Florine's shoulders slumped as the last glimmer of hope faded from her eyes. For the first time, she realized that no amount of pleading would make Xander compromise the principles he refused to abandon.
Her tears continued to fall as she looked desperately between Xander and Ivy.
"Mr. Emerson... please. Nora has learned her lesson. She'll never do it again."
Xander regarded her silently for several seconds before speaking.
"Mrs. Ford, there is something you've failed to understand."
His voice remained even, yet every word carried undeniable weight.
"I refused to help Nora not only because this is a criminal investigation."
Florine's hopeful expression faltered.
"There is another reason."
She looked at him expectantly.
"What... what reason?"
Xander took a slow step forward.
"The Emerson family has spent generations building its reputation and we do not allow our name to be used for personal gain."
Florine's heartbeat quickened.
