Chapter 681

Mackenzie was furious, but she remained silent. It was the first time anyone had dared to criticize her taste in men to her face.

Assuming the woman's anger stemmed from her dislike of Emmanuel, Milani continued enthusiastically, “I heard the rich woman was sick of him and dumped him. Maybe the hospital found out he'd been with a rich woman, so they fired him. His previous job was low-class, too. He was a gynecologist—examining women's bodies. I used to have checkups at that hospital, and I almost undressed in front of him. Luckily, I was smart enough not to.”

She tutted. “If any woman let him see her naked, it would be the biggest humiliation of her life.”

Suddenly, a chilling coldness enveloped Milani. It felt like she'd fallen into an ice cave, and she struggled to breathe. What's going on? Ms. Quillen’s presence was powerful; even more domineering than her previous boss! Why is she angry?

Ignacio felt goosebumps from Mackenzie's iciness. He thought Milani was ruining everything. Why does she keep talking nonsense? Doesn't she know the more she speaks, the more mistakes she'll make?

Mackenzie stood and stared impassively at Ignacio. “Mr. Wallace, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

“Huh?” Ignacio finally registered her words.

As a successful businessman, he knew how easily one could offend powerful people without even realizing it. He quickly recalled Mackenzie's earlier question about whether Milani's presence was part of their arrangement.

Ignacio regretted his decision. He should have refused Milani entry or sent her away instead of letting her speak nonsense. He still couldn't understand Mackenzie's anger.

He pulled himself together and bowed. “I’m sorry for letting this woman disturb you, Ms. Quillen. I’ll get her out of here immediately. Someone, come in now!”

Outside the door, Noah knew he was doomed. Doesn't Milani know Ms. Quillen is bad-tempered? She hates nonsense, but Milani did it anyway!

Two of Ignacio's subordinates entered and grabbed Milani's arms. “H-How did I offend you, Ms. Quillen? Didn't you forgive me already? Why are you…”

Milani was puzzled, wondering if she’d become Ignacio's scapegoat or if the woman was insane. She seems temperamental!

Mackenzie didn’t look at her or speak.

“Throw her out of this room,” Ignacio ordered.

“Yes, Mr. Wallace.”

The subordinates threw Milani out, still in her wedding dress. She fell, bruising her forehead.

Only then did Mackenzie sit back down.

Ignacio sighed in relief, thinking Mackenzie hated Milani, not him. His subordinate closed the door.

Chapter 682

With only the two of them left, Mackenzie impassively asked, “Is there anything else, Mr. Wallace?”

“Yes,” Ignacio said hurriedly. “Ms. Quillen, we're both in the hospitality business, and our previous collaboration went very well. The Terence Group seems short on funds for its energy investments lately, so I wondered if you need financing. I happen to have some money sitting idle.”

I see what he’s doing now. Mackenzie understood his intentions. The apology was a pretense; he was using the wedding to discuss collaboration and enter the energy business.

“Since you’re so sincere, how much will you invest?” Mackenzie asked calmly.

After the conflicts with the Lenoir and Verkade families, the Terence Group had suffered losses. However, their foundation was solid. Terence invested 700 million, forcing the Lenoirs out and regaining market share—even more than before. The Terence Group could choose further financing or remain conservative.

“Ms. Quillen, my wealth is no match for your family's, but I’m willing to invest 280 million.”

What? 280 million? Mackenzie was startled and surprised. The older man had clearly made a lot of money in Onza.

Although the Quillens were the wealthiest family in Yeringham, Chanaea was vast. There were more powerful families. As the Quillen Group leader, she wanted to elevate the family further.

“Mr. Wallace, what are your conditions?” Mackenzie regained her composure and adopted an impassive expression.

“Haha. If you’re interested, I’d like to proceed according to business norms. I hope 280 million would be exchanged for company shares, giving me a seat on the Terence Group’s board of directors.” Ignacio stated his terms.

That’s reasonable. A powerful woman like Mackenzie wouldn't easily trust anyone. An easily fulfilled demand would arouse suspicion; an unreasonable one would be rejected. This demand was worth considering.

“I understand, Mr. Wallace. I’ll discuss this with my grandfather.” Mackenzie didn’t commit.

