Raelyn initially thought that Paisley had called to deliver good news to her, but it went the other way. Raelyn’s heart sank upon hearing Paisley’s words, “How did you know?”
“My men have been keeping a close eye on Ronald’s apartment. Some policemen and a few members of the Howard family went into the apartment not long ago. The policemen left eventually, followed by William and Sir Hayden, who stopped by for only a short while. Charles and his two brothers were the last to leave with Savannah. She hasn’t got a scratch on her!”
Raelyn was out of words as Paisley sighed before she continued, “Mrs. Anderson, what are you going to do now?”
“Nothing at the moment,” Raelyn replied calmly as she was on her toes against Paisley and did not want her to know her trump card.
“Mrs. Anderson, you should give a deep thought about it. However, please ignore my words if Savannah doesn’t have something that she can use against you.” Paisley doubted that Raelyn didn’t have a backup plan.
“My brain’s not working right now. Paisley, do you have any suggestions?” Raelyn asked.
“It was William who ruined the whole thing. Wouldn’t all problems be solved if he doesn’t interfere?” Paisley reminded her.
“I know that, but it won’t be easy.”
“Why? You don’t have a deep grudge against William, do you? Oh wait, William sought revenge for Valeria by throwing your brother-in-law in jail with a death sentence. Is that why you hate him?”
Raelyn admitted and replied, “You can say so.”
“It’s better to talk things through instead of holding a grudge against each other. Besides, he’s just your brother-in-law, not your husband. Mrs. Anderson, why don’t you take a step back?” Paisley became a peace-maker unexpectedly.
“How? It’s not about me letting bygones be bygones. Instead, it’s William who’s pushing me to the corner,” Raelyn let out a bitter laugh.
“Is that so? Wait, you’re Valeria’s aunt, right? And now that William and Valeria are together with the approval of the Saunders family, that makes the both of you relatives. William would have no reason to be enemies with you if you decide to let him off the hook about Declan. It doesn’t make any sense for William to act this way if you did not do anything to step on his toes.”
Raelyn’s face darkened as Paisley voiced her doubts, but she managed to compose herself, “How could I have done anything to him? I have no business with him, remember?”
“Is it because of William’s mother? I heard vaguely that her death had something to do with Savannah. Mrs. Anderson, considering you and Savannah are best friends, does William think that you have gotten your hands dirty in this matter too?”
Paisley’s bold speculations made Raelyn turned ghostly pale. She had underestimated Paisley and she was much brilliant than Raelyn had expected. Despite that, Raelyn suppressed her uncomfortableness and said, “Ms. Anthony, you’re overthinking. His mother’s death was merely an accident. What does it have to do with Savannah?”
“Is that so? Well, it better had nothing to do with her, then. Mrs. Anderson, please do not take it personally. It was just a wild guess. We’re in the same team now, and I’m planning things based on your best interest.”
Paisley caught Raelyn addressing her as Ms. Anthony instead of Paisley just now. A sneer appeared on the corners of Paisley’s mouth as it was like she expected, Raelyn did have something to hide about William’s mother’s death.
“That’s thoughtful of you.” Raelyn knew that Paisley would not believe her easily, so had no choice but to react depending on the situation.
“Mrs. Anderson, I have a way to make William let you off the hook.”
“How?”
“I can divert William’s attention, but I would need your help. Didn’t you mention a drug last time? Give me that, and you can leave everything to me. I promise you that William will leave you alone in the future.”
“Alright, let’s meet soon and talk it through,” Raelyn agreed without hesitation.
Raelyn’s face was awfully dark after ending the phone call with Paisley.
Natasya had been on the lookout while Raelyn answered the phone, and she rushed towards Raelyn immediately when she ended the call, “What did she say?”
“The plan was a failure but she still wants William,” Raelyn lowered her voice and said.
“What?” Natasya raised her eyebrows, “She thinks highly of herself.”
“Do not underestimate her. We might have to go her way if we are left with no choice,” Raelyn replied gloomily.
“Are you crazy?” Natasya was furious and snapped, “Why should we help her? Who does she think she is? This is absolutely ridiculous!”
“Natasya!” Raelyn frowned upon seeing her daughter behaving carelessly. Natasya immediately tried to contain herself as she had also realized that she had lost her cool.
Meanwhile, William returned to the party with his blazer draped on his arm. Seeing him, Natasya instantly composed herself and put on a gentle and shy expression as her gaze followed William closely.
However, he ignored everyone and went straight in Valeria’s direction upon entering the grand hall. Valeria, who was with Abbie the entire time, stood up as she saw William walking towards her, “Baby, you’re finally back! Did everything go well? Your didn’t give you a hard time, did he?”
“Everything’s settled. Don’t worry, my dad doesn’t have the time and energy to waste on me.” William smiled and put his arm around Valeria’s waist and continued, “I’m thirsty!”
“What would you like? Juice or wine?”
“I’ll have juice!” Valeria went to get a glass of juice and handed it to William, who drank half of it and placed the cup next to Valeria’s mouth gently. Valeria smiled as she sipped the rest of the juice.
William wrapped his arm around Valeria’s waist as they sat on the sofa and scanned the room before asking, “Has Lucian left the party?”
“I’ve sent her away. Braelynn and Richard sent her home.”
“Where is Michael?” William asked again.
“Raymond and Andrew forced him to a few rounds of poker,” Valeria replied.
William held Valeria and stood up, “Let’s go find them.”
“They already have enough players. Why would we go and mess things up?”
“Michael is urgently in need of me to get out of the game. It would be his dream to spend time with Abbie right now, since Richard is no longer here.”
Hearing him say this, Valeria curled her lips and lowered her voice, “Forget about Michael. Abbie has scars all over her body. Michael has been really rough on her. What an animal!”
“Alright, alright. Why are you all worked up when Abbie is okay with it? Let’s go and find Michael.”
On the other hand, Natasya felt that it was an eye-sore seeing the pair snuggle closely together as they made their way towards their friends.
Raelyn came up from behind and asked, “What are you looking at?”
“Nothing. Mummy, let’s go find Raymond!” Natasya suggested.
“You go ahead. I’ll have a word with your grandfather.” Raelyn refused as she was still pissed with Raymond. She blamed Talitha’s injury on him, and he had also kept his distance from her. Raymond behaved coldly and avoided her at the party, which suggested that he was not pleased with her too.
Natasya nodded and left while Raelyn fixated her eyes on William and Valeria with a sneer. The pair shall enjoy their moment together while they could as they would soon be met with hell.