Chapter 60: Thank Me A Few More Times

Harriet had never seen Raylee this angry, not even the day she nearly drowned. Raylee exuded a powerful aura. Could she truly intend to fight Samuel to the bitter end?

Harriet quickly tried to mediate. “Raylee, he’s your older brother, someone you’ve known for eighteen years. There’s no such thing as lasting resentment between siblings—”

Before she finished, Raylee interrupted. “This grudge is settled. Either he dies, or I perish!”

Harriet’s pleading gaze shifted to Alaric. He, too, recognized Raylee’s genuine anger. After considering it, he pleaded on Samuel’s behalf. “Raylee, Samuel acted foolishly. I’ve already punished him; I’ll continue when we get home. Please forgive him this once.”

Waverly started to plead, but Raylee’s fierce glare silenced her. Terror-stricken, Waverly wept silently.

Then, spotting Casimir at the entrance, she rushed to him, hugging him tearfully. “Casimir, please persuade Raylee! She won’t forgive Samuel; she wants him dead!”

Casimir, impassive, gently pushed Waverly away and entered the room without speaking. Raylee’s anger softened the moment their eyes met; her resentment began to fade.

Waverly felt a sense of sanctuary, as did I. My survival and release from the psychiatric hospital were, in part, thanks to Casimir. Hating is easy; compassion in a time of need, less so. Such is human nature. She wasn't sure how much he had overheard.

Raylee, her voice hoarse, began, “Are you pleading for Samuel, Mr. Sutherland? Save your breath; it’s pointless.” Initially, she expected Casimir to mediate, given his close bond with Samuel.

Instead, his expression turned anxious. Stepping forward, he said urgently, “Percival told me you vanished after he rescued you. Where have you been these past few days? Do you realize how dangerous it is to wander alone, injured? Or did you go to Jeremiah’s place?”

His worry was evident; a hint of jealousy tinged his last sentence. Raylee was baffled. Why wasn’t Casimir playing the expected role? Since Percival hadn't told the whole truth, she wouldn't betray him either.

She shook her head. “I’m fine.” Then, she added, “Thank you.” Had he not called Percival, Raylee's hospitalization might never have been discovered.

She might even thank Susan for the accident. For the first time, being hit by a car felt fortunate.

Casimir was surprised by Raylee's gratitude. He’d expected their relationship to remain static. This was unexpected.

The simple "thank you" felt like winter sunshine, warming his heart. A smile touched his lips. “A simple 'thank you' isn't enough. You'll have to say it a few more times!”

Raylee looked puzzled.

“Next, I’ll get justice for you. I’ll help you get revenge on the Goodridge family!” Casimir raised an eyebrow. “Considering all this, shouldn’t you thank me a few more times?”

His words shocked everyone. They couldn't believe such bluntness from Casimir.

Samuel exclaimed, agitated, “Casimir, have you lost your mind? You’re helping her seek revenge! Are you planning to deal with me?”

Casimir retorted, “You have yourself to blame. If it were up to me, you’d be dead.”

Waverly, eyes red, reproached him. “Casimir, you’re my fiancé! How could you side with an outsider against my family?”

Casimir frowned. “An outsider? Seems your concern for Raylee is all for show.”

Waverly protested, aghast. “That’s not true! I’ve never treated Raylee like an outsider.”