Chapter 83
Marcus’s expression remained dark as he slammed his foot on the accelerator, pushing the car forward with intensity. Several times during the drive, Fredric felt like he might be thrown out of the window, and it was only then that he fully understood what centrifugal force meant.
With a screech, Marcus brought the car to a halt in front of the police station. He stormed into the building, his demeanor stern and ominous. As he stepped inside, his cold gaze swept over the crowd. From a door left ajar, he saw two female officers escorting Cordelia.
“Lia!” he shouted, and Cordelia’s head snapped up at the sound of his voice. As soon as their eyes met, she couldn’t hold back her tears any longer. She rushed into his arms, clinging tightly to his clothes. His familiar scent calmed her, and she felt a sense of security wash over her. For so long, she had been holding back her emotions, but now, she just needed to let it out, though she sobbed quietly into his chest.
Marcus gently patted her back, soothing her trembling form in his embrace, his voice low and comforting. He tucked her disheveled hair behind her ear, his heart aching as he saw her pale face and reddened eyes, feeling as though someone had driven a knife into it.
“Don’t worry. I’m here,” he whispered.
Cordelia nodded weakly, slowly regaining her composure.
Fredric, having finished the necessary paperwork, approached them but stopped when Marcus shot him a sharp glance. Fredric silently retreated, glancing at the couple with a smile he barely held back, though he cleared his throat a few times to compose himself.
Cordelia came back to reality and pulled away from Marcus. Turning to Fredric, she asked, “He is…?”
“He’s Mr. Constable, the lawyer I told you about. He specializes in providing legal assistance to inmates,” Marcus answered.
Fredric’s eyes widened at the mention of his role. Since when did I become the go-to lawyer for inmates? he thought, inwardly amused.
Cordelia nodded gratefully at Fredric.
“Don’t worry, honey,” Marcus said, squeezing her hand. “Mr. Constable will help you prove your innocence. Right?” he added, looking at Fredric.
Fredric stifled a laugh, unsure whether he should feel flattered or frustrated, but he nodded.
“The bail procedures have been completed. Let’s get out of here first, then we’ll find somewhere to talk,” Fredric said.
“Okay,” Cordelia murmured.
Marcus took her hand and started toward the door, but suddenly stopped. Without a word, he bent down, scooped Cordelia into his arms, and cradled her against his chest. As she leaned against him, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, she felt the urge to cry again.
“Honey, how did you know what happened?” she sobbed, her voice trembling. “It happened so suddenly, and you were away on training. I thought I wouldn’t be able to reach you.”
Marcus carefully placed her into the car and fastened her seatbelt, then smiled at her gently.
Fredric, driving the car, glanced in the rearview mirror. He couldn’t help but shake his head. He never misses a chance to show his affection, even in front of everyone.
He was secretly relieved, though, that Marcus hadn’t tried to fly to her, considering how frantic he’d been. The thought of him breaking some kind of speed record did cross his mind.
“Actually, the police contacted me, not him,” Fredric interjected, offering Marcus a break from the awkwardness. “They had my contact details from when I helped you with the property lawsuit. So whenever something happens, they contact me first, whether it’s you or Marcus. I’m the one who told him what happened to you.”