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Chapter 87: Cason Doesn’t Save Kaitlin
Serina clung to Ainsley’s arm, sobbing uncontrollably, seeking solace in the touch, as if the connection was her only source of security. Ainsley remained calm, allowing Serina the comfort she needed while trying to piece together the reasons behind Serina’s overwhelming sense of fear and insecurity.
“I’m here. Don’t worry, I’ll always be here for you,” Ainsley whispered softly, her voice reassuring.
Gradually, Serina’s sobs quieted, though she still held onto Ainsley’s arm, her eyes darting around the room with lingering fear. Mollie, noticing the time, took a sip of her coffee before speaking.
“Ms. Easton, it’s getting late. Let me take you back,” she said, glancing at the clock.
“Okay, thank you,” Ainsley responded, allowing Serina to lean against her as they made their way to Mollie’s car. The ride back was uneventful, though Ainsley’s thoughts remained consumed with Serina’s well-being.
Upon arriving at her apartment, Ainsley felt a sense of relief. Mollie, before driving away, spoke once more.
“Ms. Easton, my senior, a more experienced psychologist than I am, will be back soon. I’ll mention you to him—he might reach out to you,” Mollie offered.
Ainsley smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Mollie. That would be very helpful.”
As Mollie’s car pulled away, Ainsley stood for a moment, lost in thought. She had a lot to process, especially concerning Serina’s troubling behavior.
Once inside, Ainsley climbed the stairs to her apartment, carrying books Serina liked. She gently placed them in front of her friend, urging her to read while she herself sat on the sofa to apply her burn ointment. She didn’t want Serina to see the injury, so she kept her back to her as she worked.
Before Ainsley could finish, the door opened, and Manuel walked in, carrying a briefcase.
“Thank you, Aisy,” Manuel said warmly, setting the documents down on the table before reaching for the ointment. “Let me do that for you.”
Ainsley, however, withdrew the ointment from his reach. “It doesn’t hurt that much anymore. I can handle it,” she insisted.
Manuel gave her a pointed look. “But you helped me with Serina all day and asked about her from Mollie. I can’t just do nothing, can I?”
Ainsley smiled and shook her head. “Serina’s doing better now. Mollie recommended that we continue making her feel safe, like she’s in an environment where she can heal. We’ll be fine.”
Manuel nodded, acknowledging her words. He paused, then asked, “Cason didn’t contact you again, did he?”
Ainsley, feeling a sudden unease, shook her head. “No, I think he knows better than to try now.”
Manuel raised an eyebrow. “He did go to the University of Washington. Mr. Ford called me earlier.”
Ainsley’s interest piqued. “Could he have asked Mr. Ford to release Kaitlin? He wouldn’t be that foolish, would he?”
Manuel gave a small shrug. “Mr. Ford refused.”
At the University of Washington
Cason stormed out of Raymond’s office, clearly agitated. He had tried every method to convince Raymond to release Kaitlin, but the Gage family had made their position clear, and Raymond, now more loyal than ever to them, refused to budge.
Cason’s frustration grew. The Gage family held nearly half of the school’s shares—how could Raymond afford to upset them just for the Baldry family’s sake?
But even after trying every possible avenue, Cason realized he had no choice left. He briefly considered calling Ainsley for help, but he quickly discarded the thought. She had already made her stance clear.
As he sat in his car, contemplating his next move, his phone rang, interrupting his thoughts. He wasn’t surprised to see it was his mother, Lindsay.
With a sigh, Cason answered the call. “Mom.”
“Cason, what did Mr. Ford say? Surely he understands the importance of family! He has to release Kaitlin!”
Cason’s voice was weary. “Mom, we only own five percent of the shares, and the Gage family holds forty percent. Raymond can’t afford to go against them, not when they’re so heavily invested. He’s not going to release Kaitlin.”
Lindsay’s voice trembled with frustration. “But we’re on the school board! Doesn’t that give us some leverage?”
Cason felt a deep frustration building in his chest. “You’ve got to be realistic, Mom. Kaitlin’s actions in the school are the problem. Mr. Ford didn’t let her go before, and now the Gage family is stepping in. It’s not about leverage—it’s about what’s right. Kaitlin needs to own up to what she’s done, or this will never end.”
Lindsay, clearly upset, replied, “So you’re just going to let her rot in there?”
Cason’s patience was wearing thin. “Yes, Mom. Kaitlin has to face the consequences of her actions. I won’t keep protecting her from herself. Maybe this will be the wake-up call she needs.”
He ended the call abruptly, unable to listen to his mother’s continued pleas.
At the Police Station
Cason visited Kaitlin, his expression cold. He had already arranged for her to meet with a lawyer who assured him that even if Kaitlin was sentenced, it wouldn’t be for more than twenty days.
Kaitlin was sitting in the detention room when Cason entered, her face filled with fury. As soon as she saw him, she stood up and slammed her fists against the table.
“Cason! You’re really not going to save me? I’m your sister! What’s going on? Where’s Mom? Did she tell you not to save me?”
Cason’s tone was steely. “I’ve already spoken with Mom. She might not agree with me, but this is the decision I’ve made. You need to reflect on your actions. You’ve done a lot of damage, Kaitlin. And the Baldry family can’t keep protecting you from your mistakes.”
Her eyes burned with anger. “Are you saying I’ve embarrassed the family? How can you say that? Ainsley was the one who hurt me! If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be in this position!”
Cason’s face tightened, his voice cold. “No, Kaitlin. You’re the one who’s made a fool of yourself. The way you’ve bullied students, the way you’ve used the Baldry name to intimidate others—how could you think that’s acceptable? This has gone too far, and you need to understand that there are consequences for your actions.”
Kaitlin, her face flushed with rage, yelled, “I want to talk to Mom!”
Cason turned and walked away without another word, his decision final. He couldn’t keep enabling her. Not anymore.
