Julian Caldwell tried to placate Susan Caldwell. "How could I not trust you? It's precisely because I trust you that I want to get to the bottom of this. Our Susan is so exceptional; how could she possibly do something like that? That's why you aren't afraid of your mother investigating, right?"
Julian's words, however, only backed Susan into a corner. She had no choice but to brace herself and say, "I have a clear conscience, so I'm not afraid of an investigation. It's just... for Mom to do this clearly shows she doesn't trust me. I'm so hurt."
After a moment's thought, Julian said, "Your mom is just angry right now. I'll talk to her for you later. Just promise me you won't get upset with her over this."
Susan nodded.
Father and daughter spoke for a while longer before Julian left Susan's room.
