This was the first time Jerry had been treated like this. Anna looked petite, but she was very strong, causing Jerry to feel pain everywhere on his body.
In the end, he went straight to the hospital. When Caroline found out that her precious son had been beaten, she was so angry that her eyes turned red.
After learning from her son that the person who had hit her was Audrey, she was crazily furious.
She called Gary directly. However, Gary was doing something so the call didn't go through.
Caroline took a photo of Jerry's injury and sent it to Abner.
Abner was discussing a project with Evans. This discussion was already happening even before he had been hospitalized. Since he was hospitalized, they had to postpone the collaboration.
After seeing this picture, his first instinct was that Jerry had caused trouble again.
Jerry had been indulged by his parents since childhood, and this behavior had led to numerous troubles over the years. On each occasion, his parents would intervene to resolve the issues. When Caroline couldn't manage to handle the situation, she would turn to Abner for assistance.
Initially, Abner would still take action, but as he gained a clearer understanding of the situation, he grew disillusioned with the supposed family bonds and eventually ceased to care.
He wanted to pretend that he didn't see anything, but Caroline's call came in.
Abner signaled to Evans, rose from his seat, and made his way to the floor-to-ceiling window to answer the call. "I'll make this clear one final time. I won't involve myself in his affairs."
Caroline was seething with anger in that moment. She sneered and retorted, "You truly live up to the reputation outsiders give you – cold-blooded and indifferent, even when it comes to your own brother's life and death. But you won't be able to brush off this issue. It was Audrey who hurt Jerry. The Lance Family must provide me with an explanation, or I'll take this matter to court."
Abner's expression shifted to one of surprise. Whether it was the detestable Audrey of the past or the present version, he couldn't fathom her resorting to violence against anyone.
Abner was not easily swayed by mere words. He inquired, "So, why did Audrey hit him?"
Evans, who had initially appeared disinterested, suddenly became attentive when Audrey's name was mentioned. His attention shifted to Abner, and his expression turned more concentrated.
Caroline was stunned for a moment. She vaguely knew the reason, but no matter what, she was definitely on her son's side.
Caroline also didn't believe that Abner would go against her for an unrelated stepsister.
"Who knows why? She's just a stepdaughter, but she's so arrogant..."
Abner had no interest in engaging in a verbal exchange with her. He cut her off and stated, "I'll conduct a comprehensive investigation into this incident. I'll cover Jerry's medical expenses. That's all. I'll end the call now."
After hanging up, Abner said to Evans apologetically, "Sorry, you might have to wait for me for a few more minutes. I need to make another call."
Evans knew who he was calling. He raised his eyebrows, indicating for Abner to do as he pleased.
Audrey didn't regret calling Jerry, but she couldn't help feeling afraid when she received Abner's call.
Jerry was Abner's younger brother. Although they ended up not getting along in the book, they were still biological brothers.
Audrey was already a little afraid of Abner because she had been sent to Africa by Abner in the book.
It was impossible for her not to be afraid when she received a call at this time.
"Brother." Audrey's voice wasn't as lively as usual. There was a hint of caution.
Abner could tell. His expression froze, and he could almost imagine Audrey's pitiful expression.
He deliberately adjusted his tone and said in a rare gentle voice, "Audrey, I'm not calling to hold you accountable. I just want to know what's going on. Just tell me the entire story."
Audrey heaved a sigh of relief, feeling an inexplicable urge to cry.
In the past, when she encountered such a thing, even if it wasn't her fault, her parents would still think that it was her fault. They would think that it was her fault and that she had provoked those people.
Audrey explained the situation to Abner in a clear and concise manner.
Evans was not close, and Abner's phone was of good quality, so no sound could be heard.
When he saw Abner speaking with a gentle expression to the person on the other end of the call, he felt somewhat irritated.
After hearing Audrey's story, Abner knew what had happened.
"Don't worry, I'll handle this matter." Abner was not very good at comforting people. After saying that, he hung up.
After hanging up, Abner called Caroline again, but she was on the phone this time.
Abner knew Caroline very well. She wouldn't let go of this opportunity. She was probably complaining to Gary.
Abner then apologetically told Evans that they needed to reschedule this discussion.
There was no compelling reason for Evans to prolong his presence, even though he did have a curiosity about the details. However, he chose to refrain from asking. Doing so would likely come across as too abrupt.
After bidding farewell to Abner, Evans promptly dialed his assistant's number and instructed him to delve into the situation.