Chapter 30
Marcus’ gaze was firm as he smiled softly at Cordelia, then turned his attention to Jesse with a cold, bloodthirsty look in his eyes. His glare was sharp, like a knife that could cut through anyone in its path. The security guards at the hotel entrance were about to step forward to intervene, but Marcus’ icy stare froze them in place, preventing any movement.
Jesse, intimidated by Marcus’ commanding presence, trembled, his body shaking. “W-Who… Who are you?” he stammered, scrambling to his feet and struggling to regain his balance.
“Who are you? How dare you hit me in broad daylight?” Jesse began to shout, his voice filled with disbelief. However, Marcus didn’t waste time on words. He marched up to Jesse, grabbed him by the collar, and yanked him forcefully, dragging him toward the back of the hotel as though he weighed nothing. Cordelia, concerned that Marcus might be at a disadvantage, hurriedly followed him. But before she could reach them, she heard Jesse’s desperate cries of mercy echoing from behind.
Jesse was left kneeling on the ground, bruised and defeated, his hands covering his head in a protective gesture. Marcus delivered a kick to his chest, sending him crashing back to the ground. Before Jesse could even attempt to get up, Marcus slammed his head down again and stomped half of his face under his foot.
Jesse’s cries grew louder, more desperate. “B-Bro! Sir! I was wrong! I won’t do it again, I swear!” he pleaded, his voice cracking as he begged for mercy.
Marcus stood over him, his expression cold and unyielding. “Stay away from her, understand?” he warned in a frosty tone. “If I see you harassing my wife again, I won’t let you off so easily.” Jesse’s eyes widened in disbelief, his body writhing in agony as he tried to move, but the pain was unbearable. His jaw nearly dislocated as Marcus’ foot pressed down on him.
Marcus briefly glanced down, his eyes catching sight of a dark patch near Jesse’s crotch. Disgust flickered across his face as he let out a small snort. He lifted his foot in distaste, stepping back. “Scram!” he ordered, his voice dripping with contempt.
Jesse, completely disregarding the pain, scrambled to his feet and fled in a panic, nearly colliding with Cordelia. She watched, stunned, as Jesse made a quick escape, clearly humiliated by the encounter. She rushed over to check if Marcus was hurt, but he was already turning to leave, his demeanor casual and indifferent, as if nothing had happened.
Relief flooded through Cordelia as she beamed up at Marcus, her eyes wet with emotion. She instinctively snuggled into him, feeling the warmth of his embrace. “Will I… get you into trouble?” she asked in a soft, almost guilty tone. “I mean, you just beat up your superior…”
Marcus chuckled, his voice deep and reassuring. “It’s fine now,” he said, gently stroking her back. “I beat up your superior, not someone who matters.”
Cordelia shook her head vigorously, her worries vanishing as she looked up at him. Marcus continued, his hand running through her long hair. “Your husband only knows how to fight,” he said with a playful smirk. “You’ll have to get used to it.”
When Cordelia gazed up at him, their eyes locked, and they both burst out laughing. The tension between them seemed to evaporate, leaving behind a moment of shared joy. Marcus reached up and patted her head gently. “Why don’t you quit this job? You don’t make much, and it’s tough. Plus, you’ve got a grudge with your superior now, and he might take it out on you even more.”
Cordelia giggled, shaking her head. “He won’t,” she said confidently.
But Marcus was caught off guard when he saw her reach into her pocket and pull out a small recording pen. She flicked a switch, and the conversation they had just had played clearly from the device. “You’re much better than that b*tch Karine,” Jesse’s voice was heard from the recording. “Lia, I can give you everything except status if you’re with me… I’ll introduce you to more clients and help you close more sales… as long as you please me…”
Marcus squinted, his gaze darkening as he took in the evidence. He was impressed by how calm and composed Cordelia had remained in the face of such harassment. Not only had she managed to handle the situation, but she had also thought ahead and recorded Jesse’s words. With this evidence, Jesse would no longer dare to make a move against her. Once the recording was made public, his reputation would be shattered, and he’d have to deal with the consequences of his actions, including Karine’s likely anger. His corporate career would be finished.
“Hah, my wife is so smart!” Marcus praised her with genuine admiration.
Cordelia couldn’t help but beam with pride, her chin lifted as she giggled. “Of course!” she responded, feeling triumphant.
“But who’s Lia? Aren’t you Yelena?” Marcus asked with a teasing smile.
Cordelia’s face drained of color, and she nearly stumbled, her legs buckling under her. Marcus quickly wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her steady as a mysterious smile played on his lips.