Chapter 157


    11:02


    By the time Lowell arrived, a scrum of people was already sprawled out on the ground, writhing and


    groaning.


    Tarquin had just made his way to Elysia’s side. With a furrowed brow and aplex look on his face,


    he draped his coat over her, shielding her from the cold floor.


    Elysiay there, gazing up at him. He was dressed in a ck shirt with buttons made of polished ck


    pearls that shimmered in the light.


    It was identical to the one he wore six years ago on the night that had scarred her life.


    Now, as she looked up at him, her emotions surged even more powerfully.


    Tears welled in her eyes as she gasped for air, her body shaking uncontrobly, her gaze fixed on him,


    tears streaming down her cheeks…


    Tarquin felt an inexplicable pain in his heart, a deep ache.


    He was so focused on Elysia that he didn’t acknowledge his own feelings. He thought she was


    frightened and, with trembling lips, he uttered, “It’s okay, you’re safe now.”


    With the echo of his words still hanging in the air, a pnded fiercely on his face.


    Tarquin was stunned. “What the…?”


    Elysia raised her hand to strike again, but Tarquin quickly grabbed her wrist and asked, “What are you


    doing?”


    “Let go of me! Let go! I’ll kill you! I swear, I’ll kill you!”


    Elysia struggled frantically. When she couldn’t free her hand, she turned to sobbing and cursing,


    “You’re going to get what’sing to you! There will be retribution! The universe will punish you, you


    brute, you beast!”


    Tarquin’s breath became erratic with fury. He had saved her, yet instead of gratitude, sheshed out at


    him, cursed him, struck him in the face – twice!


    Did his face look that cheap to her?


    “Elysia! Don’t bite the hand that feeds you. I just saved your life!”


    “Saved me? Ha! You think you saved me? I never asked for your help! Get away from me! I can’t stand


    the sight of you–just go away!”


    “Elysia!” Tarquin’s voice thundered as he gripped her wrist tighter. His face was dark, his jaw clenched,


    a storm brewing in his eyes. It looked like he might explode at any second.


    Elysia felt a chill of fear.


    She didn’t dare fight back or scream, just looked at him with a mix of hatred, anger, and fear,


    completely powerless.


    She wished she could end him, but she was no match for his strength.


    The frustration and helplessness brought her to the brink of copse.


    With a piercing scream, she fainted in his arms.


    In the abandoned building, her angry echoes were the only sound left, stirring a blend of pity and fear.


    Lowell came running over. “Tar…!”


    Tarquin’s face was a storm cloud, his breathing heavy with anger.


    Lowell immediately tried to smooth things over, “Ms. Thorne is just shaken up. You… you shouldn’t


    take it to heart.”


    He had heard everything – the p and the curses Elysia had hurled at Tarquin.


    Before Tarquin could respond, Lowell quickly added, “We’ve figured it out. Oriana was behind Ms.


    Thorne’s kidnapping, but we’ve got her under control now. I’ve also contacted Mr. Huber, and I believe


    he’ll be arriving shortly.”


    Tarquin didn’t reply, his gaze fixed on Elysia for a long moment.


    “Take her to the hospital!”


    “Yes!” Lowell reached out to lift Elysia.


    But before his hands could touch her, Tarquin bent down, scooping her up.


    Elysia was still unconscious, her small face nuzzled against his chest.


    Tarquin frowned, causing Lowell to flinch, ready to take over.


    Tarquin was known for disliking contact, especially with women, and Lowell half–expected him to drop


    her.


    11:02


    Instead, Tarquin just darkened his expression and did not cast Elysia lide. Holding her, he strode


    towards the wait


    Right as they reached the entrance The ditepted structure, Kenton rushed towards them