Be did not ask Rachel any questions, not wanting to add any pressure to her.


    “I... I just didn''t expect that you would treat me... So kindly...” Rachel''s eyes were swollen from crying, her voice choked with


    emotion. “I know... You''re doing this because... I''m a witness who can testify against Charles... But... Still... Thank you... For


    respecting me.”


    Rachel''s tear-streaked face and her jumbled words made Be and Justin feel suffocated, as if they were being strangled.


    At seventeen, Rachel was already physically and emotionally traumatized, and she might never fully heal from it.


    “Rachel, we didn’t simply treat you well and respect you just because you''re a witness. Any kind-hearted girl in this world deserves


    to be respected.”


    Be embraced the tearful girl in her arms, her own eyes welling up with tears. “Tragedy brought us together. But please believe


    me, | will never let this tragedy happen again.”


    Comforted by Be''s words, Rachel''s crying gradually subsided. She took a few sips of the hot tea Justin had brought over, her


    emotions gradually calming.


    “Rachel, have you thought about it?” Be held her shoulders and said sincerely, “Stepping forward means there’s no turning back.


    It means going all out against the Iverson family. Justin and | will do our best to protect you, but it will inevitably affect your life and


    your mother’s life. So, if you feel reluctant, or if it''s just an impulsive decision, | still suggest that you...”


    “Ms. Be, do you know who gavethe courage to stand up and face all of this?” Rachel said. Still teary-eyed, she spoke with


    unusual rity, her eyes shining through the tears. “It''s... Your sister, Ms. Amelia.”


    “A-Amelia?” Be''s eyes widened slightly, her heart skipping a beat.


    But Justin remained as impassive as ever. It was as if he had anticipated it all along.


    Justin knew that Amelia would step forward without hesitation, knowing it wouldn''t be a futile sacrifice. Girls always understood


    each other the best.


    “Ms. Amelia''s courage has moved me,” Rachel said. Even though she was not yet an adult, she possessed maturity beyond herCopyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    years.


    She continued, “Perhaps many people think that Ms. Amelia dares to speak out only because she’s the daughter of a wealthy


    family and isn’t afraid of retaliation, thus showing such resilience. But | know the pressure she’s under. It might even be greater


    than that of us ordinary people. This incident will have a significant impact on her future.


    “While we will soon be forgotten by the world, the harm she’s suffered will turn into a shameful stigma. It will be mentioned time


    and tagain, and she will be reminded of her wounds. | watched her livestream from beginning to end, and | cried from start to


    finish. | cried for my own misfortune, but | was even more ashamed for being a coward. So | want to step forward and support Ms.


    Amelia... | want to stand up for myself.”


    Such insight and rity were admirable and worthy of respect.


    <pn’s breathing grew heavy as he gazed deeply at Rachel, his heart filled with guilt.