Chapter 77: The More, the Merrier
All four were outfitted in sun-protective clothing and fully equipped for mountain climbing. Their purpose was clearly the ascent.
So I wasn't imagining things—the driver I saw was Casimir!
When Raylee spotted them, she marveled at the smallness of the world, at such a chance encounter. Could the path between adversaries always be so narrow?
"Your brother and your ex are both here. Why don't you go say hello?" Jeremiah suggested with a smirk.
"That's not my brother, and we should mind our own business," Raylee retorted coldly, turning away.
But Waverly's excited voice echoed, "Raylee, are you and my future brother-in-law here to hike Whitehorn Mountain? What a coincidence!"
The four approached. Raylee felt a surge of frustration as they drew nearer.
"No worries, it's just a greeting. Keeping up appearances is still necessary," she muttered.
Jeremiah, handsome and rebellious, smiled faintly. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and boldly confronted them. Haylee's gaze fell upon Samuel and Waverly.
The siblings had visibly lost weight; their week-long detention had taken its toll.
Before Casimir approached, he saw the tender embrace, and inexplicable jealousy flared. Fixing his gaze on Raylee, he sneered, "Well, Ms. Goodridge, your bond with Mr. Lorimer is truly touching. I wonder—will the affection last once the novelty wears off?"
"Well, hello there, Raylee's ex-fiancé and my future brother-in-law," Jeremiah greeted them easily, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "After the honeymoon phase, whether we're still in love is none of your concern. Oh, is 'ex-fiancé' appropriate? You and Raylee never even officially dated."
Casimir's face paled. He was merely Kaylee's nominal fiancé; they hadn't even dated. He hadn't thought much of it before, but now, understanding Raylee's place in his heart, the others' comments left a bitter taste.
Jeremiah's piercing black eyes shifted to Samuel. "Future brother-in-law, your gunshot wound has healed! Impressive resilience. You could probably withstand a few more bullets. Next time, I definitely won't hold back."
Samuel's frustration exploded. Stepping forward angrily, he snapped, "Don't think being part of the Lorimer family gives you a free pass. Jesburgh doesn't need a bastard like you stirring up trouble!"
"Bastard?" Jeremiah's brows furrowed slightly before a nonchalant laugh escaped him.
"Indeed, my status doesn't compare to your noble birthright, Mr. Goodridge. However, the gun in my hand is quite persuasive. From this moment on, Raylee is my Achilles heel. If you dare bully her again, I can't guarantee my gun won't misfire and hit you in the head."
Waverly's face turned deathly pale. Trembling, she tugged at Samuel's sleeve, tears in her eyes. "Samuel, please stop arguing with Jeremiah. I'm afraid he might shoot you again…"
Samuel grunted, his face flushed with frustration. A real man knew when to walk away; he wouldn't confront a madman head-on.
Raylee didn't understand Jeremiah, but he did. That illegitimate son possessed a dangerously extreme, unhinged nature.
Kaylee allowed Jeremiah's arm to remain around her shoulders. She listened as he silenced two grown men, feeling thoroughly satisfied. Especially Samuel—wasn't he always so arrogant and overbearing? Yet, before Jeremiah, he shrank like a timid quail.
People like them only pushed around easy targets. Faced with real power, their true nature—bullies who preyed on the weak and cowered before the strong—was revealed. Strength made all the difference.
In her mind, Raylee pledged to become stronger, to protect herself. She wondered, though, if Jeremiah would really shoot Samuel if he knew about the psychiatric hospital incident. The thought terrified her. What if she angered Jeremiah?
"Today is a lovely day; we're here to enjoy the view, not to dampen the mood," Casimir mediated, his gaze softening as it drifted to Kaylee. "Are you here to hike too? How about we go together? The more, the merrier."
"The more, the merrier?" Kaylee sneered. "Do you really think you can call the shots, Mr. Sutherland? Shouldn't you consult your fiancée?"
"Why can't I make a decision over such a small matter?" Casimir's male chauvinism surfaced.