Chapter 682
When only the two of them were left in the room, Mackenzie asked
impassively, “Is there anything else, Mr. Wallace?”
“Yes,” Ignacio hurriedly said. “Ms. Quillen, as you can see, both of us are in the
hospitality business, and our previous collaboration went very well. It seems
that the Terence Group is short on money when investing in the energy
business as of late, so I’m wondering if you need some financing. I happen to
have some money sitting idle in the bank.”
I see what he’s up to now. Mackenzie finally realized the older man’s intention.
The apology was merely a pretense, and he was making use of the wedding
to approach her and talk about collaboration with her so that he could
venture into the energy business.
“Since you’re so sincere, I’d like to know how much money you’re going to
invest,” Mackenzie asked calmly.
After contending with the Lenoir family and the Verkade family, the Terence
Group had indeed suffered some losses. However, their foundation was solid.
Terence invested a total of 700 million into the business, forcing the Lenoir
family out of the market and snatching all their market share back. Now, their
market share was even higher than before the contention.
As such, the Terence Group could either choose to get some financing to
strengthen its position in the market or stay put to take a conservative
approach.
“Ms. Quillen, my wealth is no match for your family, but I’m willing to invest
280 million.”
What? 280 million? Mackenzie was startled. She was tempted by the figure
Ignacio had come up with, and she was also surprised. It seemed that the
older man had earned a lot of money by managing his hospitality business
in Onza.
Although the Quillens were the wealthiest family in Yeringham, Chanaea was
a vast country. As such, there were even more powerful families than the
Quillens in the country. As the leader of the Quillen Group, she certainly
hoped to help the Quillen family reach a greater height.
“Mr. Wallace, what’s your condition, then?” Mackenzie quickly pulled herself
together and sported an impassive expression.
“Haha. If you’re interested in the collaboration, I’d like to go about it according
to the business norms. I hope that 280 million would be traded for your
company’s shares so that I’d have the right to be part of the Terence Group’s
board of directors.” Ignacio directly came up with his demand.
That’s quite reasonable. As a woman in power, Mackenzie wouldn’t readily
believe anyone. Her suspicion would be aroused if Ignacio’s demand was
easy to be fulfilled. However, if his demand was unreasonable, she would turn
him down outright. As such, the demand he had come up with was worth
some consideration.
“I got it, Mr. Wallace. I’ll discuss the matter with my grandpa.” Mackenzie didn’t
directly agree to the collaboration.
“Haha! I hope you’ll bring me some good news soon. Not only could we
collaborate in the hospitality business, but we can also advance together in
the energy market. I’m sure we’ll have a pleasant collaboration.”
Upon finishing his words, Ignacio was ready to give the woman a gift. It was
the dragon and phoenix white jade.
“I heard you’re a fan of Mr. Cline’s work, and you have a lover. As such, I’d like
to present this little gift to you and hope that you’ll be successful both in your
relationship and career.”
Then, he held out the gift for her with both hands.
A surprised Mackenzie replied with a smile, “I’m afraid I can’t accept such an
expensive gift, Mr. Wallace.”
She could tell that the gift was worth over 15 million.
“Haha. Ms. Quillen, I wouldn’t say it’s an expensive gift when the golden jade
phoenix you’re wearing is worth 30 million. In comparison, my gift looks
inferior. If you don’t accept this gift, I’ll be very embarrassed,” Ignacio said with
a smile.
Mackenzie stared at him for a moment before accepting the gift. “Thanks, Mr.
Wallace. Please send it to my office.”
“Haha, sure. This way please, Ms. Quillen.”
Ignacio was excited. Since the woman was willing to take his gift, it
suggested that he had secured the collaboration. It was every
businessman’s dream to collaborate with the Terence Group in the energy
business. He knew that he had seized the chance.
After leaving the presidential suite, Mackenzie decided to put the
collaboration aside first. She was more interested in finding out what
Emmanuel was doing.
Milani’s personality is terrible. I don’t want him to offer his blessings to her
anymore.
Chapter 683
“How did things end up this way?” Milani returned to the dressing room with
Noah’s help while sobbing. What have I done to deserve this? I’m the bride
today, but I was humiliated by Noah’s uncle.
