Marco enveloped Loraine in a protective embrace, anxiously assessing her condition.
The blond man finally managed to pull himself together, howling in protest. How could he linger after what he'd
done?
Observing Marco's concern for Loraine, he swiftly fled with all his might.
Witnessing this, the remaining rascals managed to stand, escaping in a hasty retreat, their faces blushing with
shame.
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Marco had no desire to catch up with them. He just held Loraine tightly, his heart heavy with sorrow. However, all
he could do was patiently and gently comfort the woman in his arms, offering solace repeatedly.
“Loraine, there's no need to fear. I'm right here.”
Loraine clung to Marco's clothes with one hand, seeking comfort in his hold.
He could feel her body shivering with fear.
It took a considerable while for Loraine to regain herself.
As she lifted her gaze, she found Marco's face, her eyes filling with unshed tears. His nslipped from her lips
as if in a dream, “Marco?”
Patient as ever, Marco reassured her, his eyes soft. “Yes, right here.”
He looked at Loraine with a careful gaze, taking in her reddened eyes and messy hair, his heart throbbing with
SOIToW.
Once he had tidied her hair, Marco asked with genuine concern, “Did they harm you?”
Noticing the evidence of struggle on Loraine’s hands, he berated himself for not having been there sooner, for
allowing her to fend off the rascals herself.
She shook her head, her voice raw from crying, “No. I'm alright. Thank you, Marco.”
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Suddenly aware of their close proximity, she pushed him away, flustered by their intimacy.
Understanding her recent distress, Marco gently let her go, not wanting to cause any further anxiety.
He remained by her side, his gaze never Leaving her.
Clearing her throat, Loraine steered the conversation.
“Marco, what...
What brought you here?”
Tonight's party was exclusive to female guests. Even the women of the
Bryant family weren't present. Why had Marco come?