Rise of Marcus Reid: Betrayal to Dominance

Chapter 5

Marcus applied precise, controlled taps against Mayor Hart’s chest, once on the right side near the cardiac region, then mirroring the motion on the left. He repeated the sequence methodically before transitioning into a deliberate, measured compression technique.

The medical team observed in bewilderment, particularly the veteran physicians, exchanging confused murmurs amongst themselves.

“What nonsense is occurring here? Someone remove this incompetent individual immediately, he’s only worsening the situation!” one senior doctor bellowed, advancing toward the bedside to forcibly extract Marcus.

Victoria instantaneously positioned herself as a barrier, her body shielding Marcus. Her expression hardened into something formidable and dangerous.

“Approach him again and I will make you regret it,” she said with absolute conviction.

The physician recoiled instantly. If someone as notoriously gentle as Victoria could deliver such a threat, the severity of the circumstance became unmistakable.

“Why do you insist on destabilizing this facility?” she demanded sharply. “Do you comprehend that this man rescued me three months prior? He executed identical emergency intervention when our vehicle submerged in the water.”

“All of you witnessed that incident, yes?” Her voice cut through the room like steel.

The doctor averted his gaze, unable to withstand her penetrating stare. All focus returned to Marcus and Mayor Hart. Upon examining the monitors, the team detected Mayor Hart’s cardiac rhythm and blood pressure gradually normalizing.

Moments later, Mayor Hart regained consciousness, sitting upright on the bed with clarity and contemplation evident in his expression.

“What’s transpiring here? What occurred?” he inquired, disoriented.

Observing his technique had succeeded, Marcus exhaled deeply, a profound sense of accomplishment flooding through him. In that instant, he forgot entirely about the physician’s earlier mockery.

Mayor Hart received extended rest per Victoria’s insistence, his firstborn child.

The senior physicians departed hurriedly, their countenances twisted with unmistakable resentment and frustration. They fabricated urgent phone conversations, feigning agitation over whatever voice they imagined hearing. Their synchronized behavior revealed something troubling.

In truth, jealousy consumed them. Kevin had accomplished what their expertise couldn’t. Their conventional resuscitation had failed entirely. They foresaw the mayor’s confidence in them permanently damaged.

Once Mayor Hart accumulated sufficient stamina to ambulate, he approached Marcus directly. Overcome with emotion, Marcus immediately lowered himself onto both knees, unable to maintain eye contact with the dignitary.

“Please rise. Stand before me. Who are you, precisely?” Mayor Hart questioned.

“I can provide context,” Victoria interjected promptly, her voice brimming with excitement and gratitude.

“This individual rescued me ninety days prior. You must have overlooked it, but I mentioned discovering him and bringing him here before you encountered difficulty at the pool.”

“Ah!” Mayor Hart tapped his temple, attempting to retrieve the memory. Gradually, recollection surfaced, and his lips curved into an initial smile, expanding into genuine warmth.

“Is he the one?” Mayor Hart asked with unmistakable enthusiasm.

“Precisely,” Victoria confirmed, nodding emphatically. “And he preserved your existence as well. I nearly lost you.” Tears streamed down her face as she embraced her father with intensity.

Mayor Hart beckoned Marcus forward for an embrace. Marcus suppressed his overwhelming emotion, the magnitude of his feelings proved nearly uncontrollable, constrained only by respect for the authority he was addressing.

“What is your designation?” Mayor Hart inquired.

“Marcus,” he responded, deliberately withholding his surname to maintain anonymity. He couldn’t afford unwanted exposure. Additionally, he needed verification, could Victoria genuinely love him, or would she betray him similarly to Sophie? His previous marriage’s collapse made such repetition unbearable.

“Marcus! That possesses considerable distinction,” Mayor Hart observed approvingly. “I am indebted to acknowledge your contributions appropriately.”

“Thank you, sir,” Marcus replied formally.

His administrative assistant entered, leaning near Mayor Hart. “Your Excellency, your cardiologist appointment commences in ten minutes.”

Addressing Marcus, he continued, “Victoria will escort you momentarily.” He exited swiftly.

Victoria rotated toward the remaining medical professionals, her head tilting methodically with repetitive acknowledgment. She commenced deliberate, measured applause before crossing her arms protectively. Her progression toward them was measured and intentional.

“Where precisely did those incompetent, malicious superiors vanish to? Did they abandon this location? And which destination do they imagine provides escape?” she questioned coldly.

Their anxiety intensified proportionally with her proximity, each specialist internally questioning her intentions.

Marcus remained motionless, completely stupefied. Language abandoned him.

