Marcus did not blink. His pupils dilated into a look of cold, lethal fury that silenced the room instantly. The atmosphere turned suffocating.
He ignored Vanessa completely. Striding across the marble floor, he dropped to both knees beside Maya and his daughter. With gentle, trembling hands, Marcus lifted Chloe into his chest, checking the cuts on her cheek as the little girl buried her wet face into his suit jacket, sobbing hysterically.
"You're safe now, Chloe," Marcus whispered, his voice cracking with protective grief. "Daddy’s here."
He reached down with his free hand and helped Maya sit up, signaling his private security detail waiting in the foyer.
"Call emergency medical services right now," Marcus commanded his guards. "Ensure Maya and my daughter receive the best trauma care in the city."
Marcus slowly stood up, cradling Chloe securely in his left arm, and turned his gaze upon Vanessa.