Chapter 1046

Even in submission, the aura he exuded was potent, seemingly capable of consuming all around him.

Within the mansion, a maid who witnessed this couldn’t suppress a shudder. Marcus’ overwhelming

presence, undiminished after hours of kneeling, was unparalleled within the Thomas family.

Derek quickly brought an umbrella, sheltering Marcus from the rain.

“Derek, escort Sir Marcus home without delay,” Freyja instructed.

Thoroughly drenched, Marcus climbed into the car. Derek cranked the heater to its fullest, but to no

avail.

Marcus experienced fluctuating chills and warmth, leaning back, a trace of fatigue clouding his eyes.

Agony radiated from his reopened wound, and his head felt unusually heavy.

“The wound must have opened again. Mr. Thomas, please endure it a bit longer. I’ll increase our

speed,” Derek assured.

Despite Derek’s swift driving, the journey was abruptly halted by a loud explosion. The tire had burst,

and the car skidded to a stop.

Marcus, resting with his eyes closed, snapped them open at the sudden halt, his sharp black eyes

looking out at the rain-soaked night. A slight contraction of his pupils betrayed his thoughts. Indeed,

sleep would evade him tonight.

Derek glanced back and informed, “Mr. Thomas, we’ve had a tire burst.”

A N G E L A ‘s L I B R A R Y

As he made to exit the car to investigate, Marcus stopped him with a firm command.

“Don’t leave the car.”

Derek quickly discerned that something was wrong. Having inspected the tires that very morning and

found them in perfect condition, he concluded that someone must have deliberately placed an

obstruction on the road. The heavy rain had obscured his view, causing him to drive over it.

“We’re under attack!”

From the back seat, Marcus’ coughing broke the tense silence. Fever was overtaking his body, but he

needed to remain alert.

Derek’s eyes found Marcus’ slightly flushed face, concern filling his voice.

“Mr. Thomas, are you ill?”

The timing was uncanny. Already weakened from his wound and drenched by the rain, Marcus was at

his most vulnerable.

Reaching under the seat, Marcus retrieved his prized Desert Eagle-a pistol that would prove invaluable

tonight.

“I’m fine. Look after yourself. They’ll be prepared,” Marcus warned.

The identities of their assailants seemed apparent to Marcus, even without much thought.

Derek, too, reached for his weapon. He sent their location to Harlan, keenly aware of their

disadvantage.

A sudden jolt shook the car, and a bullet left its mark on the glass.

Derek flattened against his seat, gauging the direction of the gunfire.