Chapter 216 Wanting Answers

Chapter 216 Wanting Answers
Leon’s POV

I drove back to the estate in total silence, still shaking from what Bianca had said.

She didn't want me anymore.

Could that be true?

The house was pitch-black when I pulled into the garage, the staff having taken the night off just as I had ordered.

I walked up the staircase, pushed open the door to my master suite, and sat with a heavy sigh on the edge of the bed without bothering to turn on the lights.

My mind was a complete mess.

Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Bianca standing on her porch, her eyes filled with tears, pushing my hand away from her cheek.

She genuinely wanted nothing to do with me.

My phone vibrated sharply in my pocket, I pulled it out and answered without checking the caller ID.

"Leon Steele," I said with a monotonous voice.

"Mr. Steele, good evening," a voice spoke through the speaker. "This is Alvin from the senior legal team. I am calling to update you on the formal court filing for Marcus. His initial arraignment hearing has been set for early next week."

I rubbed my forehead, feeling a headache building behind my eyes. "What are the exact charges listed on the docket?"

"Sexual assault, felony battery, and terroristic threats to life," Alvin replied smoothly. "The prosecutor has a solid case based on the hospital security footage and the medical records. However, because Miss McIntyre is the primary victim, she will be required to appear in court to deliver her official statement before the judge."

The thought of Bianca having to stand in a courtroom, facing Marcus across an aisle while forced to relive that elevator assault, made my stomach turn.

"I don't care what legal maneuvers you have to pull, Alvin," I said harshly. "Make sure the hearing is as brief as possible and minimize her time on the stand."

"We will do our best, sir. Our lead trial attorney will be handling the questioning."

"Fine. Let the legal team take care of the paperwork," I said. "Don't call me again tonight."

I hung up before he could respond and immediately dialed Elias.

"Mr. Steele," Elias answered on the second ring.

"Elias, the initial court date for Marcus is set for early next week," I said, standing up and walking toward the window. "I need you to personally oversee the security detail for Bianca on that day. You will drive to her new house, pick her up, and escort her directly into the private entrance of the courthouse so the press doesn't get a single photograph of her."

There was a short pause on the line. "Understood, sir. But... if I may ask, why aren't you picking her up yourself? I assumed you would want to accompany her."

I stared out at the dark trees surrounding the property. "Let's just say that she doesn't want to see me right now, Elias."

Elias hesitated for a second, catching the shift in my tone.

Being the professional he was, he didn't press the matter any further. "Understood, Mr. Steele. I will handle the pickup and security detail personally. Have a good night."

"Goodnight."

I ended the call and tossed my phone onto the mattress.

I sat back down, slumping forward with my elbows on my knees, resting my head in my hands.

I couldn't just sit here in the dark waiting for Monday morning while Bianca was sitting in her house, possibly hating every bone in my body.

I needed answers. And if there was one person in this city who actually knew what was going on inside Bianca's head, it was Kimberly.

I grabbed my car keys off the dresser, walked back down to the garage, and got behind the wheel.

It was past seven in the evening when I pulled up to Kimberly’s apartment building downtown.

I parked at the curb, looked around the row of fancy little bungalow houses until I found her apartment number.

I raised my hand and knocked firmly on the door.

For a moment, there was no sound from inside. I knocked again, three sharp taps.

This time, I heard shuffling footsteps behind the panel, followed by a slight fumble with the deadbolt lock.

The door pulled open a few inches, and Kimberly stepped out into the doorway.

She was wearing a silk nightdress, her hair completely tossed and messy, her cheeks flushed warm.

Her lipstick was slightly smudged around the edges of her lips, and her silk robe was tied loosely around her waist.

It didn't take a detective to figure out what I had just interrupted.

Before Kimberly could say a word, a man's deep, smooth voice called out from somewhere deeper inside the apartment living room. "Baby? Who is at the door?"

Kimberly leaned against the doorframe, crossing her arms over her chest as she looked up at me with a mixture of surprise and pure amusement.

"Oh, wow," Kim said, raising an eyebrow. "The billionaire actually came to pay me a personal visit. What's going on, Leon?"

I cleared my throat through the awkwardness. "I'm sorry, Kimberly. Did I interrupt something?"

"Just a little bit," she replied with a dry chuckle, smoothing down her messy hair without an ounce of shame. "Don't mind the state of the place. We were a little busy."

She turned her head toward the interior hallway and shouted back over her shoulder, "Put something on, babe! We have a guest!"

She turned back to me, offering a polite smile. "Sorry, just give us one second."

After a brief moment of loud bumping around, quick footsteps, and the sound of a belt buckle clicking inside the apartment, a tall, sturdy man in a plain t-shirt and jeans pulled up from the corner hallway, wiping his hands on his pants.

He looked clearly irritated at the interruption of his night.

“Who's he?" He grumbled.

Kimberly rolled her eyes. “My friend's man, stop acting like my daddy and get him a cup of coffee or something."

Then she pushed her front door wide open, stepping aside to let me pass through the threshold.

"Please, come in, Mr. Leon," Kim said, gesturing toward her living room. "Come on inside.”