Chapter 23

Marcus's POV

All eyes were fixed on us, waiting for a response.

I sensed Lillian's hands growing cold, so I gently squeezed them and looked into her eyes.

"It's okay," I reassured her, then shifted my gaze to Gabriel.

"We just went for a morning stroll, Vice President Montgomery," I said, meeting Alexander's gaze head-on.

Anger flashed in his eyes, and I could tell that if we were alone, he would have already thrown a punch at me.

After a moment, he took a deep breath and nodded.

He patted my shoulder, gripping it tightly, but I refused to show any emotion.

"Next time, please inform us. You had us all worried," he said, chuckling, and then addressed everyone.

"Let's go, everyone. It's getting hot. Let's start moving," he said, turning his attention back to us before walking away.

"Get yourselves ready. We'll be leaving in a few minutes," he added, then joined the crowd.

Once they were all gone, I turned to Lillian, who still appeared scared.

"Are you okay?" I asked, looking into her e