Victoria eventually paused, pivoting back toward Marcus.

“I’m genuinely appreciative for restoring my father’s life. He can now resume his responsibilities,” she expressed gratefully, extending her arms for an embrace. As she wrapped around him, whispered commentary circulated, though everyone fell silent instantly when Victoria rotated toward them.

“I appreciate the opportunity to assist,” Marcus responded.

Attempting departure, Marcus discovered Victoria had seized his arm. “You cannot depart this way. Accompany me to greet my father downstairs, he likely possesses inquiries. Your mere attendance alongside me might provide comfort.”

Marcus hesitated, uncertain regarding the inflection in her statement, the final words carried unmistakable romantic undertones.

Observing them proceed hand-in-hand, several of the mayor’s security detail, men who harbored unspoken affection for Victoria, experienced visible disappointment. The gesture registered as profound rejection.

Victoria’s subtle smile widened while they scowled in frustration and helplessness.

They transported to Crown Medical, Ferida’s premier healthcare institution. Meanwhile, commotion erupted simultaneously on the ground level.

“Mother! How could this impoverished, worthless creature assault me without consequence? We must provide him proper retaliation!”

Victoria’s attention diverted. An elderly woman approached alongside Ivy, with Alan visible beside her, the individuals from the park confrontation.

Alan lay stretched across a gurney, breathing with tremendous difficulty. His entire face remained wrapped in medical dressing and protective plaster.

“Is this genuine?” Marcus, having spotted them, hissed incredulously. “He requires such extensive treatment from that single strike?”

“Relax. We’ll guarantee his incarceration and severe punishment. Besides, he won’t persistently remain connected to Victoria,” Patricia, the mother-in-law Marcus had scarcely encountered across their five years, wheeled the stretcher alongside Alan.

“Patricia’s pursuing the wealthier replacement,” Marcus muttered with contempt.

“Ivy, isn’t it unconscionable that Marcus demonstrated such disrespect through physical violence against both of you? His complete lack of regard is appalling,” Patricia clenched her fists with fury.

“Don’t permit this matter to dissolve. Do you comprehend this involves the mayor’s daughter?” She sneered condescendingly.

“Before she entangled with that despicable creature, setting aside her position, she’s essentially worthless!”

Ivy suddenly released uncontrolled laughter.

“I maintain associations with several violent individuals available for compensation. Should I arrange his proper punishment, Ivy?” Patricia proposed.

“Mother, ensure they administer permanent damage. Fracture multiple bones!” Alan growled from his stretcher.

Unbeknownst to them, the very individuals they were maligning followed immediately behind. Marcus experienced his own moment of rage.

“Naturally. I guarantee he’ll remain breathing but ineffective when our business concludes!” Patricia announced with cruel triumph.

Truthfully, Marcus’s matrimonial bond with Ivy had perpetually disgusted her. How could someone economically insignificant and unremarkable captivate such a refined, beautiful woman as her daughter when Alan, genuinely prosperous, remained available?

Victoria’s heartbeat accelerated to dangerous levels, nearly compelling her to release Marcus’s grip and engage in confrontation. Yet Marcus maintained his hold. He refused permitting spectators to witness a woman defending him. He required alternative resolution, his association with the mayor’s daughter provided strategic advantage.

Marcus whispered to Victoria, “Proceed to your father’s quarters. I will follow.”

“What transpires next?” Victoria questioned, but Marcus declined response.

“Trust me,” he assured her, but Victoria resisted departure until Marcus insisted repeatedly. She’d anticipated physical escalation, but alternative plans were forming.

Retrieving his mobile, Marcus transmitted a communication to the emergency ward physician. “May I temporarily replace you? Approximately thirty minutes?”

“What’s required, sir?” Doctor Mitchell responded immediately upon reading the message.

“Someone requires personal handling. No fatalities will occur, truthfully, he isn’t genuinely injured. I suspect he harbors destructive intentions.”

Mitchell didn’t hesitate. “Immediately, sir!” Marcus navigated an alternate pathway, arriving at the emergency ward beforehand. Already positioned, he’d donned the physician’s uniform, his face concealed behind medical protection and tinted eyewear obscuring his distinguishing features.

Alan’s arrival accompanied by Patricia and Ivy. Marcus modulated his voice deliberately, adopting lighter, more animated inflection, almost effeminate. “What circumstances brought you here, patient?” he inquired.

“Yes,” Alan interrupted immediately. “Some bastard, my own brother, actually, the one whose wife I claimed, attacked me brutally. This requires absolute confidentiality.” He leaned conspiratorially closer. “I’m orchestrating something magnificent to retaliate against him.”