Leon immediately squatted down, pulling Emma into his arms with a protective urgency. "Shh... it's okay. I'm here," he murmured softly, his hand gently rubbing her back as she trembled in his embrace. "What's wrong, Emma? Talk to me."
His eyes darted to the man who had spoken, his sharp gaze piercing through the growing tension.
"I-I'm sorry, Mr. Gray," the man stammered, visibly shaken under Leon's glare. "Mr. Cole sent me here to give this to Miss Whitmore. She… she forgot to bring her phone, and he's been worried since he couldn't get in touch with her."
Leon's grip on Emma tightened protectively as his jaw clenched. He didn't respond immediately, his focus shifting back to Emma, who was still shaking in his arms. 'What the hell is going on here? This scene, this particular chapter, it seemed to be a mess up.'
"Give me that," Leon said, extending his hand to take the phone. His tone was calm, but his eyes carried a subtle warning.
