Chapter 12

Mackenzie turned on her phone and tossed it to Emmanuel. Emmanuel caught it, but before he could read the information, Mackenzie said, in an irresistible tone, "Help me expedite this project. It needs to be completed within a month!"

Baffled, he quickly read the message: Terence Group had commissioned Cloud Construction to build a large-scale, strategic warehouse for one billion dollars; the deadline was the end of the month. However, Cloud Construction had informed Terence Group two days prior that the project couldn't be completed on time.

Confused, he asked, "Terence Group can recoup the funds and demand fifty million dollars from Cloud Construction for breach of contract. Why are you so desperate to finish it?"

Mackenzie smirked, a domineering and resolute look in her eyes. "If this warehouse isn't completed on time, Terence Group will suffer an obscene loss of profit. Fifty million won't compensate for that. Do you understand?"

Emmanuel was stunned. No wonder this woman was an executive in a large corporation. Her ambition surpassed even that of most men. Someone else might have been content with fifty million dollars, but she craved even greater profits! He'd doubted her claim of earning three billion dollars annually, but now he believed her. It was a shame that the money went to the company, not her. Otherwise, she'd be living in a mansion instead of her two-hundred-square-foot apartment.

Chapter 12: Emmanuel Again

"You think too highly of me, Ms. Quillen," Emmanuel smiled. "If Terence Group's project managers can't solve this, why do you think a mere gynecologist like me can?"

"Useless!" Mackenzie sighed. She wouldn't have been so dismissive if another man had said that, but because he was her husband, he was special.

The project was crucial, and as Terence Group's CEO, she couldn't stand idly by. She'd already sent numerous people to urge Cloud Construction to meet the deadline, but all had failed. She'd accepted the project was doomed, but seeing Emmanuel unflinching despite recent injuries—remembering how he'd fearlessly faced five thugs—rekindled unrealistic expectations.

"Wait!" Emmanuel said, seeing the disappointment in her eyes. "I'll help, but if I succeed, you must do something for me in return."

She turned to the slightly agitated man and grinned. I seem to have ignited his fighting spirit. "What is it?"

"You must return home with me to meet my mother and sister as my wife," he stated firmly. This is my best chance. If I miss this, who knows when she'll come home with me.

Her expression shifted as she stared at him. In reality, she hadn't acknowledged their marriage. She expected it to end at any moment and didn't want others involved; it would only complicate things. However, she doubted his success, so she agreed.

Chapter [Number Needed]

Emmanuel breathed a sigh of relief. I'm so excited! Mom's worries will be eased seeing my wife.

Meanwhile, Milani's mother berated her again upon her return home. Melody favored wealth and constantly pressured Milani into blind dates, hoping she'd marry a wealthy man, receive a betrothal gift, and help her son find a wife. So, when Milani told her Emmanuel had returned the ten million dollars, her reaction mirrored Milani's. Jacob, however, was furious. How could anyone be that stupid? I'm still waiting for my future brother-in-law's betrothal gift to buy a house and a car!

"Don't worry, Mom. The company recognized my worth and promoted me to project supervisor!" Milani said, to prevent another blind date. "Once I complete the project, I'll earn a three-hundred-thousand-dollar bonus! Maybe it'll even lead to another promotion!"

She was Cloud Construction's new project supervisor, but her knowledge of the company's upper echelons was limited, having just been promoted. In reality, she'd gotten the position because the previous supervisor had quit under the pressure from Terence Group's constant demands, despite the project's stagnation. No one wanted the hot potato, so the higher-ups offered a lucrative reward to find a scapegoat. Milani, blissfully unaware, was thrilled with her promotion.

Jacob leaped with joy. "Really? If she gives me her entire bonus, I can buy a decent car!"

"Of course. I'll take care of your wedding," Milani boasted.

"You're the best, Milani! I love you!"

"We're counting on you, Milani," Melody added. Milani's family had high hopes for her.

That night, Milani was nearly sleepless with excitement. The next day, she received an email from Terence Group inviting her to an eight o'clock meeting at the café where she'd had her blind date.

She was puzzled by the time and location. Do they know I'm beautiful and want to hit on me? Many male employees see me as a goddess. She applied heavy makeup after work, looking even prettier than on her date with Emmanuel. Before leaving, she adjusted her bra. If the client is influential and I please him, my position is secure. I might not even need to worry about money!

Excited, Milani arrived at the café. After waiting five minutes at table eight, anxiety set in. Looking up, she experienced déjà vu: Emmanuel, late again, sat down with a smile.

Stunned, Milani stared at him with wide eyes. What the heck is this situation?