Chapter 85 Raymond's Triumph
A laugh, tinged with frustration, escaped from Paige. "The Raymond I had been told about was temperamental, difficult even. Are you certain you're the same man? You're clinging to me like a persistent plaster. Have you made up your mind to stick with me?"Raymond's gaze lifted to meet Paige's, her usually calm facade now strained with palpable irritation. His eyes flickered briefly to the bed. "I've already referred to her as 'mother-in-law'. Surely, I didn't do that for naught, did I?""Has your so-called mother-in-law consented to this arrangement?""Once she comes around, she will. What do you need from me? I have connections with the top medical teams. Would you like me to bring them in to look after your mother?"Paige released a deep sigh, sinking back into her seat. "There's no need. Even the most skilled medical teams can't rectify my mother's current condition. Five years ago, Margaret commissioned a corrupt lab to create a drug specifically designed to control my mother and me. I've already investigated—the lab has vanished."Paige had set her mind on two things: to develop an antidote and to track down the creators of this insidious drug.However, to her dismay, the clandestine lab had vanished without a trace, and her covert nocturnal experiments had yielded no results.This was a challenge that even the cover of night had failed to overcome, a testament to the complexity of finding a cure.Raymond, however, remained resolute, insisting on staying by Paige's side and listening to her plight. He might have a solution.And if he did, it would be a welcome development indeed.Raymond paused, deep in thought. "There are numerous labs like that overseas, both legitimate and illicit. Locating the specific one you're after could prove difficult. But I spent a few years abroad; perhaps I could have someone look into it?"Paige shook her head dismissively. "There's no need."She was already finding it impossible to shake him off. If she allowed Raymond to assist with the search for the lab, wouldn't that only bind him to her even more tightly?Despite Paige's rejection, Raymond mentally bookmarked the task.
Paige lingered by Mrs. Sackler's bedside, engaging in light conversation before she decided to wheel Raymond out of the room. "As it stands," Paige began, her voice echoing in the narrow hallway, "this house is rather cramped. Since we moved Mom in, along with her medical staff, we're running short on space. Perhaps you should..." Her sentence hung unfinished in the air, her intention to send him away clear, but she was interrupted before she could complete her thought. Charles, having caught Raymond's subtle signal, intervened. "Raymond will stay with Mrs. Sackler, of course," Charles interjected, cutting Paige off mid-sentence. "There's no need for you to worry about my lodging. With all the staff here, Raymond won't require my constant presence, right?" Raymond promptly nodded in agreement, turning to Paige. "Charles is correct; he can leave now." Raymond's gaze met Charles's, a silent understanding passing between them. Charles, seizing the cue, hastily bid his farewells. "I just remembered, I have some personal matters to attend to today. Mrs. Sackler, I'll leave Raymond in your capable hands. Goodbye." With those words, Charles made a swift exit, his departure reminiscent of a rabbit darting away, as if he feared any delay might result in Paige sending Raymond with him. He disappeared into his car and sped away without a backward glance. Raymond's gaze then settled on Paige. Sighing in resignation, Paige said, "Raymond, I fear you'll be disappointed staying here with me." Raymond shook his head, countering, "Please trust me, Mrs. Sackler, I'm quite adaptable. You should know that by now." Paige did know. Raymond had indeed adapted to living with her in their small two-bedroom apartment, managing with the simple meals she prepared. Paige cast her eyes down to Raymond, her voice soft. "That doesn't prove your adaptability; it just shows I took good care of you back then." Raymond grasped Paige's hand firmly, leaning in with a low, teasing tone. "Well then, madam, please continue to take good care of everything." Paige was about to respond when Pearl Southern hurried over. Paige glanced over, noticing that Raymond hadn't released her hand. His gaze, however, had shifted to Pearl, taking in this first encounter with what he perceived to be a superior version of the quintessential female assistant. A typical assistant wouldn't wear such lavish, expensive jewelry, but the necklace gracing this woman's neck was extravagantly luxurious. Raymond's discerning gaze took in Pearl Southern, his judgment unerring. A single glance was enough for him to gauge her occupation and her role beside Paige. Paige gently extricated her hand from Raymond's grasp and addressed Pearl. "Raymond." No formal title followed. Raymond caught Paige's gaze and then Pearl's, understanding that she was aware of his identity, whether as a member of the Carnegie family or as Paige's husband. But, in its way, that was good news. Upon hearing the name, Pearl naturally stepped forward, her eyes sweeping over the pair before quickly catching on. Turning to Paige, she asked, "Xanthe, do I need to arrange accommodations and meals for you and Mr. Carnegie?" What else could she do? Her restored position had her swamped, and with her mother's situation, Paige could hardly spare a thought for caregiving or cooking. So, she nodded. "Please hire a reputable chef, and also, prepare some spare clothes for Mr. Carnegie." Pearl got the hint. Though Paige had initially intended to stay alone, it was clear now that it would be for two. Paige was in a bind; she couldn't just send Raymond away, could she? If Charles had taken him, it might be a different story. But sending him away was out of the question, and sending him back was even less feasible. As for Bradley, she was at a loss to explain. She couldn't understand why, but she found it impossible to refuse the kind-hearted Bradley. Bradley hoped she and Raymond would get along well. If she were to send Raymond back, Bradley might really think she was rejecting him because he was disabled. Pearl Southern chuckled cryptically and backed away to promptly take care of the task Paige had assigned. Paige turned her attention back to Raymond. "You got what you wanted!" Raymond curled his lips slightly. "Yeager, now that's a surname you don't hear often." Paige's face darkened slightly. Yes, Pearl Southern had called her Xanthe, and Raymond had overheard. But this was no secret. Universe Group was getting ready to announce her return to take over as CEO. Even if she didn't tell Raymond, he'd soon find out from the news. "With all due respect, my last name might be rare, but it's genuinely mine. No one can criticize it!" Paige admitted outright.
Raymond's face held a questioning look as he repeated Pearl Southern's address. "Xanthe?"
