Quentin was short and looked quite sleazy. Ryan, one of the Four Young Masters, was dark-skinned, average height, and had triangular eyes. In uniform, he looked intimidating, but otherwise, he seemed like a rural vendor or a car wash attendant.
Given her brother and husband's appearances, Henry didn't expect much from Ruby. However, he was stunned to see her.
Ruby was taller than average, appearing even more so next to her shorter brother and husband. At 28, Ruby was the same age as Emily. Though not as sexy and stunning as Emily, she was comparable to Avery. Her delicate features and clean appearance gave her an extraordinary sense of purity.
Henry felt her demeanor resembled Charles's wife, Natalie, but even more so. Natalie was a nurse; could Ruby be a doctor, teacher, or a senior executive at a foreign company?
Standing next to Ryan in uniform, Ruby epitomized the phrase "a rose among thorns."
Henry, maintaining his composure, didn't let his surprise show.
In the interrogation room, there were only two women: Ruby and Ella. Henry, considering Ella his sister, didn't compare them.
Matthew had Ryan, Ruby, and Quentin sit. Ryan, displeased, glanced at Ella, as if to say, "Kick me out now?"
Ruby noticed Henry staring, and Quentin, about to sit, froze under Henry's gaze, recalling their encounter in the bar office. Henry's calm stare made Quentin nervous. He stood up, unable to sit.
Everyone noticed Quentin's reaction. Ruby thought: He's so scared, even in the interrogation room.
Ryan glared at Quentin, thinking: Can't you man up?
Quentin forced a smile, "I'm more comfortable standing."
Ryan glanced at Ruby. On the phone, Ruby had berated Ryan, threatening to confront Henry herself. Ryan expected her to lash out at Henry, but she remained silent, seemingly intimidated by Henry.
Ella, standing close to Henry, was ready to protect him from Ruby's potential outburst but was surprised by Ruby's calmness, finding her quite composed.
Matthew said, "Ruby, we've taken Henry's statement. He admitted to the assault. We're hoping for a resolution."
Ryan said, "I don't care, as long as they agree."
Matthew looked at Quentin, who deferred to Ruby. She glanced at Henry, then said to Matthew, "Since he admitted it, let's hear his side first."
Matthew turned to ask Henry, who said, "Matthew, since we're mediating and they have the final say, may I speak to them alone?"
Matthew turned to Ryan, who glared, thinking: Are you blind? I'm Quentin's brother-in-law!
Before Ryan could speak, Ruby agreed, "Sure."
Ryan, unable to argue in front of everyone, left angrily.
"Quentin," Ruby said, "It's just the police station."
Quentin stayed quiet, still nervous, avoiding Henry's gaze.
Matthew signaled Ella and the officers to leave. Ella warned Henry, "Be honest and sincere."
Henry nodded. Matthew gave Ella a puzzled look, but she ignored it, walking out.
Once they left, Henry stood, startling Quentin, who almost ran. Ruby, affected by his fear, also felt uneasy.
Henry bowed, "I'm sorry for hitting you. Please forgive me."
Ruby relaxed, thinking: You scared me!
Quentin, still trembling, feared Henry was pretending, ready to strike.
Henry asked, "What are your conditions?"
Quentin looked to Ruby, who said, "That depends on your attitude. You hit him, and we have shares in the bar. Since we're mediating, you should show some sincerity."
Henry replied, "If you want sincerity, I assume you want my genuine attitude, not one forced by this setting. Right?"
Ruby, puzzled, asked, "What do you mean?"
Henry explained, "You can state your conditions, and I'll see if I can meet them. If you want my attitude, how about dinner tonight? We can talk in a different setting, ensuring my willingness and no regrets."
Quentin, terrified, tried to grab Ruby's arm, thinking: Don't agree, talk here.
Too nervous, he missed her arm twice.