347: An Unexpected Encounter

Emma, typically reserved and non-interfering, had felt compelled to step in earlier, preventing what seemed an imminent escalation to physical confrontation. As she and the old lady exchanged a few words afterward, Emma was somewhat embarrassed but relieved that the situation had not worsened. "In that situation just now, anyone else would have stepped in. You don't need to thank me. But are you all right?" Emma asked, noting the old lady's understated yet evidently expensive attire. The old lady, her expression softening, reassured Emma with a nod, signaling that she was fine. "I'm quite alright, thank you. It was lucky you were there." As Emma and her brother Maxwell prepared to leave, the old lady hesitated before calling out to them again. "Regardless, I want to thank you for your help today. Please, let me invite you to a meal sometime as my way of saying thanks. It's important to me." Maxwell was quick to dismiss the need for any formal gratitude. "You don't have to