Chapter 40

Leon strode into the police station, his eyes immediately locking onto Kelly. The place was crowded, a chaotic swirl of people. An officer was attempting to resolve a heated argument, voices clashing in the din. Amid the chaos, she sat quietly in a corner, her head bowed like a frightened animal.

Leon walked toward her, his pace quickening. Sensing him, Kelly lifted her head. Her eyes were rimmed red, her hands clenched tightly. She stared up at him with a desperate kind of hope. Leon’s throat tightened. His voice came low and steady. “What happened?”

Before he could say a word, a nearby officer spoke up. “She thought one of her coworkers was getting handsy. It turned out to be a misunderstanding, but things escalated and ended up here. He even offered her an extra $200. It’s all taken care of now. Just…”

“The store owner figured she was just a student and didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. He’ll take her home and help her calm down.”

His tone was conciliatory, trying to keep the peace. He hadn’t expected Kelly to be married, especially not while still in university. Moreover, Leon was a university professor. When Leon walked in, the officer noticed him immediately. He moved steadily and calmly, but exuded a unique authority.

Fortunately, the settlement agreement was signed. Leon didn’t seem like the type to be easily swayed. Leon gazed at Kelly’s firmly pressed lips, sensing the grievance in her eyes, an emotion that only he could perceive. His eyes darkened as he asked, “Did he touch you?”

The officer jumped in quickly. “Sir, it was just a misunderstanding. It was an unintentional bump during work.”

Leon barely lifted his eyes to him. “I wasn’t asking you. I asked her.”

The officer was rendered speechless.

Leon asked again, “Kelly, did he touch you?”

He wasn’t harsh, but for some reason, Kelly felt a sting in her nose. She looked up at him, her voice catching as she said, “He did.”

She wasn’t lying, so why didn’t anyone believe her? Even the police sided against her.

Leon raised his eyes to the officer, a quiet intensity behind his gaze. “My wife doesn’t lie. If she says he touched her, then he did.”

He was firm. Kelly’s chest tightened as she gazed at Leon’s serious expression. He was the only one who completely believed her without any questions or doubts. Leon questioned, “Is that it? The case was closed just like that, and I’m supposed to simply take the victim home? Is this really how the police solve cases?” The officer had seen his fair share of difficult situations, but something in Leon’s eyes made him flinch.

Leon’s eyes swept across the room before settling on two men seated not far away—Gavin and Caleb. The moment Gavin felt Leon’s gaze, he looked down, guilt evident on his face.

Leon’s expression sharpened. He stepped forward, his tone leaving little room for doubt. “It was you, wasn’t it? You touched my wife.” Before he could get any closer, the officer quickly stepped in to block his path. “Sir, this is a police station. You’re an educated man. You don’t strike me as someone who resorts to violence. Besides, we’ve looked into it. From everything we’ve gathered, it’s just your word. There’s no evidence to support her claim. And…”

He paused, then added, “And your wife has already signed the settlement agreement.”

Leon’s gaze flickered briefly before turning to Kelly. When she felt his eyes on her, she lowered her head, unable to meet his gaze.

The night was still, but a chill autumn breeze brushed against them. The door of the police station swung open, and Leon held it wide with one hand. Kelly walked past him. They walked side by side down the street, an eerie silence hanging between them. Neither one spoke a word.