Chapter 671

Alessandra was embarrassed. Ryder, however, lacked eloquence and didn't know how to defend Emmanuel. Roselynn sneered, "It's the opposite. Emmanuel thinks your sister is too tacky for him; that's why he won't come."

"You!" Jacob, less sharp-tongued than Roselynn, was furious and wanted to strike her. Melody then emerged from the venue. "Well, look who it is. I didn't mean to invite you, Alessandra. I didn't expect you to come."

Melody's words were harsh, implying they were there for a free dinner. Alessandra, an honest housewife, was furious but speechless, while Roselynn rolled her eyes. "We just happened to pass by. If you don't welcome us, we'll leave."

She took Alessandra's hand, ready to depart. Alessandra, however, wanted to stay to arrange a date for Ryder, but feared embarrassing her daughter. Reluctantly, she turned to leave.

"Wait a minute!" Melody, impatient, stopped them. "Since you're here, come in! I didn't say I didn't welcome you!" She craved another cash envelope for her daughter's wedding.

Jacob said through clenched teeth, "That's right. Besides us, you probably don't have wealthy friends or relatives who could afford a five-star hotel wedding. You'll regret missing this."

Roselynn scoffed. The hotel was owned by relatives of the Quillens, naturally luxurious. If Jacob found out, he'd be embarrassed. Roselynn, not one to boast, kept quiet.

"Congratulations on your daughter's wedding," Alessandra said, formally handing Melody a cash envelope. Her priority was arranging Ryder's date with Ruby.

Roselynn, sporting a dark expression, eyed the Zimmerman family.

"Come in. We'll attend to other guests. See you later." Melody passed the envelope to the registration woman, unconcerned about the amount. She doubted the Lowes could afford much.

To her surprise, the woman exclaimed, "There's 5,000 in the envelope, Mrs. Claus!"

"What?!" Melody and Jacob were stunned. Regardless of their means, the Lowes were generous.

"Wellthanks. I'll prepare another table for you." Melody snorted. She wasn't generous, but it was the rule. She also feared Alessandra would cause a scene and embarrass the Zimmermans.

"Thanks," Alessandra replied, smiling. She didn't expect Melody to see her as malicious. She was generous and, with her family's recent prosperity, wanted to bless the newlyweds.

"Since you gave such a large envelope, why not ask Emmanuel to come? He doesn't need to give another envelope," Jacob suggested, not out of generosity, but because he and his friends wanted to mock Emmanuel. He'd heard from Milani that Emmanuel had lost his job and been dumped by a wealthy woman after showing off his Maserati. He wanted to embarrass the Lowes and get revenge for Milani, whom Emmanuel had repeatedly wronged.

Chapter 672

"I'll ask him later." Alessandra, kind-hearted, mistook Jacob and Melody's politeness for sincerity.

Jacob and Melody turned to greet other guests, confident Emmanuel would come for the free food.

After entering the venue, the Lowes saw its luxury. Roselynn dissuaded her mother from calling Emmanuel, saying he was keeping Mackenzie company.

Alessandra called anyway; Emmanuel declined, citing his presence at the Yociam residence. Mackenzie, working remotely, was preparing dinner. Hearing the call, she asked, "What's wrong?"

"Mom asked me to attend my 18th date's wedding again," Emmanuel replied.

Mackenzie looked gloomy at "18th date." She'd met Emmanuel on his 18th blind date. Though aware he no longer pursued Milani, she felt like Milani had sent an invitation. It would be inappropriate to refuse.

Her phone rang. "Hello, Grandpa? What's wrong?"

"Mackenzie, can you go to Luxoria Hotel?"

"Oh? Why?"

Emmanuel was startled; Luxoria was where Milani's wedding was held. He didn't know the hotel was the Quillens'.

Terence explained, "Remember Ignacio Wallace, owner of Zion Hotel? It's his nephew's wedding. He wants to apologize for previously offending you and Emmanuel and hopes you'll attend."

Mackenzie frowned. She usually wouldn't attend, but now she didn't mind. The Quillens were less powerful, so making friends was better. Plus, Emmanuel's 18th date was getting married there – Milani.

"Mackenzie, if you don't want to go, I'll decline. It doesn't matter," Terence said, aware of the Quillens' influence.

"Tell him I'll attend for 30 minutes."

Terence was surprised. Alfred then reported, "Old Mr. Quillen, the bride is Emmanuel's 18th date, Milani Zimmerman."

Terence realized why Mackenzie agreed. He chuckled, "It'll be fun for the young people."

Mackenzie told Emmanuel, "Let's go to the wedding." He obliged, as his mother and wife wanted him to attend.

Chapter 673

In Luxoria Hotel, a conspicuously dressed, middle-aged woman (Margot) caught Alessandra's eye. Alessandra approached, smiling, "I've brought my godson, Ms. Margot. Please arrange a meeting with the young miss." She slipped Margot a cash envelope.

