Cristelle spun around immediately. Cody was covering his sister’s eyes with one hand. His other hand shot out to raise the window, so no one could see what was happening in the car.
“What-what’s wrong?” Candace was startled.
Cristelle took out the key and went to the backseat to hold the babies tightly in her arms, feeling scared, “It’s okay. We’re okay.”
Candace could feel her mother’s nervousness, but she didn’t ask anything. Cristelle took out her phone and called Linford.
“I’m on my way right now. Stay calm!” Linford just reached his office at this moment. He turned around abruptly and walked into the elevator immediately.
Lana followed him, “Where are you going, Linford? You just came here.”
As he stroked out of the sliding doors, Linford didn’t want to explain. He was walking directly toward the parking lot.
“We need you here. Why are you leaving? Do you have any emergencies back home? Can I go with you?” Lana asked anxiously.
“It’s okay. I can handle this,” Linford didn’t even want to spare her an extra glance. But Lana refused to let him go, “If you don’t tell me where you’re going, I’ll follow you there. I am your assist-”
Linford got in his car, slammed the door closed, and sped out of the parking lot.
Lana was almost hit by the car. She stared at Linford’s car, standing there alone.
Where was he going? What happened to him?
****
A police officer came to ask if Cristelle had gotten injured anywhere. Cristelle downed the window, looking at the young officer through a ck, “We’re fine.”
Charles happened to come to the scene at the moment. He recognized the car immediately.
“Mrs. Bradley, it’s me, Charles. Are you guys okay?” Charles knocked on the window as he asked.
Cody didn’t go down the window, his voice calm and steady, “Officer, we’re fine. There are too many people out there. I don’t think we should get out of the car at this moment. We will be here waiting until you finish the investigation on sight. We won’t go anywhere as long as you need our assistance to find out the cause.”
Charles couldn’t stop feeling amazed by how smart the boy was. There were indeed a lot of on-lookers. If they left immediately, those people would definitely recognize them, and they would be on the news again.
Officer Charles nodded, “Okay. I’ll be back soon. Call me if you need any help.”
Cristelle held her daughter tightly in her arms, “Thank you, officer.”
Cody narrowed his eyes as he looked out of the window. How could that slab of granite just fall off so suddenly? Wasn’t it too coincidental?
Candace was clinging to her Mom’s arms. It took the girl a while to finally say, “Mom, we’re not going to Amy’s, are we?”
Cristelle nodded, “Yeah. I’m sorry, baby. The accident is pretty serious. And we need to help Officer Charles with the investigation. Guess we can only go to Amy’s another day.”
“Fine.” Candace grabbed her phone and called her friend, explaining everything.
****
Linford’s car halted with a jolt. The road was jammed because of the incident. He had to walk toward Cristelle’s car.
He just didn’t walk. He ran toward it.
Candace gasped as Linford knocked on the window. Cristelle opened the door, and Linford got in the car. He checked out on Cristelle and the babies, ensuring that they didn’t get hurt again. And then, he held the little girl in his arms, “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have left.”
“No,” Candace frowned as she flattened a chubby hand on Linford’s face, “Don’t say sorry.”
Cody looked away coldly, refusing to make any eye contact with him.
“Are you alright, Cristelle?” Linford wanted to pull Cristelle in and kiss her. But the babies were still here. He couldn’t do anything, especially when Cody was still around.
“I’m okay. I need to thank Cody. We would’ve crashed if he didn’t find that falling slab and shouted.” Cristelle held Cody in and left a kiss on top of his head.
Candace pulled at Cody’s hand, “Cody’s a hero.”
Linford stroked Cody’s hair gently, “Good job, son. You did an amazing job protecting your mother and sister.” Cody went rigid, but he didn’t dodge this time.
Linford smiled, observing his son’s obedient reaction.
****
After going to the nearby police station for a short while, the family went home.
Franco seemed so worried as he came forth. The old man had seen the news on the TV. He had recognized Linford’s car and almost had a heart attack. A couple of minutes ago, Franco had called his assistant to tear that building down.
He could barely speak as he saw them walk back home safely.
Jack explained, “Mr. Bradley was so worried. Linford, thank God that you reacted pretty fast. If you didn’t drive out before the granite could get you, the babies and Cristelle would have…”
Jack didn’t even dare to continue the sentence anymore.
“Mom’s the one who drove the car,” Cody suddenly cut in.
Franco and Jack exchanged a look.
Linford dropped his gaze defeatedly, “After leaving the apartment, I got some issues to handle at the company.”
Franco’s face fell, “Are you serious, Linford? Which one is more important to you? Your company or your family?”
“I’m sorry, Pop. It won’t happen again,” Linford promised.
Franco didn’t say anything as he took the babies to the parlor, using snacks and toys to make them relax after the incident.
Lily also went to the kitchen. The nanny decided to cook a big meal to celebrate that they had returned safely.
Cristelle went back to her bedroom, letting out a long breath. Before she could get changed, her bedroom door was suddenly pushed open.
Linford strode in and gave her a big hug.
“Wait-”
The hug was so tight that Cristelle couldn’t even breathe. She flattened her hands against his chest and tried to push him away.
“Shush.” Linford refused to let her go, “Just one minute, Cristelle.”
Cristelle blinked as she dropped her hands.
And then, Linford pulled away before getting on one knee before Cristelle. Cristelle’s mouth dropped open as Linford suddenly pulled out an exquisite little box, “Would you marry me, Cristelle?”
“Huh?” Cristelle’s eyes were as wide as saucers.