The Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 14

Chapter 14 No Longer A Goodridge.

15

Finished

After a moment of silence, Harriet finally said, “Even though the Lorimer family doesn’t blame Samuel, we still owe them an explanation. Ms. Layla has spoken, stating that since the matter originated from Kay–Ray, it was only right for Ray–Ray to personally apologize.”

“Fantastic!” Alaric was overjoyed, not even waiting for Raylee’s agreement before he commanded in a decisive tone, “Raylee. you need to go to Lorimer Estate and apologize right now. Remember, your attitude must be sincere.”

Raylee lifted her gaze, a simmering rage flickering in the depths of her eyes

“Im not going because I’m not a member of the Goodridge family

“If you’re not a member of the Goodridge family, then whose family do you belong to? You’re the cause of this mess, so you have to go!” Alaric snapped. irritated.

Raylee looked at him expressionlessly.

“Could you have forgotten, Mr. Alaric? Four years ago, just a few days after I was thrown into prison, you personally brought me a declaration of disownment for me to sign. After signing it, I changed my surname to Somers, following my biological father. I came here today to make this clear to all of you. I am now Raylee Somers, not Goodridge. Hence, I won’t get involved in your family matters.”

Samuel was stunned beyond belief.

“Dad, is it true? Did you really sign a document severing parental ties with Ray–Ray four years ago? Why would you do such a thing?”

Back then, he hadn’t treated Raylee well, even going so far as to visit the Lorimer family to declare that he had no ties with Raylee from that point on.

Yet, it was merely lip service.

Unexpectedly, his father actually put his words into action!

Alaric’s expression was serious, his mouth opened as if to speak, but then he hesitated.

Clearly, this matter was indeed true.

“Samuel, don’t blame your father,” Harriet implored, her eyes welling up with tears. “He had no choice but to do what he did, all for the sake of our family.”

Samuel felt a huge lump in his throat as he replied, “Mom, you knew about this all along, didn’t you? Did you think it was acceptable to hurt Ray–Ray without any hesitation if it was for the sake of the family? Ray–Ray is my sister, and even if we’re not related by blood, we’ve lived together for eighteen years. Eighteen years, Mom! Even if it was spent raising a dog, there would be feelings involved! She has already suffered enough from being wrongfully imprisoned, so why did you have to treat her like this?”

No wonder Raylee seemed to despise him so much after she was released from prison.

It was a seed planted four years ago!!

In silence, Alaric’s gaze subtly deepened as he said, “Severing our parent–child relationship was merely a show for the Lorimer family. Now that Raylee has returned, she can transfer her household registration back at any time. However, I have one condition, Raylee, and that is you must go to the Lorimer family and apologize today. As long as the Lorimer family. doesn’t pursue Samuel’s matter, you can return to being the Goodridge family’s eldest daughter, indulging in wealth and glory.”

“No need. My ties with the Goodridge family have already ended,” Raylee stated, rejecting him outright.

Harriet frowned, saying, “Ray–Ray, what nonsense are you spouting? Your ties with the Goodridge family have ended? Are you really considering going back to your biological family! Your birth father is a gambling addict, a good–for–nothing. Going back will only weigh you down.”

Chapter 14 No Longer A Goodridge

Finished

Alaric expressed in a displeased tone, “A wise man submits to circumstances. I advise you to think clearly. Not everyone can take on the role of the eldest daughter of the Goodridge family! If it weren’t for the fact that I raised you for eighteen years. how could this immense fortune have fallen into your lap?”

Raylee rejected it outright. “Whoever wants this so–called fortune can have it; I certainly don’t want it.”

Samuel gazed at Raylee, his handsome face filled with profound affection and sadness.

“I don’t need Ray–Ray to apologize to the Lorimer family. All I need is for Ray–Ray to change her household registry back. I will handle the matter with the Lorimer family myself!”

“You’re going to handle it yourself? And how exactly will you do that? By going head to head with the Lorimer family?” Alaric said, clearly irritated. “You better stay put at home these next few days. Dare to set foot in Lorimer Estate, and see if I don’t deal with you!”

Although Alaric’s words were harsh, Kaylee’s hearing was unimpaired. Anyone could tell that he was fiercely protective of his

“Samuel can’t go, and Raylee can’t either. I’ll go!” Waverly choked out, her voice laced with tears. “Dad, Raylee has already endured four years of imprisonment, suffering more than one can imagine. We can’t let her suffer anymore. I’ll be the one to go to the Lorimer family this time!”

She covered her mouth, tears clinging to her dark, curved eyelashes as her body shuddered with each sob she let out.

From her deeply sorrowful demeanor, it was as if she’d suffered the greatest injustice imaginable,

“No, Waverly can’t go. Given the arrogant demeanor of the Lorimer family, who knows how they might mistreat her!” Harriet stated protectively.

“Your mother is right,” Alaric agreed. “You’d only suffer if you went.”

Raylee’s long eyelashes quivered, her heart filled with a bitter chill.

They were concerned that Waverly would be mistreated by the Lorimer family, yet not worried that she could be bullied by them?

Was it just because she wasn’t their biological child?

What a potent and ironic contrast!

“I owe it to Raylee. It’s about time I take her place in enduring hardship!” Waverly insisted.

“No, Raylee can’t go, and Waverly even less so! Enough, all of you, stop talking! This is a mess I created, so I’ll clean it up myself!” Samuel insisted on going himself.

Overwhelmed with desperation, Waverly found herself on her knees, her tears mixing with the runny snot as she cried.

“Samuel, don’t go! You’re the only son of the Goodridge family, while I’m just a lowly nobody. The fact that I could return and reunite with all of you is already a blessing. Let me go instead.

Raylee stood off to the side, watching them enact their deep sibling bond with a cool gaze, unable to suppress the amusement bubbling within her.

Go on, then. It would be best if you all just went to meet your doom.

Samuel lifted his gaze, just in time to catch her cold and distant expression.

Compared to Waverly, who was on her knees crying and pleading with him not to go to the Lorimer family, it was such a stark difference.