Margot beamed. "Don't worry. No blind date is impossible. Whether your godson succeeds depends on him." Alessandra was her biggest client, having paid her 18 times before. She'd worried about losing her when Alessandra's son married his blind date, but Alessandra returned.

Margot swayed her hips towards Ruby, who was applying lipstick. Ruby, a bridesmaid, wore a revealing white dress.

"How are you, Zimmermans? Margot here! I'm introducing a wonderful man for Ms. Zimmerman!" Margot exaggerated Ryder's qualities. Ryder wasn't there; otherwise, he wouldn't admit it was him.

"Cut the crap. Let's see how much he'll pay," Roderick demanded, with Belinda agreeing. Ruby had many ex-boyfriends and a short-lived marriage; money was their priority.

"Of course. You'll discuss details with them," Margot replied; her job was to arrange the meeting. Secretly, she hoped for failure, guaranteeing more business.

Margot returned to Alessandra, smiling, "It's done. They want you to meet them. Tell him to seize the chance!"

Alessandra smiled, "Thanks, Ms. Margot!" She told Ryder, "Let's meet them."

Roselynn was displeased. "Mom, why didn't they come with Ms. Margot? Why do we have to go to them?" They gave Margot money, yet had to be subservient.

"Stop it, Roselynn! Ryder, as a man, should be proactive," Alessandra stopped her. Ryder, self-conscious, felt more comfortable taking the initiative.

He told Tommy not to follow before leaving with Alessandra and Roselynn.

Chapter 674

Ruby ignored Ryder. Before they sat, Roderick interrupted Margot, "Let's cut to the chase. A dowry of 70,000. Pay up, take my daughter."

"What?! 70,000?" Ryder was dumbfounded. He compared Ruby (who looked good with makeup) to Abellyn, whom he'd only given 14,000. Ruby's parents were unreasonable.

Roselynn found it laughable; they should evaluate their daughter first.

"What's wrong? Can't you afford it?" Belinda was even more aggressive than Margot, praising Ruby's qualities. Ryder didn't dare argue; Ruby was out of his league.

"Let's talk about the dowry later. Let them chat first," Alessandra said through clenched teeth; she'd pay whatever it took if Ryder liked Ruby.

Ruby looked up at Ryder, frowning, some powder falling. How dare this ugly man date me? Seeing Alessandra and Roselynn, she exclaimed, "Oh, it's you two!"

Roselynn sneered, "Yes. Let's be blunt. Milani only demanded 70,000. You're not young or beautiful; do you think you're worth the same?"

Ruby snapped, "I'm not worth 70,000? This man is ugly and has a child. 140,000, or he can get lost!"

Roselynn was exasperated. Ryder didn't want to continue; he couldn't afford 140,000.

Belinda defended her daughter, "He's incapable. Why would I let my daughter marry him without money?"

"Enough!" Roselynn couldn't tolerate it anymore. "Ruby is five-foot-three? Let her stand up. I'm five-foot-six; if her head's at my nose, I'll apologize. Remove her makeup; her skin must be blemished. Well-mannered? She's feisty. Talented? In bed? She's had many relationships and a marriage. Maybe she is skilled in bed."

Roselynn directly attacked Ruby's shortcomings. Ryder felt more confident.

Chapter 675

A Maserati arrived at Luxoria Hotel; security guards and the general manager greeted the passenger.

"Goodness! A big shot?" Jacob and Melody, greeting guests at a side entrance, noticed the ostentation. It was like a CEO's arrival in a romance novel.

"We've been here all morning and haven't seen this," Melody said. Even the Lofis family didn't receive this treatment.

"I'll have a look, Mom!" Jacob rushed to the main entrance, wondering if it was for Milani's wedding.

Mackenzie stepped out of the car.

"My gosh! Her legs are beautiful!" Jacob, hiding in the crowd, drooled over her figure. She was wealthy and gorgeous. He dreamed of meeting, falling in love with, and marrying her, like in romance novels.

Security guards pushed him away. "What are you doing? No yelling!" They wouldn't let him cause a scene.

"Dang it!" Jacob was frustrated. He was at the bottom of the social ladder; he almost saw the wealthy young lady but was pushed away. He wondered if she was different.

Emmanuel exited the car, thanking the valet. The hotel security knew him as Mackenzie's husband; it was said she was still evaluating him.

"This way, Ms. Quillen and Mr. Lowe." The general manager bowed, and, following Mackenzie, added, "Mr. Wallace and Noah arranged a presidential suite for you."

"Alright," Mackenzie replied dispassionately, turning to Emmanuel. "Why don't you go to the wedding? She's your 18th date, and she wooed you. Bless her."

Emmanuel nodded. He understood his wife better now. Her words showed displeasure and jealousy. Why is she jealous? I never had an ambiguous relationship with Milani!

