Raeleigh arrived at the door to her house. When she got out of the car, Jepherson's car slowly stopped next to her before the man himself emerged from his car.
"When did you get back?" When he spotted Santiago, Jepherson's face fell. His gaze followed Santiago, who was getting out of the car.
"I just got back. I'm tired. I'm going in to take a bath."
Santiago walked to the back of his car and popped open the trunk. He took out a suitcase and placed it on the ground. He then closed the trunk and went into the house.
Raeleigh felt that something was amiss based on how angry they looked. She looked at Santiago, who was walking into the house. Xanthus got out of the car and looked at them as well, but didn't say anything, nor did he follow them inside. Instead, he stayed behind to keep Raeleigh company.
Jepherson also stared at Santiago. After a while, he looked away and diverted his attention towards Raeleigh. "The Old Madam had sent those men over. I was on my way but didn't make it in time."
"I know. This has nothing to do with you. I don't blame you. But you should still tell your grandmother that I have nothing to do with you anymore. I hope she'll stop bothering me anymore."
Jepherson frowned, "I might be engaged to Stella, I've already called her and she said she'd help me."
Raeleigh froze for a moment. She stood there, staring at him and unable to say a word.
Wasn't this what she wanted? Why did her heart feel like it was being pricked by needles?
Her face turned pale in an instant, and Xanthus reached out to hold her hand. She turned to look at Xanthus, who said, "Go on inside and hand me the key. I have something to say to him."
She thought about this for a moment then turned away.
"Raeleigh..."
Seeing her leave, Jepherson called out to her. She hesitated for a moment before ultimately continuing on her way.
Jepherson grew anxious as he watched her walk away. He had never felt this way before.
"I believed that you did love Raeleigh, but it's clear that you love yourself a lot more. I don't want Raeleigh getting sad because of you. You've done something that she can't forgive you for. You should leave."
Xanthus had never felt so enraged before.
Jepherson stared at him. "You don't understand love. I will resolve things with Raeleigh."
"You are in no position to say that, and Raeleigh will not accept your solutions."
"Your grandmother wants to hurt her, but I can assure you that I am not going to let that happen."
"Oh, my powerless brother, I can protect Raeleigh. Otherwise, I wouldn't have agreed to come back with her.
You lot have underestimated my capabilities. I don't want what happened today to happen again.
"I will fight violence with violence. If your grandmother wants to hurt Raeleigh, I will go to her and settle things with her - of that, I'm certain."
Silence fell between the two.
Jepherson clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, and looked at Raeleigh. "Rae..."
Without looking back, she said, "Let's call it a day. I can't forget what happened in the past. I came back only because of the contract I have with your company. I don't want you pestering me. I hope you can just let me go."
Another long silence ensued.
Raeleigh took out the key and handed it to Santiago. The latter then opened the door and brought her inside. As soon as she entered, she stumbled on her feet and Jepherson's face immediately turned sour. He instantly shouted at Santiago.
But Santiago didn't turn around. He just slammed the door shut to block out Jepherson's voice.
Jepherson gritted her teeth and walked towards the door, but Xanthus blocked his way. "You are not welcome here. Leave now."
Jepherson stared at Xanthus. "I'm her husband."
"Not necessarily. Moreover, Raeleigh has never accepted you."
"Then I..."
"Enough. I only see the truth."
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