Chapter 42

Kelly clutched the comet shirt tightly, stifling her sobs. A low, muddled whimper escaped her, and Lein could feel a patch of his shirt becoming damp. He acted as if he were coaxing a child: “Cry if you want to. You don’t have to hold it in.”

Leon felt more sorry for her. He patted her back gently as Kelly choked up. “Lem, are you disappointed in me?”

She thought about how immature she had been for not knowing how to solve problems and stand up for herself when she was wronged. And now, all she could do was cry.

Lenn’s voice was exceptionally gentle. “Why?”

Everyone goes through the process of growth. Before we got married, I told you that I’m older than you, and that comes with some advantages.

“I only wish that my experiences could help you avoid trouble in life!”

No one had ever treated Kelly with such patience. She cried out, “What should I do, Lenn? I feel like crying even more.”

Leon nodded. “Cry. And my shirt. If you think it’s embarrassing.”

However, she couldn’t cry when she heard that. She buried herself in his arms and sniffled softly. It took her a long while before she calmed down.

When she finally stood back, she noticed an obvious damp patch on Leon’s shirt. She suddenly felt slightly embarrassed and mumbled, “I’ll wash it for you when we get back.”

Lean looked at her swollen eyes and said softly, “No need. We have a washing machine at home.”

“Oh. Then I’ll help hang it,” Kelly replied.

Just as Leon was about to speak, his eyes caught sight of two figures emerging from the police station, and his gaze turned sharp.

Following his line of sight, Kelly saw Caleb and Gavin walking toward them.

Caleb grinned. “Kelly worked at my place for two years, and I didn’t even know she got married. Congratulations to you both.”

Kelly clenched her fists and turned her head away without responding.

Leon swept his gaze across Caleb before fixing his eyes on Gavin. His intense gaze was slightly intimidating.

Knowing he wasn’t exactly welcome, Caleb took the hint and made his exit. “Well, we’ll get going then, Kelly. I’ll transfer you the final paycheck and that extra 200 dollars.”

As he spoke, he grabbed Gavin and started walking away. Just as they passed by, Kelly clearly saw, in a flash, a disturbing smirk. “Your ass is pretty soft.”

Kelly was taken aback. The sound of a heavy punch rang out.

Kelly watched in shock as Leon suddenly grabbed Gavin by the collar and punched the latter’s face without hesitation. Leon threw a few more punches until blood trickled from Gavin’s nose and the corner of his mouth. Gavin’s build was thin and frail; he was certainly no match for Leon.

None of them had seen this coming. Kelly had never expected that Leon would actually hit someone. The gentle, soft-spoken professor was gone, and it was a stark contrast to his usual calm demeanor. The hand he usually used to hold a laser pointer was now clenched into a fist. His eyes were exceptionally cold, and he was seething with fury.

Kelly was stunned. It took her a moment to realize she should try to pull him back. She wasn’t the only one caught off guard; Caleb stood rooted to the spot, shocked that Leon would dare to throw punches right outside a police station.

“Leon!” “What the hell are you doing?” Kelly and Caleb shouted almost at the same time as they moved forward to drag him away.

However, Leon had already let go of Gavin. As soon as he released his grip on Gavin’s collar, Gavin collapsed to the ground, blood streaming down his bruised face.

Pointing at Leon, Gavin scrambled back in fear and cried out in panic, “I’m calling the police! You hit me!”

Leon straightened his rumpled clothes and didn’t even seem to breathe heavily. As though he had reined in all his fury at once, he calmly took out his phone. “Hello, Mr. Caldwell? It’s Leon. Sorry to bother you this late. I’m at the police station right now,”