Noah loved her very much, so he placated her by saying, “Alright, dear. Stop
crying. Let’s retouch your makeup and meet the guests at the venue. Since
it’s our wedding, you’re supposed to be happy.”
There was nothing else he could do other than appease her. In the past, if
anyone had the guts to bully his woman, he would gather his subordinates
and beat the person up. However, they were in Yeringham, not Onza, and the
person bullying his wife was the young lady from the Quillen family. As such,
he couldn’t afford to offend her.
The skillful makeup artist soon retouched Milani’s makeup. During the
process, Milani still didn’t understand why Mackenzie would flare up when she
talked–about Emmanuel.
“That b*stard Emmanuel is definitely the jinx in my life!” Milani arrived at this
superstitious conclusion and firmly believed it. “Dear, you have to lecture that
good–for–nothing to get revenge for me.”
“Don’t worry. Leave it to me.” Noah patted his chest. He didn’t have the power
to deal with Mackenzie, but it wouldn’t take him much effort to lecture a man
who lived off a woman like Emmanuel.
Meanwhile, many people in the wedding hall were attracted to an argument
at a particular table.
“Why are they arguing?” a woman asked.
“Haha. I heard it was supposed to be a blind date, but things went ugly, and
the two families started cursing at each other. It’s such a good show,” a man
replied with a smile.
Many onlookers were engrossed in the argument. The groom and the bride
hadn’t arrived anyway, so this kind of show was more interesting than
anything else. Some people even suspected that this was a reality show that
the organizer had arranged.
Tia took a look out of curiosity and became startled. Isn’t that Ryder? Why is
he on a blind date at someone else’s wedding? Moreover, his date is Milani’s
cousin, Ruby.
“What nonsense are you spouting, b*tch? I’m going to tear your mouth
apart!” Ruby cursed in foul language while pointing at Roselynn.
Alessandra didn’t expect the blind date to turn ugly. She sighed and wanted
to leave.
However, Roselynn was unafraid, nor was she willing to give in. She crossed
her arms and sneered. “What’s wrong? Do you want to lay a hand on me
because you can’t win the argument? Everything I’ve said is true, isn’t it?”
t
“Go to hell!” Belinda snapped. When she realized many people were
watching, she became even more fierce. “Everyone, please be the judge. My
daughter is beautiful, whereas this man is ugly. How does he have the nerve
to go on a blind date with my daughter?”
Everyone nodded, for Ruby was indeed out of Ryder’s league.
Upon seeing that, Tia felt sorry for Ryder. There was no doubt the man wasn’t
good–looking, but he had a heart of gold. Even when everyone was mocking
him, he remained calm and collected. Not every man could pull off such a
feat.
On the other hand, Roselynn remained unyielding. She smiled and said, “Did
you just say your daughter is beautiful? Tell her to remove her makeup and
take out the falsies. If she’s still beautiful and curvy without those things, I’ll
apologize and get lost.”
Everyone broke into laughter, feeling that Roselynn was indeed more
beautiful and curvier than Ruby.
t
Despite being gorgeous, she was feisty. Many men found her straightforward
and were fond of her. A woman like her could easily be the female lead in a
women–centric novel.
“Y–You are so shameless!” Ruby bellowed.
“Look who’s talking. All of you are the shameless ones. You’ve been in more
than ten relationships. What’s more, you’re also a divorcee. How do you have
the gall to ask for a bride price of 140,000? Everyone, please be the judge.
How are we supposed to talk to her nicely when she demands such an
exorbitant bride price? What would you do if you were in our shoes?”
Roselynn calmly refuted the woman.
Chapter 684
Roselynn was a sharp–tongued person who had never lost a war of words
with anyone before. As such, she was fearless even though she was dealing
with two people at the same time.
The topic of bride price affected many people, so the onlookers immediately
got into a discussion.
“This woman is out of her mind to demand a bride price of 140,000. I’d
consider marrying her if the bride price was one–tenth of that amount.”
t
“I wouldn’t marry her even for that amount of money. She’s been in more
than ten relationships, and she’s also a divorcee. She might even have kids.
Why would I marry a woman like her?”
