Chapter 397

In the hospital, Raymond's unwavering affection and protection for Emily made it clear to everyone that she was not someone to mess with.

Out of politeness, Emily nodded slightly but didn't say much. After all, they were just a bunch of strangers, and there was no need for unnecessary chit-chat.

As she made her way to the office, Emily knocked on the door before pushing it open. To her surprise, besides Stanley, there was a middle-aged couple inside.

Upon seeing Emily, the couple quickly stood up, looking somewhat uneasy.

Emily had some guesses about their identities but didn't ask. Instead, she addressed Stanley, "Stanley, you called me here for something?"

The events of the previous night had made Stanley wary, and his attitude towards Emily had become much more respectful. He gestured for Emily to sit down and even thoughtfully poured her a cup of tea.

"No need to be so formal, Stanley," Emily quickly said.

Despite her words, Stanley still personally placed the tea in front of her before sitting down on the single sofa opposite her.

At this moment, the four of them were seated around the sofas. Stanley glanced at the middle-aged couple, then at Emily, his eyes filled with complexity.

Noticing this subtle detail, Emily spoke directly, "Stanley, if there's something you need to say, just say it."

Stanley sighed deeply, as if all his helplessness was seeping into the air with his breath. His brows furrowed, "Ms. Johnson, let me introduce you. These are Audrey's parents."

Hearing this, Emily's eyes showed a hint of surprise, and she had already guessed that the couple was either here to beg for forgiveness or to cause trouble.

She remained calm and composed, "What can I do for you?"

Audrey's mother looked at Emily, her lips trembling, wanting to speak but hesitating, her eyes filled with deep guilt and remorse.

Audrey's father was the same, his hands clasped together, sitting uneasily. But he still spoke, "Ms. Johnson... we know what Audrey did. We're truly sorry. It's our fault for not raising her properly, and she hurt you. For that, we deeply apologize."

Emily's face showed no emotion, and her words were equally cold.

"It's okay. I already forgave her last night. But I understand why you're here. However, I can't control my husband's actions. From a personal standpoint, anyone would stand up for their family if they were bullied or treated unfairly, right?"

Audrey's mother, with red eyes and a trembling voice, said, "I'm sorry, truly sorry. My husband and I lost our jobs. I worked at FEMA, and he was with the Audit Bureau. We're really at a dead end now. We've worked diligently for so many years, and now it's all gone. It's our fault for not raising Audrey properly. But I beg you, please don't be so cruel to us. How are we supposed to live now?"

Emily had guessed that Audrey's parents worked for government agencies. Audrey, though not exceptionally outstanding, had graduated from a prestigious university, indicating a well-off family background.

Seeing Audrey's parents, who had worked for so many years, now losing their jobs so easily because of Raymond, Emily could understand why they were desperate enough to seek out Stanley.

A trace of sorrow appeared on Emily's face. She sighed, "Audrey's actions weren't just about last night. She's been targeting me for a while. Although I know my husband's retaliation was excessive, I still believe that protecting one's family is never too much."

Audrey's father nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, I get it. If it were me, and I had the power, I'd do the same."

Audrey's mother lowered her head, her brows furrowed, "Ms. Johnson, compared to you, we're insignificant. We've severely reprimanded Audrey. She just graduated a few years ago, and her future can't be ruined. My husband and I... we can't... I beg you, I'll kneel and kowtow as many times as you want, or do whatever you ask, but please... let us go."

As she spoke, Audrey's mother got up and knelt on the ground, her forehead hitting the floor heavily.

Seeing this, Audrey's father also knelt down, the couple kowtowing one after the other.

Stanley held his head in his hands, unsure whether to intervene or not.

Emily, however, furrowed her brows and spoke coldly, "I hope you stop this behavior. Are you begging, or are you trying to guilt-trip me?"

Hearing this, Stanley quickly got up to stop the couple from continuing.

"Please, stop this. Let's sit down and talk."

With some effort, Stanley managed to pull them up.

Audrey's mother cried, "I'm sorry, truly sorry. We have no way out now. How are we supposed to live? I'm sorry, it's all our fault for not raising our daughter properly..."

Audrey's father held his wife, filled with endless regret, not knowing what to say.

Emily's eyes showed endless helplessness. She sighed deeply, feeling completely drained.

She felt morally cornered.

Initially, she wanted to support Raymond's harsh stance to prevent future troubles, but seeing the elderly couple, her resolve wavered.

They seemed like honest, decent people.

Should Audrey's actions affect innocent people?

Thinking this, Emily fell into deep conflict.

She silently scolded herself.

Emily, Emily...

Why can't you be ruthless for once?

If you had this ability earlier, Serenity wouldn't have held you back for so many years, right?

The office was enveloped in a heavy silence, the air thick with tension, only the ticking of the clock breaking the stillness.

Audrey's mother kept sobbing, continuously apologizing, looking utterly desperate.

Unable to bear it, Emily finally spoke after a moment of internal struggle, "What is Audrey doing now?"

Audrey's father quickly replied, "She lost her job too. She's at home, suicidal. Before we came here, we had someone watch her, afraid she'd do something foolish."