Raymond didn't answer right away, so Valentina gently held his hand, rubbing it softly with her thumb.
"Raymond," Valentina continued, her voice softer than before.
"I know it hurts you a lot when someone disrespects me. But you have already shown him that he can't do it again. He understands now. Please forgive him, just for me."
At that moment Raymond slowly turned his head to look at Valentina. Her calm, gentle eyes made him feel less angry. He took a deep breath, and his tight shoulders relaxed a bit. Valentina saw the change and squeezed his hand softly.
"Come, Raymond," she said quietly, gently pulling his hand. "Let's leave all this behind."
She held Raymond's hand tighter, leading him slowly away from the manager, trying to make his mind off what just happened.
Again Valentina slowly reached out and gently held Raymond's hand. Her fingers softly wrapped around his, giving him comfort. Raymond felt the warmth of her touch, and it slowly made his anger a bit less.
