirer that he adored her so much. Even if Samuel had committed murder, she would foolishly stand by him.

“Step aside, Waverly! I must deal with this rebellious child!”

Alaric pulled Waverly aside and slapped Samuel hard across the face. The family erupted into chaos—crying, shouting, fighting.

Kaylee observed the scene, a smirk playing on her lips. She couldn’t gauge how much of Alaric’s anger was genuine. However, it was clear his discipline was intended for her to see. After all, Samuel's actions were outrageous.

Alaric, using his full strength, slapped Samuel, his son’s face swelling significantly. “Apologize to Kaylee immediately, or I’ll beat you to death!”

Samuel remained stubborn. “No! I won’t apologize. I did nothing wrong!”

Kaylee intensely resented Samuel, wishing to tear him apart.

“Did nothing wrong? Samuel, you did such a cruel and deranged thing, yet insist it’s right? Do you think I was born for electroconvulsive therapy? My health is already ruined. Why must you…?”

A flicker of guilt crossed Samuel’s eyes. “You won’t become a fool. I consulted experts. As long as the dosage is regulated, there won’t be significant effects. Even if something goes wrong, I’ll take responsibility. I’ll care for you for life.”

Infuriated, Kaylee laughed scornfully. “Make me a fool and care for me for life? Samuel, do you realize what you’re saying? You’re the one who needs a psychiatric hospital!”

“Exactly, Samuel! Apologize to Kaylee!” Harriet scolded.

Samuel remained stubborn. “I did nothing wrong. Kaylee is at fault!”

“Still spouting nonsense? You might as well save your apologies. Kaylee is right. You should be locked up in a psychiatric hospital!” Alaric raged.

“I truly didn’t do anything wrong! I did it for our family!” Samuel insisted.

Kaylee’s anger peaked. “Samuel, how can you treat me like this and say I’m at fault? Tell me, Mr. Goodridge, where did I go wrong?”

Samuel replied indignantly, “It’s because you’ve become arrogant and domineering, about to marry into the Lorimer family. You disregarded your family and raised your hand against Mom. You despise us all. Once independent, you’ll abandon the Goodridge family. So, I must nip this in the bud. I’ll never let you marry into the Lorimer family!”

“Is this your reason for having me committed to a psychiatric hospital?” Kaylee asked, furious and incredulous.