Chapter 82 Raymond, What Is Your Desire?
<Chapter>Chapter 82 Raymond, What Is Your Desire? </Chapter>
Paige shook her head, releasing a soft sigh that echoed her resignation.Her scrutinizing gaze fell upon Margaret, only to be met with disappointment. Margaret's expression was one of approval, a silent endorsement of her favorite granddaughter's revelation.All hope seemed lost.Margaret, the cunning matriarch, seemed to have lost her sharpness.Xena, in her naivety, had assumed that Paige would be swayed by the opinions of the Carnegie family. It appeared that Margaret was under the same illusion.However, Paige quickly reassessed the situation. Her opponents, it seemed, were unaware of the ace she held up her sleeve.They were under the impression that her audacity was solely due to the influence of the Carnegie family and sought to expose her in front of them.Their intention, presumably, was to ostracize her within the Carnegie clan.In the midst of this, Raymond found himself overwhelmed by a profound sense of ennui.A thought crossed his mind: How had the Sackler family managed to maintain their status all these years?They were as dull as pigs, yet they had thrived for decades.It was clear that the Sacklers aimed to unveil Paige's actions to the Carnegies. Perhaps what Paige had done was indeed audacious.After all, his wife, a Carnegie, who could effortlessly pick the most secure locks, surely possessed other formidable skills.The Sacklers believed that Paige was riding on their coattails, oblivious to the fact that she had been on the brink of severing ties with them just moments ago!Far from seeking their favor, she found them to be a burden!Raymond found himself wishing that Paige did require their influence. At least then, he wouldn't have to worry about being left behind.Frustration gnawed at him, tempting him to unleash a string of curses.It was at this moment that Xena vividly recounted Paige's rampage at the Sanatorium. She spoke of how Paige's henchmen had knocked her out and abducted her, how they had held her and Grandma captive, preventing their escape, and how this had resulted in Grandma's injury.As Xena narrated the ordeal, not only were Raymond and Hugh Bradley taken aback, but even Francesca found herself stealing additional glances at Paige.In Francesca's disbelieving eyes, Paige was a troublemaker. What had the Carnegies gotten themselves into? The matriarch of the Carnegie family, a lady of society, wielding knives and causing harm?Francesca closed her eyes, her face a mask of torment.She had spent years building the Carnegie reputation. If Paige were to marry Raymond in a high-profile wedding, the elite would surely snicker behind her back for having such a sister-in-law!Hugh Bradley, on the other hand, was brimming with excitement. His future daughter-in-law was spirited!At a crucial moment, he even inquired, "How are the bodyguards? Any casualties?"Xena was taken aback. Was that the pertinent issue?Just as Xena was about to embellish the story, Paige interjected with two words: "Minor injuries."When Bradley looked at Paige, his eyes sparkled with admiration. So, this was the doctor turned daughter-in-law?With such agility and a fiery temper, Raymond was in for a challenge with her!Raymond himself was burdened with worries. He contemplated enhancing his security measures. Perhaps he could hire more skilled trackers, just in case his wife, Mrs. Carnegie, decided to make a run for it. Chasing after her would certainly be a hassle!
Unbeknownst to Xena, the Carnegies' minds were a whirlwind of tumultuous thoughts. Margaret alone seemed to perceive the undercurrents, her gaze oscillating between Bradley and Raymond. It was evident that the two men were prepared to support Paige unconditionally. The chess match between her and Xena had abruptly taken a disadvantageous turn. The ebb and flow of victory and defeat were integral to any game, yet the sting of loss was still a bitter pill to swallow. Following Xena's vivid retelling of the entire ordeal, Bradley remained taciturn, while Raymond inquired, "How fares my mother-in-law now?" A profound sense of defeat washed over Margaret—she had lost. Despite the setback, Xena, seemingly impervious to the situation, continued to question Raymond. "Raymond, my mother has been in a vegetative state for years, but the real issue here is Grandma. She's the one who's been hurt. And it's all because of Paige's actions."Without a moment's hesitation, Paige entered the room and approached Margaret's bedside. "You know, I do have some medical knowledge. Would you like me to assess the severity of your condition?"Why make a fuss when a simple glance beneath the bandages could reveal the truth? Xena swiftly positioned herself in front of Margaret. "What are you up to, Paige? Do you purport to have medical knowledge? Who are you trying to deceive? You want to harm Grandma; don't think I'm oblivious to it. Look at her, Grandpa Howard, Raymond, she's hurting Grandma right before your eyes."Bradley cast a glance at Raymond, contemplating whether it would be best to allow Raymond and Paige to depart and avoid Xena's theatrics. However, Raymond met his gaze and chose to stand by his wife, Paige, unwaveringly. Howard interjected with a smile, "Actually, Ms. Sackler, Paige does possess medical expertise. When I suffered a heart attack and collapsed by the roadside, it was Paige who came to my rescue. If not for her, I might not be here today."With Bradley advocating for Paige, it was challenging for Xena to voice any objections. Moreover, Margaret quickly chimed in, "Back in the day, when I was sent to live with relatives in the countryside, the family that took me in—their Bradley was the local country doctor. Paige must have acquired her medical skills from him."It wasn't that Margaret genuinely wanted Paige to examine her; she had, after all, exaggerated her injuries. However, going along with Bradley's narrative had its benefits. Margaret didn't want to strain the relationship between the two families. It was evident that Bradley was shielding his daughter-in-law, and if Margaret openly clashed with Paige, wouldn't that be an affront to the Carnegie family? Xena's gaze was fixed intently on Paige. "So what if she has some medical knowledge? Picking up tricks from a country quack doesn't make you a bona fide doctor. What if she overlooks something?"Bradley Sackler's cheeks reddened with embarrassment, his composure momentarily faltering. Sensing the escalating tension, Margaret quickly intervened, "It's getting late, Xena. Why don't you give the orders? Tonight, everyone should savor our chef's culinary prowess."The conversation needed to be redirected, or the Sacklers' evening would only turn more sour. At Margaret's signal, Raymond deftly maneuvered his wheelchair to Paige and clasped her hand. "No need. My wife Clara promised to cook for me tonight, and we plan to leave early."Raymond had to seize the opportunity, and he wasn't about to let Paige slip away so effortlessly. He wasn't the type to visit the Sacklers purely for amusement. He was there because of Paige's inevitable presence. Now that his objective was accomplished, he was determined to keep Paige close. In Bradley's presence, Paige found it challenging to extricate herself from Raymond's grip, so she smiled and played along. "Right, I promised him."Bradley radiated satisfaction. "Go on then, you lovebirds. Newlyweds should relish their time together."With a sense of resignation, Paige wheeled Raymond out, maintaining her smile. Once they were outside, Paige halted and confronted him, "Raymond, what are you trying to do?"