The general manager wondered why Mackenzie married a man who'd been on 18 blind dates. Even the worst novelist wouldn't write that.

Emmanuel didn't care and went to the wedding through a different corridor. Jacob and Melody returned to the venue.

"Mom, our relatives are stingy! The biggest envelope was 5,000, while the groom's side received over 10,000," Jacob complained.

Chapter 676

Milani had promised Jacob the wedding money for his future wedding.

"Yes, it's embarrassing," Melody sighed. "The biggest envelope came from your sister's ex-date's family. We'll be laughingstocks."

"Haha! Rich people are stingy, poor people pretend to be generous," Jacob laughed. "Emmanuel's family is poor, but gave 5,000 to his ex. Isn't he still hung up on Milani?"

Melody agreed. "Milani must be the most beautiful woman he dated. He must regret not giving us a 70,000 bride price."

"Exactly, haha!" Jacob grinned. "I'm surprised the poor guy, with a 12,000 annual income, isn't here for a free meal—"

He froze, rubbing his eyes, shocked to see Emmanuel in the corridor. Emmanuel, having overheard, felt his lips twitch. The Zimmermans were despicable.

"Haha, Mom! What was I saying? I told you he'd come for a free meal!" Jacob guffawed, approaching Emmanuel. "Sneaking in through the side door? Embarrassed?"

"Why would I be embarrassed?" Emmanuel found him laughable. "Milani wooed me, and I rejected her. Now she's found her man, I'm here to bless them. Isn't our envelope the biggest you received?"

Jacob's smile froze; he felt like a fool. Emmanuel smiled disdainfully and brushed past.

Jacob was incensed. He planned revenge but was humiliated. Getting revenge was difficult.

"Such a shameless person! He doesn't dare enter through the main door but argues with me! What gives him the confidence? Doesn't he know Milani is marrying a wealthy man?" Jacob yelled.

Melody placated him, "Alright, Jacob. Stop being mad! He'll see Milani's marrying an incredible man. We'll humiliate him later. Let's see how he acts then."

"Right. I'll tell Milani to join forces with us. Dang it!" Jacob headed to the bride's dressing room.

Chapter 677

Tia, Milani's friend (not a bridesmaid), attended as a classmate.

"Isn't that Milani's ex-boyfriend, Emmanuel?"

"Why is he here?"

"Haha! His ex is getting married. If he doesn't come, people will say he's narrow-minded and misses her."

"Since he's here, there'll be a good show!"

Youngsters recognized Emmanuel; Milani's public confession had been a stir.

Tia was frustrated. Milani was to blame; they weren't even in a relationship. Milani, married to a wealthy man from Onza, would use her husband's power to retaliate.

What should I do?

"Let's get the bride," someone said.

"Yeah, let's watch a good show first!"

"Milani's husband is a wealthy, hot-tempered man from Onza. If he finds out, how will he deal with Emmanuel?"

They texted Milani, hoping for chaos.

'Your former Prince Charming is here!' 'Don't let your husband see him! What if they fight?' 'Do you still love him?'

Milani replied, 'Alright, just wait! There will be a good show!'

They were excited. Tia ran towards Emmanuel.

"Hey, what's going on with Tia?" "No way! Has she hooked up with Emmanuel?" "Is she going to betray Milani?"

Ignoring them, Tia whispered to Emmanuel, "Milani will join forces with her husband to deal with you. Leave now."

Emmanuel was startled but unfazed. After sparring with Magnus, a young master from a powerful family, he wasn't bothered by the Zimmermans.

"Since I'm here, I'm not leaving. Don't worry about me."

Tia couldn't do anything. Classmates worried there wouldn't be a show and pulled Tia back. Emmanuel ignored them and looked for his mother. He saw Tommy alone and approached him.

Milani stood up, biting her lip, and ordered, "Jacob, tell your friends to expose Emmanuel – a wealthy woman's kept man who got dumped and lost his 12,000 job! Make it interesting!"

Jacob was startled but excited. "Won't we cross the line? I'm worried people will say we're mean!"

Chapter 678

"Why worry?" Milani was smug. "Everyone knows I'm marrying a wealthy man from Onza. No one will offend me today. They'll side with us!"

Jacob guffawed. "You'll definitely destroy Emmanuel!"

Milani was arrogant. "I'll tell Noah to make arrangements. If that boorish man tries to attack me, I'll have people beat him up!"

She wanted revenge for being mocked. Jacob thought Milani was vicious; even as her brother, he was no match. He reminded her, "Emmanuel's cousin is on a blind date with Ruby. Ruby will reject him. Why don't we…"

"Include that story! Tell everyone – when Emmanuel proposed, he couldn't even afford the bride price!" Milani clenched her fists.

"Haha, sure! I'll arrange it right away," Jacob ran out, excited.

