Chapter 109

Mark's commanding presence filled the air as he demanded, "What's going on here?"

Nelson pointed accusingly at the Stevens family. "Mr. Thatcher, when I denied Stevens Corporation's loan request, they turned violent. Ms. Stevens even tried to blackmail me with a setup!"

Mark's expression darkened as he turned his cold gaze toward the Stevens family. "Is this true?"

Christina spoke firmly, "Mr. Thatcher, that's not what happened at all. This man abused his position and tried to take advantage of me, so I defended myself."

Nelson gestured at his injuries. "You're the CEO of Stevens Corporation, yet you dare lie to the mayor's face? Look at my injuries—this is what her thug did to me when I refused her advances!"

Mark's eyes narrowed as he took in Nelson's visibly broken hand. Fury overtook him. "Officers, arrest the Stevens family immediately! Who gave you the right to assault someone?"

The Stevens family trembled with fear, but Christina pleaded, "Mr. Thatcher, please let me explain!"

"Explanations don't matter—breaking someone's hand demands punishment," Mark declared coldly.

"Christie, where's Harvey?" Irene asked frantically. "Call him to explain everything to Mr. Thatcher!"

Christina's heart raced. Harvey should have arrived by now. Leroy suddenly pointed at Andrew. "Mr. Thatcher, he's the one who did it—not us!"

"Yes, that's right!" Irene chimed in eagerly. "If you're going to arrest anyone, arrest him. We had nothing to do with it!"

Christina was angered by their antics. "Mom, how can you say that? Andrew was protecting me!"

Irene retorted, "Christie, this isn't the time to defend him! He hit Mr. O'Connor, not us. Let's clear our name first!"

"I'm sorry, but I won't be that heartless," Christina said, standing her ground. "Mr. Thatcher, if you must arrest someone, arrest me. This all started because of me."

Nelson sneered. "Oh, don't worry, Ms. Stevens. You and your little hero won't escape. No one here will be walking away." He then rushed over and pointed Andrew out from the crowd, fearing he might escape.

Mark's eyes widened in surprise as he recognized Andrew. "Mr. Lloyd, what are you doing here?"

Andrew stepped forward calmly. "Mr. Thatcher, I'm the one who struck him. If you're going to arrest someone, arrest me."

Mark's demeanor shifted instantly. "If Mr. Lloyd resorted to violence, he must have had good reason. Stand down, everyone!"

With a wave of his hand, the officers immediately stepped back. The sudden change left everyone stunned. Moments ago, Mark had been ready to make arrests. Yet, now he showed remarkable understanding toward Andrew.

Nelson's composure cracked. He shouted desperately, "Mr. Thatcher, it's him! He's the one who attacked me! You can't just let him off!"

Mark's cold glare silenced him. "Are you trying to tell me how to do my job?"

Nelson froze, his instincts screaming that things were about to go terribly wrong.