Chapter 86: A Shackle or a Token of Love?

If Raylee had to remain in the same carriage with Samuel any longer, she would surely lose her mind. Back in Jexburgh, the doctor noted some deep wounds and recommended a couple of days' observation. Kaylee didn't refuse. Having miraculously survived a fall from a high cliff, she prioritized her health.

She unlocked her phone and checked WhatsApp. Jeremiah had left a message about an urgent work matter—nothing about her accident. Her chest tightened; she didn't reply. After the gunshot incident at the pool, he had seemed to care deeply. Now, his lack of concern was evident.

By evening, Shanice was transferred from the hospital near Whitehorn Mountain. Raylee learned this from Casimir, who appeared uninvited at her bedside—not for the first time. She frowned. "Make it quick; I need rest."

"Two things," he began. "First, thank you for saving my sister. Second—" He produced a pebble.

Raylee's eyes widened. It was the pebble she'd thrown from the cliff! He'd found it, drilled a hole, and fashioned it into a bracelet. Only a wealthy, idle man would have the time and patience for such an endeavor.

Casimir didn't explain. He took her wrist and fastened the bracelet. "What are you doing? I don't want it! You're hurting me!" she protested, but his grip was firm.

"I don't want to hurt you," he said evenly. "Just wear it. I spent all day looking for that pebble. Don't let my efforts go to waste."

Kaylee scoffed. "Seriously? Your sister was seriously injured, and you were hunting for a rock? Are you out of your mind?" His usual composure was gone; was he as extreme as Jeremiah?

"Because you matter more," he said, the casual words warming her cheeks and quickening her pulse. She realized he was a cunning man with many facets.

She met his deep, black eyes. Even the coldest men could express affection; it was simply a matter of will. His proximity revealed the alluring scent of his cologne, mingled with a masculine warmth. Her heartbeat quickened. Pressing a hand to his chest, she tried to steady herself. "I don't need it. Save it for your fiancée."

"She already has one—a keychain," Casimir replied, his tone tinged with dissatisfaction.

Raylee's eyes flashed. "Casimir, are you out of your mind? Who fakes feelings for no reason?" She scoffed. "Besides, it's all in the past."

Before she could react, he fastened the bracelet. He admired his work. "It looks great. It suits you. Keep it on."

"I don't want it!" Raylee tried to remove it, but he held her wrist firmly. "I told you to wear it. Be good, or else—"

"Or else what?" she snapped. "Are you threatening me?"

Casimir shook his head, his intensity almost oppressive. "Your brother had you committed, and you let it go for your grandmother's sake. Couldn't you do the same for this bracelet?"

Rage filled Raylee's eyes. "Why don't you just use my grandmother to force me into being your mistress? That way, you'd get the best of both worlds!"