Chapter 777

The maid, Pauline Gundy, went pale and dropped to her knees abruptly. "Mr. Hackett, I have elderly parents and a daughter in university. My husband passed away in a car accident a few years ago. Without this job, my family will have no income. Please, have mercy on me!"

Tears streamed down her face as her whole body shook with fear.

Gabriel's expression remained cold and silent.

Pauline's eyes darted toward Nyla, and she pleaded tearfully, "Ms. Kinsey, please, have mercy on me. I can't afford to lose this job. I beg you!"

Before Nyla could respond, nearby guests began murmuring.

"She seems so pitiful. Maybe they should let it slide this time."

"It's difficult for a woman to be the sole breadwinner for her entire family. Everyone makes mistakes. We should be forgiving."

"It wasn't intentional. If they keep pressing the issue, it just makes them seem petty."

Nyla's face turned frosty. It was easy for the crowd to act self-righteous—they weren't the ones who had nearly fallen onto