“Our society is going downhill. Some women don’t even realize that they’re
not as good as they think they are.”
“Some women are also too domineering and think that men are supposed to
contribute to everything in marriage.”
When Ruby and her parents heard that the onlookers had sided with the
other party, they were enraged.
Roselynn rubbed her nose with her finger, and her gaze seemed to say, You
want to have an argument with me? I can destroy you with words!
“Y–You shameless b*tch! I’ll kill you!” Since Ruby couldn’t win the argument,
she decided to slap the woman.
Much to her surprise, Roselynn wasn’t a weakling. Since her hands were
longer, she managed to land a slap on Ruby’s face first.
She’s so incredible! Many men at the scene cheered for Roselynn. In this
world, beautiful women seemed to have special rights wherever they were.
“Ah!” Ruby was so furious that she screamed at the top of her lungs.
“How dare you lay a hand on our daughter, b*tch! I’ll destroy you!” Roderick
-and Belinda joined the fight too.
Upon seeing that, Ryder quickly stood in front of Roselynn, but he wouldn’t
counterattack.
Many people felt that the man was such a coward. Roselynn had been
arguing with the other party to stand up for him, but he had been silent the
entire time.
Even Roselynn felt that he was too inflexible.
However, Tia felt that the not–so–handsome man was reliable. It felt great to
beat someone up, but there was a price to pay afterward. What he was
doing was probably the most sensible way of dealing with the situation.
Just then, Jacob arrived at the venue with his friends. Initially, he was ready
to expose Emmanuel’s scandals to everyone, but when he saw the fight, he
hurriedly charged forward with his people.
“How dare you lay a hand on Ruby? I’ll kill you!” Earlier, he was still trying to
come up with a reason to teach the Lowe family a lesson. Now, he had a
reason to make a move.
When Roselynn saw Jacob coming over with some people, she was flustered,
for she was worried that her mother would be dragged into the mess.
Jacob’s prime target was Roselynn. In actuality, he had been drooling over
the woman’s beauty. She was around five–foot–six tall with an hourglass
figure. It must be pleasurable to beat her up.
Even if he was arrested by the police, he would only be accused of assault,
and he would be released after a few days of detention. It was better than
being accused of molestation.
He extended his fist toward Roselynn’s chest while feeling excited, hoping to
feel her bouncy flesh. Much to his surprise, before he even succeeded, he
was made immovable. The next moment, he was lifted off his feet..
“E–Emmanuel?!” As Jacob looked at the man who could lift him with one
hand, his gaze was full of fear. This guy seems drenched in bloodlust!
“How dare you attack my sister? Are you sick of living?” Emmanuel appeared
-incensed.
Just now, he saw Jacob trying to molest Roselynn. A deplorable man like him
belongs in hell!
Chapter 685
Jacob instantly gasped and yelled, “Ah! It hurts! Let go of me!”
His friends quickly surrounded Emmanuel, intending to beat him up. They
figured that a tiger couldn’t possibly defeat a pack of wolves. However, while
Emmanuel was as ferocious as a tiger, they were as weak as a nest of
rabbits,
That fact was certainly showcased as Emmanuel nonchalantly tossed Jacob
at these people, causing all of them to tumble to the ground.
Everyone at the wedding was dumbfounded. Tia looked at Emmanuel with
unabashed admiration shining in her eyes. Oh, my gosh! He’s so cool! How I
wish I could marry him!
When Alessandra came to her senses, she went over and said, “Manny, you
should only protect your sister. Why did you beat them up? What should we
do now?”
It was someone else’s wedding, after all. Now that her children had caused a
scene, it would be challenging to deal with the aftermath.
Emmanuel understood that his mother had always been gentle, so he could
only smile helplessly. In actuality, he had already held back a great deal of
his strength. Otherwise, Jacob and his people would’ve been sent to the
hospital immediately instead of ‘energetically‘ wailing on the floor.
Nevertheless, Roselynn didn’t’agree with her mother as she retorted fervently,
“What are you talking about, Mom? Jacob is a scoundrel. Manny did a good
job by beating him up. I would’ve crippled him if I had the chance!”
Tommy came over and gave them his support as well. “Aunt Roselynn has a
point. Uncle Manny did a great job!”
