Chapter 383

Chapter 383

Raymond raised an eyebrow and sat back down. "Are you feeling sorry for her, Emily? That's not like you."

Emily's expression froze for a moment. She awkwardly pressed her lips together but remained stubborn.

"You're overthinking it. I just think someone like Audrey should be avoided. A simple lesson is enough. Besides, you said it yourself, I'm no longer working at the agency, so I won't be running into her anymore. If that's the case, then... I think we should just let it go."

Raymond's lips curled into a barely noticeable smile.

"Emily, I used to think you were cold-hearted, but now I see you're just a kind-hearted woman. Do you really think letting Audrey off this time won't have any consequences, even if you don't work together anymore?"

Emily fell silent, pondering his words.

After a moment of hesitation, she asked, "What do you mean by that?"

"You haven't encountered many people like Audrey. If you let her go this time, she might still seek revenge, even if you don't work together. It's better to deal with it decisively and cleanly," Raymond explained calmly.

For some reason, Emily suddenly understood Raymond's approach. It wasn't about being ruthless; it was about preventing future trouble. This was a better way to ensure safety.

People often said Raymond was a heartless, ruthless man, but who really knew what he had been through?

From his perspective, his ruthlessness made sense.

Seeing Emily lost in thought, Raymond leaned in and gently kissed her cheek, snapping her out of her reverie.

She blushed and was about to push him away, but the movement aggravated her abdominal wound, causing her to wince in pain.

Raymond frowned and pulled her shirt up, revealing the bruises. His brows furrowed deeply at the sight of her injuries.

"Why didn't you say anything about this?"

Emily awkwardly pulled her shirt back down and sighed. "These wounds will heal on their own. Medicine won't help. Besides, it doesn't hurt if I don't touch it."

"Punishing that woman was the right thing to do," Raymond said, his face darkening.

Emily had checked her wounds in the ambulance, and they hadn't looked this bad. How had they gotten so much worse in such a short time?

No wonder Raymond was angry. Even she was shocked by the sight.

But to avoid worrying him, Emily pretended it was no big deal.

"It'll be fine in a few days. She's been punished, and if I keep dwelling on it, it'll just ruin my mood."

Raymond stared at her for a few seconds before sighing. "What am I going to do with you?"

With that, he pressed his warm lips to hers.

Emily's eyes widened, but she didn't resist. Instead, she slowly closed her eyes and kissed him back gently.

For some reason, she felt incredibly happy in that moment.

Just as their kiss deepened, the door to the hospital room burst open, followed by the sound of something dropping. Then Juan's voice rang out, "Brynn Elise, who told you to come in here?"

Emily jumped, quickly pushing Raymond away. She looked toward the door and saw a young woman in a white blouse and blue skirt standing there. Her hair was half-up, and she wore light makeup, looking both nervous and shy.

Despite her mature outfit, her appearance and demeanor screamed recent college graduate.

Emily quickly sized her up.

Raymond stood up, his tone cold. "What are you doing here?"

The girl named Brynn looked down, apologizing. "I'm sorry, Mr. Carter. You left the meeting suddenly, and the board members need your signature on some decisions. I tried calling you, but you didn't answer, so I had to come here."

What a naive and foolish excuse, Emily thought, watching Brynn with interest. Despite her innocent demeanor, Emily sensed something more calculating about her.

Juan scolded, "Why didn't you call me? Coming here on your own? What were you thinking?"

Brynn kept apologizing. "I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to. The board said it was urgent, so I rushed over."

Though she was apologizing, Brynn's eyes flicked to Emily, meeting her gaze.

Brynn's nervousness was palpable, and she quickly looked away.

Emily didn't avoid her gaze, curious about Brynn's identity.

Was she Raymond's new secretary?

When did he hire a new female secretary?

Raymond's brow furrowed slightly. "Alright, handle the board matters with Juan. I'm staying with my wife tonight and won't be going back to the office. I might not go in tomorrow either. Contact Juan for anything important."

Brynn's expression changed slightly, looking a bit disappointed. She kept her head down, unsure of what to do.

Juan prompted her, "Brynn, didn't you hear Mr. Carter?"

Brynn quickly responded, "I understand, Mr. Carter. I'm really sorry."

"Apologize to Mrs. Carter too," Juan added.

Brynn looked up at Emily again, their eyes meeting. After a moment, Brynn bit her lip and bowed her head slightly. "Mrs. Carter, I'm sorry for the intrusion."

"It's fine. Did you just graduate?" Emily asked.

Brynn nodded. "Yes."

"Remember, work matters should stay at work. Don't let them interfere with your boss's personal life. It's a big no-no in the professional world. Just a friendly reminder," Emily said, leaning back against the bed.

Brynn hesitated, then nodded quickly. "I understand. Thank you, Mrs. Carter."

Juan added, "You can go now. Learn from this."

"Okay."

As Brynn was about to leave, Raymond spoke up. "Juan, take her back to the office. No need to come back for me."

Juan paused but didn't argue.

After they left, the room fell silent again.

Emily smirked. "New secretary?"