Chapter 70: Attempted Suicide

Raylee had heard these events recounted many times. She understood the older generation's preference for sons over daughters; her grandmother was simply a sorrowful product of that era. Regardless of her grandmother's past actions or character, Raylee's love for her was undeniable. It was independent of anyone else.

After a moment's contemplation, Raylee's face was impassive. "I won't judge Grandma's past," she said, "but I warn you, if you upset her again, you'll answer to me!"

Panic flickered in Harriet's eyes. "I'm sorry, Raylee. I know you've been wronged. I'll do everything to make amends. Samuel will apologize. If you don't hold him accountable, you can dictate his punishment!"

Raylee's tone was chillingly indifferent. "You're using Grandma as leverage. However, letting him off easily doesn't appeal to me. My condition: Samuel stays in detention for a full week!"

"No problem!" Harriet agreed eagerly. The punishment seemed a minor inconvenience. As the saying goes, revenge is a dish best served cold. As long as she lived, Raylee would have her revenge.

Waverly spoke with a heavy heart. "Mom, Samuel's been in detention for a day and night. I saw him this morning; he couldn't eat or drink, he looked exhausted. Another week, and I fear he won't survive. Aren't there less harsh punishments?"

The Goodridge family couldn't have kept Samuel for half a day if they'd interfered. Alaric seemed determined to make him suffer, but did he think hardship would quell Raylee's resentment? Such naive hope!

Before Harriet could respond, Raylee scoffed. "One day, and he can't handle it? I was there for four years!"

Raylee looked at Waverly. Her bruised and battered face was shadowed; her eyes, deep and cold, held a commanding presence. "Don't you care about your brother? Are you willing to share his burdens? You should spend a week in confinement, too!"

Waverly trembled, bewildered.

Harriet quickly interjected, "Raylee, I agreed to Samuel's week in detention. Ignore Waverly; I don't feel bad about it at all!"

"Do you think I'm joking?" Raylee glared at Waverly, irritated. "My other condition: Waverly also spends a week there!"

Before Harriet could speak, Waverly said, "Mom, I'll go to detention with Samuel. I surrender myself now! As long as Raylee is willing to let go of her anger and reconcile, I'm ready."

Harriet, tears welling, said, "Wavy, thank you." She turned to Raylee, her eyes blurred with tears. "Raylee, if you have any other conditions, please state them now."

Impatient, Raylee showed them out. "My final condition: leave immediately. Go far away and never bother me or Grandma again!"

Harriet was stunned, speechless. Could it be that the Raylee she cherished now despised her this much?

Harriet nodded. As she left, she picked up the shattered photograph.

"Mom, it's broken; there's no need," Waverly advised.

"I only have this photo," Harriet said sorrowfully. "I can piece it together. These are cherished memories of Raylee; I won't forget them."

A flicker of jealousy crossed Waverly's face.

That day, Waverly surrendered. However, after only a day, her depression flared, leading to a suicide attempt by running into a wall. She was rushed to the hospital. Her room was above Vera's.

Raylee learned from her caregiver that Waverly's head was bleeding profusely when she arrived at the hospital. Harriet was distraught, weeping uncontrollably.

Raylee remained silent. She'd anticipated Waverly's inability to endure hardship, but the problems arose sooner than expected. Open confrontation wouldn't work; her dangerous tactics had proven effective.

The next day, Raylee visited her unconscious grandmother. Seeing Casimir from afar, she noticed Waverly, her head bandaged, standing beside him, chatting and laughing, radiating sweetness.