Chapter 361
Marcus had some long legs and he moved like a bullet train. Cornelia had to half jog pust to keep up with him Plus, she was busy scribbling notes and ended up bumping full on into a passerby. She crashed into his chest, and her nose throbbed like it had been knocked out of place
âSorry! Sorry!â Cornelia quickly apologized, clutching her nose But the guy was not having it. He was pointing at her hose, hurting insults, and even raised his hand to strike her
Instinctively. Cornelia tried to dodge, but the ground was slick and wet from the snow She lost her footing and his hand came right for her face
As quick as a flash, Marcus grabbed the manâs hand. He wrestled him to the ground and started speaking to him in French, a language Cornelia didnât understand
She may not have understood the words, but Marcus stern look and the manâs panicked face told her he was not saying anything nice
The man scrambled up and bolted, glancing back like there was a beast on his tail
Marcus looked at Cornelia, with a sharp gaze, like he could see right through her
Rubbing her nose, Cornelia said. Thanks, President Hartleyâ
Without saying a word, Marcus turned and walked away. So, Cornelia had no choice but to follow
Back at the office, she gathered the necessary paperwork for the day and headed over to the break room to grind coffee for Marcus, like always
Ben followed her in, asking. Did you and President Hartley have another spat, Cornelia?â
âUmm, I dont think so.â Cornelia replies
In her mind, there was no conflict between her and Marcus. Just a difference in opinion due to their differing social status and roles.
If youre not fighting with President Hartley, then something else must be up,â Ben pondered, stroking his chin. âDid something happen to his wife?â
Instinctively, Cornelia glanced back and whispered. âPresident Hartley is really protective of his wife Even Mr Rivera doesnât dare to speak ill of her. You might want to watch what you sayâ Ben replied, âWe canât figure out why President Hartleyâs in such a mood. Heâs always taking it out on us. Todayâs the last day of the year, tomorrowâs the first day of the new year. If he starts the new year by blowing off steam on us, well be his punching bags for the rest of the year.â
Laughing, Cornelia said, âI canât believe a smarty pants like you would believe in such superstitions.â
Itâs not superstition; thereâs evidenceâ Ben insisted, suddenly widening his eyes âCornella, your nose is bleeding*
Only then did Cornelia notice the blood. She told Ben, Ive already ground the coffee. Could you give it to President Hartley? I need to go clean up in the bathroom.â
âGo ahead, Iâve got this,â Ben said. Once she was gone, he picked up the coffee to take to Marcus.
He put the coffee in its usual spot, just as Marcus, who had been buried in paperwork, suddenly looked up and asked, âWhereâs Cornelia?â
Startled, Ben almost spilled the coffee. He quickly explained, âShe had a nosebleed and went to the bathroom to clean upâ
Before he finished, Ben watched as the usually calm Marcus dashed out of the office like a gust of wind.
âPresident Hartley, where are you going?â Ben called after him, watching as Marcus bolted in the direction of the bathroom.
Ben stopped, shaking his head. Even someone as impressive as his boss could forget to maintain appearances when he needed to use the bathroom.
As Ben turned to go back to his desk, he ran into Dr. Dawson who greeted him warmly. âLong time no see, Benâ
Ben responded, âLong time no see, Dr. Dawson. Is there something wrong with President Hartley?â
Chapter 362