She’s so feisty! Several men at the scene found Roselynn attractive. Still, it
was also true that if this woman before them wasn’t beautiful and curvy, they…
would’ve acted very differently.
Just then, Noah’s voice was heard coming from behind the crowd, “What’s
going on? Why have all of you gathered here?”
The next moment, a group of bodyguards separated the crowd and let Noah
and Milani pass.
“The bride and the groom have finally arrived.”
“Things are getting more intense. The blind date turned out to be a failure,
and they even attacked the groom’s brother–in–law. That family is in trouble.”
The onlookers were glad that things were heating up as they were engrossed
in the show.
Most of the guests were friends and relatives of the Lofis family and the
Zimmerman family. So, there was no doubt they would side with Milani’s
family members as they surrounded Emmanuel and the others. As soon as
the groom and the bride gave the order, they would immediately pounce on
the Lowe family and beat them up.
Jacob had a look of distress on his face as he cried, “N–Noah, you’ve come at
the right time. You have to stand up for me. The Lowe family are a bunch of
trash! That guy named Ryder was ashamed because the blind date turned
out to be a failure, so he wanted to beat Ruby up. I went to stop them, but
they were so unreasonable that they started to attack me. Look, my nose is
bleeding now.”
Milani burned with rage upon hearing that as she recalled her feud with the
Lowe family. So, she pointed at Emmanuel and bellowed, “You sc*mbag,
Emmanuel! Are you still mad because our blind date ended up being a
failure? Is that why you’ve come to my wedding to cause a scene? Why are
you so narrow–minded? I’m warning you! It doesn’t matter what you do! I’ll
never fall in love with a piece of trash like you. Stop dreaming!”
She chastised the man confidently as if everything she had said was true.
She wanted to make her friends and relatives believe that Emmanuel was
the one who wooed her, not the other way around.
Given Emmanuel’s temperament, he wouldn’t argue with her over such a
matter. Unfortunately, Roselynn was around and she wouldn’t put up with
such ridiculous slander.
She quickly stood up for her brother by refuting coldly, “Are you suffering from
amnesia, Milani? Have you taken your medicine today? You were the one
who wooed my brother, but he turned you down. That’s why you’re venting
your anger on him now. I still have the screenshot of you confessing your love
to my brother on social media. Do you want me to show it to you? How could
you be so thick–skinned?”
Milani’s classmates started whispering among themselves.
“Yeah, I have that screenshot as well.”
“Why is Milani lying?”
Milani flushed in humiliation upon hearing that. Nonetheless, given how
shameless she was, she immediately said to her husband coquettishly,
“Dear, they’re lying and ganging up on me. Please stand up for me and
destroy this shameless former date of mine.”
Then, she put on a show by sobbing piteously. She knew fully well that these
nobodies didn’t matter as long as Noah believed her story.
Alas, Noah remained unmoving, for he felt that the name Emmanuel rang a
bell. What’s going on?
Chapter 686
Noah rarely visited Yeringham, so he wasn’t exactly familiar with the people
here.
“What should we do, Manny? Why don’t we apologize to them so that they’ll
forgive us and let us go?” Alessandra was so terrified that she started
“Noah, what are you-”
upper class as she had never come into contact with them. It also didn’t help
had a healthy physique, so he was rarely sick. Besides, he didn’t even catch a
cold after a night’s sleep outside when he was chased out of the home by
Mackenzie previously. So, this odd reaction was rather strange. What is up
with me today?
Mackenzie didn’t pester him further, but she couldn’t help but feel a bad
premonition rising in her heart. She wasn’t a superstitious woman, but she
had dabbled in metaphysics. After all, science couldn’t explain some of the
out–of–the–world phenomena in life.
Nonetheless, they soon left the parking lot. Just as they were ready to go
home, three people approached them out of the blue.
The woman in front sported a ponytail. She was smartly dressed as she was
clad in uniform and a pair of black leather boots. She was around
five–foot–seven, and her gaze was sharp as her eyes landed on them.
The two men behind her were wearing dark blue uniforms.
Emmanuel and Mackenzie furrowed their brows at the sight. They had a
feeling as to just why those people had approached them.
