Chapter 399

Emily's face softened for a moment before she returned to her usual calm demeanor. "I don't know, maybe it's because I feel something here that I've never felt before."

Raymond seemed to get it, at least a little, but he didn't push it. Instead, he said, "I should've gone with you this afternoon. I could've made a lot of decisions for you."

"If you had come, you might've felt sorry for Audrey's parents when you saw how humble they were."

Raymond raised an eyebrow. "Nah, I've seen too much to be swayed by that. Don't you think?"

That was true. Raymond wasn't your average guy, and his emotional resilience was way beyond most people. He'd definitely seen his share of crocodile tears.

After some more small talk, Raymond added, "This afternoon, after I got to work, I handed off all the tasks that needed to be communicated to Brynn to Juan. I also delegated some stuff to others. I didn't have any contact with Brynn all afternoon."

Listening to Raymond's explanation, Emily's lips curled up slightly, a hint of satisfaction in her expression. "Are you reporting to me now?"

"Why not?"

Emily felt a surge of joy, but she kept her tone casual. "I bet Brynn's pretty upset right now."

"Let her be. Her feelings don't concern me, but if it affects work, then it does. I won't tolerate anything that disrupts work," Raymond said matter-of-factly.

He approached everything with a businesslike attitude.

Emily appreciated this about Raymond. It gave her a sense of security, knowing he wasn't easily swayed by women.

"Raymond, how about I come to the office after I finish up here? I saw a new dessert shop on the way, and it looked good. I'll buy some, and we can share."

Raymond smiled slightly. "I'd love for you to come, but I can't eat much today."

"…How about just a little?"

"Sure, I'll join you."

"Great."

After hanging up, Emily's face lit up with a smile. Her heart, which had felt empty, was now filled with a small, joyful cheer.

Back in the office, Audrey's parents looked at Emily with hopeful eyes, filled with endless longing.

Their gaze made Emily feel pressured. She sat back on the sofa, trying to appear calm.

"I just spoke with my husband. He believes in karma... and he agreed. You'll get a notice to return to work tomorrow. As for Audrey, he'll lift the industry ban on her, but whether she can find a job is up to her. I hope this matter ends here, and you don't come to me about Audrey again. Ultimately, it's up to her fate."

Audrey's mother's face trembled with excitement, her eyes shining with joy. She was so overwhelmed she couldn't speak coherently.

Audrey's father was equally excited, his nerves taut, hands clasped together, eyes full of gratitude.

"Thank you, Mrs. Emily Carter. Thank you, Mr. Raymond Carter!" Audrey's father knelt down again, bowing repeatedly.

Stanley quickly stepped in to stop him. "That's enough. Mrs. Carter doesn't like this. Please, get up."

"Okay... okay..."

Emily stayed composed and turned to Stanley. "Stanley, are there any formalities left for me to resign from the school? Since I'm here, let's get it done."

Stanley nodded. "There's a termination contract to sign. It's just a formality, but it needs to be done."

"Alright."

After signing the contract, Emily didn't say much to Audrey's parents. She bid farewell to Stanley and left.

She had planned to visit her students, but she felt it might pressure them since she was no longer their teacher, and they had a competition the next day.

After some hesitation, Emily decided to leave directly.

The institution wasn't far from the Carter Group, just a ten-minute drive.

Given the previous incidents, everyone at the Carter Group treated Emily with utmost respect. No one dared to overstep.

Emily carried herself with the dignity of Raymond's wife, not out of arrogance, but to uphold the Carter family's reputation.

As a member of the Carter family, Emily couldn't afford to be timid in public.

When she reached the office door, she was about to knock when she heard Brynn's voice inside.

"Mr. Carter, are you in a bad mood today?" Brynn's sweet voice came through.

Brynn had come to deliver some documents and, after some hesitation, decided to ask.

Raymond, who was working with his head down, looked up, his expression indifferent. "No, is there something you need?"

"No, I just felt you were very cold to me today. You didn't communicate any tasks directly to me, and you had Mr. Stewart relay everything. When I messaged you with questions, you didn't respond..."

Raymond's eyes remained calm, his tone flat. "Do you have a problem with that? I handle things my way. I respond to messages when I want to. If I don't, that's my choice. Do you think you need to question that? People say fresh graduates are naive, but Brynn, based on your behavior these past few days, it's more than just naivety."

Brynn's face showed a hint of panic, and she began to stammer. "Mr. Carter... I... I didn't mean it that way. Please don't misunderstand."

"There's nothing to misunderstand. You're just an ordinary intern, no different from the others. The only difference is that you're interning with me. But Brynn, you seem to think you're special. If that's the case, you should dispel that notion," Raymond said, showing no mercy.

Brynn's eyes reddened with anxiety. "Mr. Carter, is there something I'm doing wrong? Tell me, and I'll fix it. Why are you suddenly treating me like this? You were always so kind to me before."