The Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17 Call Her

Upon hearing this, Raylee let out a self–deprecating chuckle

“Mr. Sutherland, you’re being too serious. How could I dare to hit or scold you? I would only do that if I had a death wish”

all me Mr. Sutherland. If you don’t want to address me as Caz like before, you can just call me Casimir.” There was a irritation in Casimir’s tone.

Raylee could sense his intention to reconcile, but she didn’t respond to him.

What was the point of extending an olive branch after pushing her into the abyss of

She had exhausted all her strength and luck to make it out of the prison, a place akin to the gar

of hell.

Even though her spirit and body were already marred by countless wounds, she wouldn’t easily forgive those who caused this harm to be fall her in the first place.

That was not just self–degrading; it was downright disrespectful toward herself!

Finding his humility met with no response, irritation surged within Casimir. He clenched his fists and stepped on the accelerator, speeding forward.

He even went over the speed limit.

Raylee showed not a trace of fear. Her eyes remained unwavering as they took in the rapidly changing scenery outside the window

By then, it was already dusk. The evening glow streamed in, seemingly forming a painting within the car.

And Raylee was none other than the main character of that oil painting.

She was entranced as she gazed outside, her eyes vacant and distant. It was as though the world had forsaken her and her soul had flown elsewhere, leaving behind nothing but an empty shell.

As le gazed upon this sight, the inexplicable restlessness that haid consumed Casimir completely dissipated, replaced instead. by a profound sense of heartache.

Had she spent the past four years in the same manner? Sitting before the iron bars, gazing at the free world outside, yet feeling despondent due to the heavy shackles she couldn’t shake off?

Back then, she must have felt so helpless, so desperate…

Casimir slowed down the car, allowing the silence to linger for a moment longer before he finally spoke.

“The day after tomorrow is my birthday. Will you come?”

Rayler furrowed her brows, simply listening as Casimir continued to speak.

“You’ve been absent for four years now. You used to be there for my birthday every year. Promise me you won’t miss it this year, okay?”

Kaylee responded noncommittedly, “I’ll go if I have the time.”

“Great! Thank you, Ray–Ray

Casimir was so elated that even the way he addressed Kaylee became more affectionate. A smile was unmistakably tugging at the corners of his mouth.

How could Kaylee miss his evident joy?.

It just felt incredibly ironic.

Chapter 17 Call Her

effort to craft the gifts she would present to him.

Finished

Yet, he failed to appreciate it. Every time, he would merely glance at the gift before tossing it into the pile of presents.

Was he fantasizing that, even after enduring four years of prison, she would still treat him with such sincerity?

It was utterly ridiculous.

Casimir was still enthusiastically describing the preparations for his birthday party.

“I’ve arranged for Moonhaze Band to perform. The lead singer, Lilith Fallon, is your favorite singer, right? I’ve also set up a photo opportunity for you two. Are you excited?”

Raylee remained silent.

Excited! Now that was a preposterous notion.

After enduring four years of torment, the joy and beauty she once found in people and things no longer held any interest for

her.

Half an hour later.

The car arrived at the hospital’s inpatient building

When Raylee got out of the car, Casimir parked it and accompanied her upstairs.

“I’ll just visit Old Mrs. Goodridge briefly before leaving

Raylee didn’t object, and the two of them entered the hospital room, one after the other.

At that time, Vera was as frantic as a cat on a hot tin roof because she couldn’t get in touch with Raylee.

No matter how much the caregivers and nurses tried to coax her, it simply didn’t work.

Upon seeing Raylee arrive, she finally settled down slightly.

“My darling Ray–Ray, why couldn’t I reach you on your phone? I was absolutely frantic at being unable to reach you. I heard. you’ve been working at a bar. With your health condition, how could you possibly take on such strenuous work in a place like

that

Raylee hurried over to soothe her. “I’m not going to work. I’ll be with you here in the hospital tonight”

at

“That’s good, that’s good. I’ll be discharged from the hospital in a couple of days. After that, you can come live with me a Goodridge Manor

“All right, Grandma, from now on, I’ll stay with you in Goodridge Manor.”

Like a child, Raylee playfully threw herself into Vera’s embrace and snuggled up to her.

Only when she was with Vera could she truly be herself.

Casimir’s dark eyes were fixed intently on Raylee.

It was as if time had rewound back to four years ago.

Raylee once used to affectionately cling to him in the same way.

Heaven knew how much he missed her from those days…

He had insisted on coming up with her, all so he could steal a few more glances at this side of her.

“Oh Casimir is here too? Please, have a seat. You’re such a devoted young man, always coming to visit this old lady. I feel at ease with you as my grandson–in–law”

Chapter 17 Call Her

“Hello, Old Mrs. Goodridge,” Casimit greeted politely

“How odd Why didn’t you come with Waverly, but instead, you came with Ray–Ray!”

This awkward question prompted a bitter smile from Casimir

“I ran into Kaylee on the road, so I brought her up here

Finished

Was it really just a coincidence? Vera’s expression turned peculiar. I saw it earlier. There was a sparkle in your eyes when you looked at Ray–Ray. That’s not a good sign, you know. He honest with me, do you still have feelings for Ray–Ray?”

Just as Casimir was about to respond. Raylee beat him to it..