Chapter 398

Chapter 398

Audrey's mom had tears streaming down her face, her voice shaky and then turning hoarse. "Audrey knows she messed up. She wishes she were dead. Her dad and I were so mad we wanted to strangle her, but this is a society with laws, and she's our kid. How could we do that?"

"Mrs. Carter, please, can you give Audrey another chance? Give our family another chance? If she doesn't change in the future—no, there won't be a future like that—but if she doesn't, you can do whatever you want with her. Her dad and I won't interfere."

Emily bit her lip, holding back what she wanted to say. She was emotionally drained, and with a deep sigh, she stayed silent.

Stanley looked conflicted, his tone humble. "Ms. Johnson, I know I shouldn't say this, but even though Audrey's actions were wrong, her parents are honest, hardworking people. They've been fired and are now the laughingstock of many. Their situation is dire. Could you talk to Mr. Carter? Even if you can't forgive Audrey, please don't let it affect her parents. They are innocent."

Emily forced a bitter smile. "I'll try my best, but I'm not forgiving Audrey. I just feel bad for her parents."

Hearing this, a glimmer of hope appeared in their eyes. Audrey's mom couldn't stop thanking her. "Thank you, Mrs. Carter. Thank you so much."

Emily pulled out her phone but looked up before dialing. "I need to make one thing clear. You know my husband's position. Even though we're married, I can't make decisions for him. If he insists on not letting this go, there's nothing I can do. Audrey brought this on herself. In this world, you make a mistake, you face the consequences, right?"

Mrs. Carter felt a lump in her throat, her heart growing cold. "I understand. We just hope you'll try. If it doesn't work out, we'll accept it."

Emily nodded and left the office.

Standing by the hallway window, she reluctantly dialed Raymond's number.

She didn't have much hope.

The phone rang for a while before Raymond answered. "I was in a meeting."

"I figured. Can you talk now?" Emily clutched her skirt, feeling incredibly nervous.

"Yeah, what's up?" Raymond leaned back in his chair, listening patiently.

Taking a deep breath, Emily forced a bitter smile. "I'm in Stanley's office. Audrey's parents came to apologize. They're really honest, simple people."

Raymond immediately understood. "They're asking for mercy, and you're feeling soft-hearted?"

For some reason, even though it was a simple statement, Emily felt a wave of guilt and shame.

"I know I shouldn't, but it seems unfair for Audrey's mistake to affect innocent people..."

Raymond responded without hesitation. "They're a family. They're not innocent. You know the law, right? When someone commits a crime, it affects their family. Has anyone ever protested that the law shouldn't impact innocent people?"

Emily was speechless.

She knew she couldn't win an argument with Raymond.

He could shut her down with a single sentence.

With no other choice, Emily pressed on. "Honey, just this once. I'm not working at the agency anymore. Can you let Audrey's family off the hook for my sake?"

"Emily, what am I going to do with you? Didn't we talk about this yesterday?" Raymond sounded exasperated.

Emily felt ashamed. "I remember. I do. But I can't help it. Maybe I'm too soft-hearted. But after meeting Audrey's parents, I feel they shouldn't suffer because of her. They've worked hard all their lives. They don't deserve this. At least spare her parents. Audrey can face her own consequences. I doubt she's truly remorseful; she probably just hates me now."

There was silence on the other end, the air thick with tension, time seemingly standing still.

Emily's heart pounded. She wasn't sure if her request was unreasonable, but she felt terrible.

After a moment, Raymond spoke. "Aren't you afraid her parents are faking it? People can be deceptive when they're desperate."

Emily sighed. "I understand. I do. I won't have any more dealings with Audrey or her parents. Can you let them go this time? I'm starting a new job soon, and I won't be involved with them anymore. Consider this a lesson for her, like a bad dream. I believe she won't dare to do it again."

There was another pause. Emily clutched her phone, afraid to speak, worried about upsetting Raymond.

After a few seconds, Raymond finally said, "If you're asking, how can I refuse? But this is the first and last time. Anyone who hurts you in the future won't get any mercy from me. Don't let crocodile tears sway you."

Emily was overjoyed. "Thank you, honey. You're the best."

Raymond's eyes crinkled with a smile. "That makes you happy?"

"Not exactly happy. I didn't think you'd agree, but you listened and considered my feelings. That makes me happy." Emily's voice lightened, her tension easing.

Raymond raised an eyebrow, a faint smile on his lips. "So that's what makes you happy."