Russel was stunned. She can see how serious this woman was in front of her. She can tell that she truly has authority in here.
She let Ashley follow her because she could see how lost the young one was. She knew the pressure of being in such an Empire and so she asked her if she wanted to be her student.
Though Russel must admit that she has no idea how the Wright Empire works. Or how they handle their young ones. What she saw was how dejected Ashley was while talking about her grades and the fact that she no longer has the chance to become a chef.
And somehow, she saw her past self to her, before she became good and made a name for herself.
"I..."
"You can't? Fine then leave and bring her with you. But let me tell you this, I am not a simple person nor her family. No, I think you knew her family is not simple yet you allowed her to follow you without her family's knowledge. Should I really applaud you for such act?"