“We’re from the Criminal Investigation Department, and this is my police ID.”
Once she had shown them her ID, the woman said to Emmanuel icily, “We
have reasons to suspect that you have been involved in two murder cases.
Please come with us.”
The instant the last sentence fell from her lips, the men behind her bristled,
showing that they were more than ready to arrest Emmanuel through brute
force.
Chapter 689
“Wait a minute!” Mackenzie stared at the woman in uniform and spoke in an
icy and domineering voice, “Who are you? Why have I never seen you
before?”
The woman glanced at her as well. Several seconds later, she curled her lips
into a smirk and proudly announced, “My name is Ashton. I’m a new inspector
in Yeringham. Are you doubting my identity, Ms. Quillen?”
Nonetheless, Ashton’s words did nothing to assuage the wariness in
Mackenzie’s heart as she remained vigilant. The Quillen family had a vast
network across the entire Yeringham. As the new–generation leader of the
Quillen family, she made it her business to learn about all the important
figures in society.
So, she couldn’t help but wonder why the police department of Yeringham
had sent a new inspector to look into the case.
“Let’s go. You’re not going to resist arrest, are you?” Ashton stared straight at
Emmanuel.
Emmanuel turned to look at Mackenzie after fending off the two uniformed
police officers.
“Go with them. I’ll make sure you won’t be accused of crimes you’ve never
committed,” Mackenzie said.
Only then did Emmanuel nod and leave with the three of them.
The instant they were out of sight, Mackenzie decided against returning
home and left the Yociam Residence.
Just then, Wally drove the Bentley and arrived at the entrance in a hurry.
Mackenzie opened the door and entered the car before ordering, “Get me to
the Quillen residence as quickly as possible.”
“Yes, Ms. Quillen.”
Around 30 minutes later, Mackenzie and Terence were seated in a room in
order to have a private discussion.
They made sure to dismiss any servants nearby before finally getting into the
thick of it. Only Alfred was allowed to remain, albeit outside the room.
When Terence finally learned that Emmanuel had been arrested, he said
confidently, “Tell Lexi to look into Ashton’s background, Mackenzie. Don’t worry.
Since we’re in Yeringham, no one has the guts to harm one of ours.”
Mackenzie needed her grandfather’s assurance, which was why she even
bothered to rush to the Quillen residence this late at night.
Actually, she had already asked Lexi to look into the matter. She knew that
even if the wealthy families from Zovince wanted to harass them in
Yeringham, they could only use the help of some inspectors that were deep
in their pockets. They were certainly unable to order around police officers of
a higher rank to do anything fishy.
Then, Mackenzie told Terence the next important thing, “Grandpa, Ignacio.
would like to invest 280 million and become part of Terence Energy.”
“I see.” Terence nodded. In fact, he had already seen through the other party’s
intention, so he wasn’t surprised when he received the confirmation.
“It’s up to you, Mackenzie.”
“Huh?” Mackenzie was startled by his response, not expecting her
grandfather to reply to her in such a cavalier manner.
Meanwhile, he simply rose to his feet, using a cane as a support, and
drawled, “Well, I have faith in you.”
All of a sudden, it dawned on Mackenzie that perhaps her grandfather was
indeed past his prime.
“You’ll be in charge of the Quillen family sooner or later. Therefore, I can’t
make all the decisions for you.”
ㄉ
Unfortunately for her, she had already been feeling rather suffocated by the
burden on her shoulders. So, when she heard Terence’s words, she couldn’t
help but worry that she was about to crumple under the weight of his
expectations.
Yet, to her surprise, he suddenly guffawed before commenting, “By the way,
there’s one thing you have to do. When are you and Emmanuel going to give
birth to a great-grandchild for me?”
Mackenzie straightened her posture immediately upon hearing that and
said, “I’ll deal with work right now, Grandpa.”
“Hey!” Terence glowered at his granddaughter.
Still, he understood Mackenzie very well. He couldn’t force his granddaughter
to do something she didn’t want. Therefore, he reckoned that he had to
change tactics and start pressuring her other half, Emmanuel, instead.
When Alfred saw Mackenzie leaving the room, he bowed respectfully before
entering.
