Falling For My Ex's Uncle - Chapter 429: Chapter 429

Marvin's injury wasn't serious—just a cut on his arm from the knife. After having it treated at the hospital, he managed to sleep for a while. When he woke up, his face was still pale.
"Are you feeling okay?" I asked, frowning slightly, my voice tinged with annoyance as I glared at Marvin. "You can't keep doing this kind of work. Aren't you worried about dropping dead from exhaustion?"
"I'm fine. I'm just upset about this jacket," Marvin said, rubbing the tear in his coat from the knife's cut.
His words made me both amused and irritated. I shot back, "You should be grateful you wore a thick jacket. Otherwise, you'd be lying here for real."
I shot him a sideways glance, noting how he looked nothing like the heir of the Adams family. If I didn't know better, I'd think he was a poor thug who spent his days collecting protection money, rather than a man from a wealthy family.
"But it was you who bought it for me," Marvin muttered, almost in a childlike way.
I pressed my lips together, smiling softly. "Alright, I'll buy you a new one."
"Really?" Marvin's face brightened immediately, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"But it's a shame we didn't catch that man," I said, frowning as the thought of the attack lingered. That man had clearly targeted Marvin. He'd just been suspended, finally cleared of any accusations, and then almost killed.
"Marvin, did you offend someone? Or maybe someone you arrested in the past is out and seeking revenge?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him.
Marvin laughed lightly, giving me a teasing look. Seeing the frown on my face, he quickly defended himself. "You think too highly of me. I'm just a small team leader, handling small cases. Who would go through so much trouble to get revenge on me?"
Marvin was right. If it were one of the people he'd arrested before seeking revenge, they wouldn't have gone through the trouble of hiring Penny to frame him or sending someone to kill him.
"I don't think it was the same person who hired Penny," Marvin said, his smile fading into a serious expression.
"Why do you say that?" I asked, confused. His sharp features, now set with a solemn expression, only added to his intensity.
He suddenly looked up, his long eyelashes fluttering as his eyes met mine. He gave a small smile and said, "Because their goals were different. Penny just wanted me to stop investigating the Wilhelm case, but today's man... he wanted me dead."
"Ah," I nodded in understanding, then frowned, narrowing my eyes at him. "Then why didn't you let me go after him? If we catch him, maybe we can find out who's behind this."
"But it could also be a trap," Marvin replied, his eyes distant as he pondered the situation. "When I saw his wrist, I noticed a tattoo. He's not just anyone."
I paused for a moment, then teased, "He's not a hitman, is he?"
To my surprise, Marvin gave a small hum of agreement. I blinked in disbelief, and after a moment, my eyes widened. "Who the hell wants to kill you? Are they bold enough to kill a cop?"
Marvin shrugged nonchalantly, seemingly unfazed. Seeing the concern in my eyes, he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder and said softly, "Don't worry. I'll be fine."
I watched him quietly. His calm demeanor didn't match the gravity of someone trying to kill him, but then again, it seemed like Marvin wasn't easily rattled. Despite the danger, he still found the time to comfort me.
"No, you really shouldn't go anywhere for now. Just stay home," I insisted, my voice firm.
If Marvin dies, I didn't know if I could keep going. I couldn't let that happen.
Marvin smiled slightly, his tone light. "Don't worry, I'm a cop after all."
"So what if you're a cop? Can you carry a gun at all times? You're hurt, what if that man comes back?" I wasn't just afraid of Marvin dying; the thought of him dying in front of me terrified me.
Marvin looked at me, a faint smile on his lips, and gently ruffled my hair. "Laurel, I promise you, I won't break my word."
I sighed in frustration. "Yeah, you've promised me a lot of things that didn't happen."
Marvin just smiled and didn't argue, but when I lifted my gaze, I suddenly froze. Alex was standing in the doorway, leaning on a crutch, his sharp eyes locked onto me.
I stood up abruptly, my heart skipping a beat, and instinctively I felt guilty.
"What are you doing here?" I blurted out, then immediately realized how wrong my words sounded. I hurried to his side, wanting to help him, but hesitated, afraid of hurting his pride.
"Are you hurt?" Alex's voice was cool, soft, but clear.
I stared at his face, so androgynous yet strikingly beautiful, and shook my head quickly.
"I'm fine," I said, smiling awkwardly.
Alex nodded, his lips curving into a faint, almost condescending smile, his expression distant and detached, like an elder speaking to a younger person.
It made my chest tighten. I wasn't sure if he had seen how close I was to Marvin. If he did, why did he remain so calm about it?
Alex spoke, his tone still cold, "Since you're fine, you should head back. I'll have someone protect you."
I froze at his words, my mind racing.
Alex already knew Marvin was staying at Honeydew?
A bitter laugh rose in my chest. It seemed like the moment I brought Marvin back, that sly fox already knew. What surprised me, however, was how unbothered he was by it. Not a single question or outburst.
I felt a strange sense of disappointment, though I didn't show it. Instead, I met Alex's gaze and smiled, nodding obediently. "I'll take you back to your room."
"Alright," he replied.
I was caught off guard by his agreement. I expected him to refuse.
"Are you worried about me getting hurt?" I asked, wrapping my arm around his waist carefully, supporting him as we made our way to his room.
Alex suddenly turned his head and glanced at me, a frown furrowing his brow. After a long moment, he spoke slowly, "Today you're lucky, but next time, you might not have such good luck."
I looked up at his beautiful face, his high nose bridge, and couldn't help but think that if I could be by his side, I'd be lucky. After all, men like him—handsome as models—were so rare, and even harder to see in real life.
"Laurel, did you hear me?" Alex suddenly leaned in closer, startling me.
I snapped out of my thoughts and glared at him. "You mean to say I should ignore Marvin's life or death? I can't just let someone die in front of me."
"Even if it costs your own life?" Alex's face darkened slightly, his voice colder than before.