Chapter 6: Insincere Gestures

Samuel was speechless. Casimir's words, though harsh, were true. Four years ago, to protect his family, he'd severed Raylee's ties with the Goodridges, leaving her vulnerable. Had she survived without their protection? The realization of his culpability hit him hard, leaving him breathless.

Casimir patted his shoulder. "It's a miracle Raylee's alive," he said, sighing heavily. "Stop playing favorites and make it up to her!" He was as culpable as Samuel. His eyes darkened. "She called me 'Mr. Sutherland' all day," he muttered.

Samuel's eyes reflected his own pain. "She called me 'Mr. Goodridge'," he replied, both men sighing deeply. Their gazes locked in a silent contest, neither able to sustain the other's intensity.

"How I make amends is my business," Samuel warned sternly. "Stay away from Raylee! Harm Waverly, and you'll face my wrath. Don't think your status intimidates me!"

Casimir laughed scornfully, turning away. Samuel, knowing Casimir's stubborn nature, knew interference was futile. He could only watch Raylee closely, ensuring she didn't become Casimir's next target.

Later, Samuel intercepted Casimir. His tone softened. "Remember Percival Shapiro, your childhood friend? The renowned medical professor?"

Casimir frowned. "Yes?"

"Could you contact him? I want him to treat Raylee's injuries."

Casimir shook his head. "We haven't spoken in years. He's overseas and busy. But I know other experts. Shall I introduce you?"

"No, I'll find another doctor," Samuel replied.

A knowing smile touched Casimir's lips as Samuel left. He called Percival. "You bastard! Why didn't you answer? Where are you?"

Percival, clearly tired, replied, "Jexburgh. Just finished surgery. What's so urgent?"

Ignoring his fatigue, Casimir commanded, "Seagull Hotel, Room 8302. Check on a sick girl, now."

"Is she important?" Percival asked.

"My ex-fiancée. She was in trouble, just released. She's injured."

A long silence followed. "Casimir, I'm a highly sought-after professor! The number of VIPs who seek me out…" He couldn't believe he was being asked to treat an ex-convict.

"You won't go? Fine. I'll delay your Pudrana lab funding. Bye!"

"No, no! Of course I'll go! We're childhood friends. I must help," Percival conceded, immediately rushing to the hotel.

Raylee was resting when a caregiver, Sharon Carter, arrived, stating she'd been hired by Mr. Goodridge. Raylee felt the irony. What does Samuel think of me? After hurting me, he offers kindness? Does he think a little kindness can erase four years of imprisonment? I don't need his insincere gestures. The only Goodridge I care about is Grandma!

Just then, Percival arrived. "Ms. Goodridge, I'm Percival Shapiro, a friend of Casimir. A dermatologist. He asked me to check on you."

Raylee's thoughts: Interesting. One sends a caregiver, the other a doctor. Competing in kindness? Atonement, or self-serving? I'll never accept their kindness. I'd rather die!

"Get out," she said coldly. "Even if I were dying, I wouldn't want you." Her eyes held a mocking indifference.

Stunned, Percival watched as she ejected him and the caregiver. "Stay away from me! Never bother me again!" The door slammed shut.

Percival, mortified, immediately called Casimir. The caregiver informed Samuel. Among the caregiver's supplies were a phone, bank card, and cash; Raylee only kept the phone—she needed to contact Vera, still unconscious after surgery, in the hospital. Everyone from the Goodridge family had left, except one caregiver.

Raylee rushed to the hospital. Vera, though aged, still possessed her kindness. Raylee, who felt Vera had practically raised her, had missed her terribly during her imprisonment. After three hours, Raylee left, instructing the caregiver to care for Vera. She wouldn't have any connection with the Goodridge family, except Vera; she wouldn't use their money, intending to return the phone once she could afford to.

She needed a job but, with her injuries and ex-convict status, faced constant rejection.