CHAPTER 57
The sharp slam of William's car door echoed through the police station parking lot.
He strode through the glass doors with clenched fists and stormy eyes, heart pounding in his chest. Everything in him buzzed with urgency. The image of Kate in handcuffs had haunted him all night.
He approached the front desk.
"I'm here to see Kate Dray," he said, barely able to keep his voice calm.
The officer behind the desk looked up, casual and unhurried. "She's already been released."
William blinked. "What?"
"Bailed out about ten minutes ago."
"By who?" William asked quickly.
The officer flipped through the logbook. "Sorry. The person asked to remain anonymous."
William leaned in, his brows pulling tight. "A man? Woman? Name, face, anything?"
"Male," the officer said. "Well-dressed. Didn't leave a name. Just paid, signed, and left. That's all I've got."
William stepped back slowly, his jaw tightening. Someone was one step ahead of me.
His chest filled with unease. Why would someone help her—and stay hidden?
He thanked the officer, though his voice was flat, then headed toward the hallway.
As he turned the corner, his eyes found her.
Kate.
She was standing quietly by the exit, her posture stiff, arms folded tightly across her chest. Her hair was slightly messy, and her eyes—those soft brown eyes—were distant and weary.
When she heard his footsteps, she turned slowly.
Their eyes locked.
Her lips trembled. Tears streamed down her face without warning.
William froze.
She began to walk toward him, trembling.
He walked too, step by step.
No words passed between them—none were needed.
When they reached each other, William pulled her into his arms, wrapping her so tightly against him that the world seemed to disappear.
Kate buried her face into his shoulder and sobbed. All the fear, the shame, the helplessness—all of it poured out in waves.
"I'm here," he whispered. "I'm here… I'll always protect you. No one will ever hurt you again. Not you… or our baby."
She clutched him harder. Her tears soaked his shirt, but he didn't care.
He gently cupped her face, pressing a kiss to her forehead, then wiped away her tears with the pads of his thumbs.
"I was so scared," she whispered.
"I know," he said softly. "But I've got you now."
He slipped his fingers between hers, gripping her hand firmly.
"Let's go home."
---
As they stepped outside, the sun cast a warm glow over the city. The day moved on, but William's attention was only on Kate.
They walked hand in hand toward his car.
He opened the passenger door and helped her in.
Before starting the engine, he turned to her. "Did they… hurt you? Or the baby?"
Kate shook her head.
"No. They didn't touch me. Just questions—about the company, my father's files… someone gave them a fake document."
William's expression darkened, but he nodded.
"Good. Just rest now. I'll take care of the rest."
Kate leaned her head back against the seat, closing her eyes with a quiet breath of relief.
William looked once more at the police station, thoughts racing. Who bailed her out? Why now?
But that could wait.
For now, he had her. And he was never letting her go again.
---
The soft beep of medical machines filled the hospital room like a lullaby.
Liam's eyes fluttered open slowly, blinking against the sterile white light above him.
His head felt heavy. His ribs ached. But he was alive.
He turned his head—and the first thing he saw was Tina.
She was curled up on the armchair beside his bed, her hair slightly messy, her shoes kicked off, sleeping with her cheek pressed to her palm.
He smiled faintly. She'd stayed with him. The sight of her eased something inside him.
A strand of her hair fell across her face. Slowly, gently, he reached out and tucked it behind her ear.
Her eyes blinked open. She sat up, startled for a moment—then saw him.
Her face lit up. "Liam… you're awake."
"Yeah," he said, his voice hoarse but steady. "I'm alright."
She rose from her chair quickly and took his hand, eyes glossy with relief. "I thought I lost you…"
Before he could answer, the door opened and Dr. Raymond stepped in, clipboard in hand.
"Well, well, good to see you awake, Mr. Liam," he said cheerfully.
He walked over, checked the machines, examined Liam's wounds gently, and smiled.
"You're healing well. No signs of internal damage. If recovery keeps going this way, you'll be discharged by tomorrow. Just rest, alright?"
"Thank you, Doc," Liam said with a weak grin.
Dr. Raymond nodded and left.
Tina sat beside him again. "You've been unconscious for days."
"I figured," he replied, glancing around.
He sat up slightly, the pillows propping his back.
"Tell me," he said, "what's been happening?"
Tina hesitated. Then her expression turned serious.
"Kate was arrested. For fraud."
Liam's brows shot up. "What?"
"But William went after her. He called earlier to tell me. He was heading to the station—only to find out she'd already been bailed out."
Liam blinked slowly.
"Bailed out?"
"Yeah. Some anonymous person paid for it. No one knows who."
Liam's eyes narrowed faintly.
"That fast?" he muttered.
Tina tilted her head. "Hmm?"
He snapped out of it and shook his head. "Nothing. Just… strange."
Tina shrugged. "Well, William's with her now. Everything's calming down."
Liam gave a faint nod.
But deep inside, his instincts screamed.
Too clean. Too smooth. Something's not right.
Tina rested her head on the edge of his bed, talking softly about the chaos over the last few days, about the gala, about the chandelier. But Liam's mind was far away.
He kept smiling, but the edges of his mouth were tight.
His gaze drifted to the window, and his jaw clenched slightly.
This isn't over. Something else is in motion.
---
To be continued…