The Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40 Future Daughter In Law

Finished

“The day she was released from prison, you had a physical examination done on her, didn’t you? Samuel knew about her condition, didn’t he?” Jeremiah’s voice was like ice. “On a freezing day like that, pushing your disabled sister into the water- Samuel, were you trying to kill her?”

“Raylee is my girlfriend,” he declared, his voice unwavering. “She’s also my future wife. He tried to hurt her, so honestly. shooting him was letting him off easy.”

Layla sucked in a sharp breath. A flicker of guilt crossed her face. Raylee was already in such a terrible state, yet she was still being used.

The Goodridge family fell into silence. Even Waverly’s sobs quieted down.

“I didn’t mean to kill her,” Samuel mumbled, his voice filled with remorse. “I’ve explained this so many times. I truly thought she could swim…”

Victor’s gaze dropped to Raylee’s frostbitten hands, and he let out a heavy sigh.

This is, at most, a sibling dispute,” Alaric finally said, his tone firm. “A family affair. Naturally, I will handle it.” He paused before his voice took on a sharper edge. “But!” He turned to Victor, his eyes narrowing. “Victor, your son was in the wrong for interfering. He’s an outsider. What right does he have to meddle in my family’s affairs?”

At that moment, Victor’s demeanor shifted. He no longer carried his earlier passive stance. His voice was calm but commanding. “You may see my son’s actions as interference, but if your son harms my future daughter–in–law, then it is my family’s business.”

The words landed like a thunderclap.

Future daughter–in–law.

The weight of those words sent shockwaves through the room. It was a subtle but undeniable acknowledgment of Raylee’s status.

“Jeremiah, make yourself clear,” Victor said. “What exactly is your relationship with Ms. Goodridge?”

“My girlfriend, Jeremiah answered without hesitation. “And my future wife.”

Victor then turned to Raylee. “Ms. Goodridge, are you willing to marry Jeremiah?”

Raylee hesitated for a couple of seconds, then finally gave a small nod.

“All right,” Victor said with satisfaction before looking at Alaric and Harriet. “Do either of you have anything else to say?”

His meaning was clear–they might soon be family. Would they really want to pursue this tatter further and risk creating a

rift?

Alaric and Harriet exchanged a look. The situation had taken a completely unexpected turn

They had introduced, Raylee to Jeremiah for a blind date, hoping she would marry into the Lorimer family. If an alliance could be formed, the benefits to the Goodridge family would be beyond measure. Of course, they knew the chances of the Lorimers taking an interest in Raylee were slim–they had merely been taking a gamble. Even if Jeremiah didn’t choose her, they would have arranged for her to marry into another wealthy family.

But now, things had escalated in an entirely different way. Their only son had been shot, yet somehow, that very paved the way for Haylee’s engagement to Jeremiah. In a twisted way, it was a blessing in disguise.

incident had

After weighing the pros and cons, Alaric finally spoke. “My son has been shot, too. Let’s consider this matter settled. Victor,

put this behind us and move forward together.”

“Fine, Victor agreed “Jeremiah, Layla, let’s go.”

As the Lorimer family turned to leave, Raylee followed them without hesitation.

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Chapter 40 Future Daughter In Law

Finished

“Ray–Ray!” Harriet suddenly called out, her eyes red. “I made your favorite mushroom soup myself. Would you come home for lunch tomorrow?”

Raylee didn’t even turn her head. “No need. Thank you.” She walked away without looking back.

Harriet covered her mouth, trying to stifle her sobs as she clutched Raylee’s medical report. Waverly held her gently. “Mom, don’t worry. If we treat Raylee with sincerity, she’ll feel it. One day, she’ll come around.”

After getting his wounds treated, Jeremiah accompanied his father back to the Lorimer Estate.

As they reached the gates, he hesitated, clearly reluctant to part. “I’ll have my bodyguard take you back, to the hospital,” he said. “I need to go home and deal with my father, but I’ll come see you soon”

Kaylee, exhausted, gave a slight nod.