Milani composed herself and headed to the presidential suite. She bumped into a gorgeous, graceful woman. Milani felt devastated; even in top condition, she couldn't compare.

Who is she? She turned and yelled, "Stay right there!"

She remembered a woman who'd wrecked Noah's proposal – the woman before her. Why is she in Yeringham? She didn't know Mackenzie, but Mackenzie knew her. She ignored Milani, but Milani yelled at her.

"What are you doing here?" Milani sneered. "You've dressed up nicely. Are you here to meet someone else's husband? You wrecked Noah's proposal, and now you dare come to our wedding!"

Mackenzie scoffed and entered the suite.

"Hey, arrogant woman! Are you sick of living? I'll kill you!" Milani was incensed. Doesn't she know I'm the bride? She couldn't open the door; she shouted outside.

Noah called out, "What are you doing, Milani?"

Milani saw Noah and his uncle, Ignacio, who looked displeased. Milani, oblivious, hooked her arm around Noah, "You've come at the right time, dear. You have to stand up for me!"

"Haha! As your husband, I'll surely stand up for you," Noah said, doting on Milani.

Chapter 679

Noah doted on Milani because: she was beautiful, capable (a manager at Cloud Construction at 27), and knew how to please him.

"Dear, remember the woman who messed up your proposal?" Milani asked.

Noah was shocked and glanced at Ignacio. "Sure, I remember."

He dipped his head; because of the incident, Ignacio scolded him. They held the wedding here to apologize to Mackenzie.

Ignacio had a premonition; had Milani offended Ms. Quillen?

Milani was blinded by resentment. She rubbed her chest against Noah's arm, "That's great. I think that woman will cause a scene. She ran into her room when she saw me. Help me get her out and lecture her!"

"What?!" Noah was flabbergasted and glanced at Ignacio.

Ignacio's face burned with rage. Has this stupid woman offended Ms. Quillen again?!

Milani paid no attention. Seeing Noah's agitation, she thought he was furious. She fanned the flames, "That woman is probably a mistress. She's wearing expensive clothes. I'm not afraid of her. I'll slap her."

She realized something was wrong. Noah tried to stop her, but it was too late.

"Shut up!" Ignacio growled, startling Milani. He slapped her. She was dumbfounded but didn't dare flare up.

"You made a mistake, Milani. We invited that woman. She's a big shot we can't offend!" Noah explained.

Milani was astounded; she realized why she was slapped. She was curious who the woman was; even an Onza hotel owner feared her.

Ignacio ordered Noah coldly, "Take her inside and apologize to Ms. Quillen now."

Chapter 680

Milani was petrified. That woman is the legendary Icy Female CEO and from one of the wealthiest families?!

She'd heard of Mackenzie but hadn't met her. She'd hoped to meet her to boast, but she offended her.

My gosh! I'm so stupid! How could I offend a big shot like her?!

Ignacio rang the doorbell. After Mackenzie granted permission, he opened the door. Noah and Milani stood outside like students who'd made a mistake.

"Haha. It's my honor to have you here, Ms. Quillen," Ignacio said, buttering Mackenzie up.

Mackenzie, dealing with work, looked up.

"I'm glad to be here too, Mr. Wallace," she replied icily. "Thanks for booking the suite. Is the woman outside also your arrangement?"

Ignacio was startled. "Noah, take your wife inside and apologize to Ms. Quillen now!"

Milani rushed in and knelt before Mackenzie.

Mackenzie frowned, not expecting Emmanuel's 18th date to be this kind of woman. Alessandra hadn't been selective. No wonder Emmanuel didn't want any of them.

"I didn't know who you were, Ms. Quillen. Sorry for offending you. Please accept my apology," Milani begged.

She hoped for forgiveness; it'd be best if they became friends. "Isn't it coincidental we've bumped into each other twice? I'm Milani Zimmerman. I helped with the warehouse project for the Terence Group."

"Oh, it's you," Mackenzie replied, pretending to know her.

Milani beamed. "Yes, it's me. Do you know me? It's my honor."

"Yes, I heard of your name," Mackenzie said calmly. "It was thanks to Emmanuel that the project was completed. I heard from Lexi that you were his date. You could have been potential partners."

Milani didn't realize Mackenzie was probing her. She smiled, thinking Mackenzie wanted to chat. They could be friends!

"To tell you the truth, it was the worst thing that ever happened to me. Even though he helped the Terence Group, his personality is terrible," Milani said.

"Oh? What do you mean?" Mackenzie asked.

Milani was excited. Mackenzie wasn't icy; she seemed to love gossip. She got to her feet and snorted. "He's a horrible guy. After I rejected him, he hooked up with a rich woman. I wonder who she was for keeping a plaything like him. She has awful taste."

Mackenzie furrowed her brows, her gaze sharp.