Chapter 8: You Even Hit Someone

A flash of panic crossed Waverly’s eyes. “Raylee, what are you talking about? How could I possibly have set you up? I acted out of greed—I was young and naive! My childhood was hard, and I’d never seen such a beautiful necklace before…”

Raylee stared at her intently. “If you didn’t do it deliberately, why did you only cry when your best friend accused me? Why didn’t you clarify then that you were the thief?”

“That’s because Ms. Tiffany was terrifying!” Waverly explained, her trepidation evident. “When she threatened to call the police and have the thief jailed for life, I was completely shocked. I—”

“So you just let me take the blame? Enough. Your crocodile tears are sickening. Stop playing the saint!”

Waverly gripped Raylee’s arm, tears streaming down her face. “Raylee, I understand what you’ve endured these past four years. I promise to make it up to you. Anything you ask, I’ll do! Come home with me now. I’ll give you everything I have, including Casimir! Even though I love him deeply and we’re about to be engaged, I’m willing to let him go!” A hint of boastfulness colored her tone as she mentioned the engagement.

Raylee shrugged off her hand, her expression impassive. “Please, stop mentioning that worthless man. You two are a perfect match! I’m not going home. Don’t you know Father and I signed a declaration of disownment?”

Waverly gasped. “A declaration of disownment? That’s impossible! Dad would never be so heartless…”

“Rest assured, you’re the only daughter left in the Goodridge family.”

“Raylee, there must be a misunderstanding. I’ll talk to Dad. He won’t kick you out! You’ll always be my sister!”

“Is this guilt? Enough. You’re just putting on a show for me!” Raylee looked at the sobbing Waverly, her irritation palpable. She glanced at the shattered wine bottle and said coldly, “I’ll have someone clean this up.” She turned and left. Her health was failing, and she was done with Waverly. Besides Vera, she wanted no further contact with the Goodridge family.

Waverly followed closely behind. “Raylee, wait! I still have something to tell you…”

Raylee, vexed by the persistent Waverly, hurried despite her limp. Reaching the staircase, Waverly stumbled, teetering on the edge of a fall. She screamed. Raylee watched in alarm as Waverly nearly tumbled, her eyes wide with shock. Waverly could easily grab the railing, but it slipped through her fingers. Was she too nervous? Or was she repeating the mistakes that led to Raylee’s downfall four years ago? A deep sense of malice flickered in Raylee’s eyes. She swiftly grabbed the railing, flipped, and leaped down, cushioning Waverly’s fall.

Raylee’s swift reaction bewildered Waverly. Her prison-honed reflexes, honed from countless brutal beatings, had saved her once more. The impact on her body, legs, and head left her almost unconscious. The gash on her forehead from a brick in the stair crevice bled freely. But she felt no regret. Despite the pain, she asked, “Are you okay?”

Waverly was the Goodridge family’s darling daughter. Any incident involving her, regardless of cause, would bring the family’s wrath. Raylee had endured too much to be harmed by them again.

Under the dim light, Waverly looked terrified, her eyes red, staring blankly at the ground. Mindy rushed over, helping Waverly up. “Waverly, are you alright?” she asked anxiously.

Waverly, visibly shaken, remained silent. Mindy’s face burned with rage. She pointed at Raylee, accusingly. “Why did you push Wavy down the stairs? You heartless woman! You nearly killed her!” Her haughty demeanor mirrored her accusation four years ago.

Hearing this, Waverly snapped back to reality. Tears welled in her eyes. “Raylee didn’t mean to. She’s kind. She couldn’t push me.”

“How could it not be intentional? I saw it! You chased her to the stairs, apologizing, but she wouldn’t accept it. She was so angry, she pushed you!” Mindy yelled. “Wavy, let’s call the police! Accuse her of attempted murder!”

“No!” Waverly shook her head vehemently. “Raylee would never try to kill me. I can’t let her go to prison again…”

Raylee’s anger exploded as she watched the perfectly synchronized performance. She slapped Mindy hard. The resounding slap stunned Mindy, who covered her red, swollen face in disbelief.

“How dare you hit me?”

Raylee wouldn’t allow Mindy to repeat history. “If I want to hit you, do I need a special day?” She slapped Mindy again. The blow sent Mindy’s head reeling.

Raylee’s gaze was sharp. “The first slap was for falsely accusing me four years ago, and causing my wrongful imprisonment. The second is for your absurd accusation that I pushed Waverly!”

Glaring at Waverly, she growled, “I don’t care if it was your best friend or you—I escaped death once, and I won’t let you bully and frame me again! Don’t repeat today, or that slap is for you!”

The warning silenced Waverly. She clutched her skirt, her face pale. Whether it was fear or guilt, she couldn’t meet Raylee’s gaze.

Mindy, recovering, shouted, “You hit me! I’m calling the police!”

The commotion drew a crowd. A towering figure pushed through, radiating authority—Samuel. “Raylee, you even hit someone?” His voice was glacial.