“It’s time for you to take your medication, Old Mr. Quillen.”
Terence nodded and let out a weary sigh. “I don’t even know if Lean live long
enough to see the birth of my great–grandchild.”
Alfred had listened to quite a few such complaints. So, he continued
preparing the medicine for Terence and replied, “You’ve always been in the
pink of health. I’m sure your wish will be granted.”
Alas, Terence didn’t feel comforted at all as the worried look on his face
merely deepened.
Chapter 690
Emmanuel still had a long way to go before he could truly become part of the
Quillen family. It seemed that before the man gained the acknowledgment of
all the Quillens, Mackenzie wouldn’t do the deed with him. Thus, Terence
reckoned that he had to tell the young man to be slightly more forward.
“When did you return, Mackenzie? Why didn’t you tell us?!”
The moment Mackenzie stepped into the living room, she immediately came
to the realization that her aunts and cousins were staying in the Quillen
residence to spend the New Year’s. When the old ladies saw Mackenzie, they
quickly surrounded her just like they were wont to do.
“Mackenzie, I heard that Emmanuel has been arrested. What happened?”
Samantha asked the question that everyone had been fretting over.
Mackenzie was well aware that many of her family members looked down on
Emmanuel, so she wasn’t willing to dwell on this topic. Thus, she simply
replied perfunctorily, “It’s nothing serious. He’s just cooperating with the
police’s investigation. He’ll be back soon.”
Hannah refuted, “Stop lying to Us,
know what’s going on. Emmanuel definitely had something to do with
Claudette’s death. The woman was Mr. Magnus‘ first love. I’m sure he and the
Lenoir family won’t let Emmanuel off.”
The other Quillen ladies became worried upon hearing that.
“Mackenzie, you’re not going to go against the Lenoir family and the Zelinsky
family for a man, are you?”
“I truly don’t know what you see in him, Mackenzie. Given how attractive you
are, you can surely find a man who is a hundred times better.”
“Mackenzie, everyone knows that you’re the most intelligent woman in
Yeringham. I’m sure you can deal with this issue easily.”
“You’d better sever any ties with him.”
-All of them kept jabbering on and on and on.
When Samantha noticed the tense line of Mackenzie’s shoulders and her
clenched fists, she hastily reprimanded these women, “All of you, shut it! Are
you doubting Mackenzie’s capabilities? She doesn’t need you to tell her what
to do!”
Although Mackenzie couldn’t say such a thing, Samantha could.
As the leader of the Quillen family, Mackenzie had to ensure the entire family
remained united under one goal. Therefore, she couldn’t say anything in
Emmanuel’s defense, lest she be accused of preferential treatment.
Only then did the Quillen women fall silent.
Mackenzie slowly unfurled her fists and said with a genial smile, “Thank you
for the advice. I’ll keep that in mind.”
With that, she turned around and left the Quillen residence. In her mind, she
couldn’t help but wonder just when she started finding the atmosphere
within the Quillen family repulsive.
In the past, she had hoped that Emmanuel would attain some achievements
so that her family members would accept him to be part of their family. Now,
she was trying to come up with a way that would make the man become a
bright star without changing who he actually was.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel was led to an interrogation room.
The light was dim, and the atmosphere was depressing. One would feel
distressed just by staying there.
Just then, the metal door opened with a click, after which Ashton entered the
room with a tablet and sat down across from Emmanuel.
The woman worked on the tablet and didn’t even spare Emmanuel a glance,
“I’ll start asking you questions about the cases involving Claudette Lenoir and
Hayden Hamilton. You have to answer my questions honestly,” she warned in
an icy voice.
Emmanuel reckoned that Hayden Hamilton was Black Bear’s real name.
“Your name.”
“Emmanuel Lowe,” he replied impassively.
“Why did you go to the Lenoir residence two days ago?”
“To save someone.”
“To save someone?” Ashton donned a sneer without even trying to conceal
her contempt upon hearing the man’s reply. “You said you went to the Lenoir
residence to save someone. Who was it?”
“Claudette Lenoir,” Emmanuel answered all of her questions seriously.
Nonetheless, Ashton only looked at the man with disdain while maintaining d
rather impressive sneer on her face.
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