“Haha! I hope for good news soon. We can collaborate in hospitality and advance together in the energy market. I’m sure we’ll have a pleasant collaboration.”

Ignacio offered a gift: a dragon and phoenix white jade.

“I heard you’re a fan of Mr. Cline’s work, and you have a lover. This is a small gift, hoping for success in your relationship and career.”

He presented the gift with both hands.

A surprised Mackenzie smiled. “I’m afraid I can’t accept such an expensive gift, Mr. Wallace.”

She knew it was worth over 15 million.

“Haha. Ms. Quillen, it’s not expensive compared to the 30-million golden jade phoenix you’re wearing. My gift pales in comparison. If you don’t accept it, I’ll be embarrassed,” Ignacio said with a smile.

Mackenzie stared before accepting. “Thank you, Mr. Wallace. Please send it to my office.”

“Haha, sure. This way, Ms. Quillen.”

Ignacio was excited. Her acceptance suggested he'd secured the collaboration—a dream for any businessman to work with the Terence Group in energy. He'd seized the chance.

Leaving the suite, Mackenzie decided to put the collaboration aside. 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 like this?” Milani sobbed in the dressing room with Noah. What have I done to deserve this? I’m the bride, but I was humiliated by Noah’s uncle.

Noah loved her and said, “Alright, dear. Stop crying. Let’s retouch your makeup and meet the guests. It’s our wedding; you’re supposed to be happy.”

He could only appease her. Normally, he'd retaliate against anyone bullying his woman, but they were in Yeringham, not Onza, and the offender was from the Quillen family. He couldn't afford to offend her.

The makeup artist retouched Milani's makeup. Milani still didn't understand Mackenzie's reaction to her Emmanuel comments.

“That bastard Emmanuel is the jinx in my life!” Milani concluded. “Dear, you have to teach that good-for-nothing a lesson for me.”

“Don’t worry. Leave it to me.” Noah patted his chest. He couldn’t deal with Mackenzie, but teaching a man who lived off a woman like Emmanuel would be easy.

An argument at a table drew attention.

“Why are they arguing?” a woman asked.

“Haha. I heard it was a blind date gone wrong, and the families started cursing. It’s a good show,” a man replied, smiling.

Many watched. The bride and groom hadn’t arrived, so this was more interesting. Some suspected it was a staged reality show.

Tia looked and gasped. Isn’t that Ryder? Why is he on a blind date at someone else’s wedding? And his date is Milani’s cousin, Ruby.

“What nonsense are you spouting, bitch? I’m going to tear your mouth apart!” Ruby cursed, pointing at Roselynn.

Alessandra sighed, wanting to leave.

Roselynn refused to back down. She crossed her arms and sneered. “What’s wrong? Do you want to hit me because you can’t win? Everything I said is true, isn’t it?”

“Go to hell!” Belinda snapped. Seeing many watching, she became fiercer. “Everyone, be the judge. My daughter is beautiful, and this man is ugly. How does he dare go on a blind date with my daughter?”

Everyone nodded; Ruby was out of Ryder's league.

Tia felt sorry for Ryder. He wasn’t handsome, but he had a good heart. He remained calm even when mocked. Not every man could do that.

Roselynn remained firm. She smiled. “You say your daughter is beautiful? Tell her to remove her makeup and falsies. If she’s still beautiful and curvy, I’ll apologize and leave.”

Everyone laughed, thinking Roselynn was more beautiful and curvy than Ruby.

She was gorgeous and feisty. Many men found her straightforward and attractive. She could easily be the female lead in a women-centric novel.

“Y-You are so shameless!” Ruby yelled.

“Look who’s talking. You’ve been in more than ten relationships. You’re a divorcee. How dare you ask for a 140,000 bride price? Everyone, 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 her.

Chapter 684

Roselynn was sharp-tongued and had never lost an argument. She was fearless even against two people.

The bride price topic affected many onlookers, who immediately discussed it.

“This woman is out of her mind to demand 140,000. I’d marry her if it was one-tenth of that.”

“I wouldn’t marry her even for that. She’s been in more than ten relationships, and she’s a divorcee. She might even have kids. Why would I marry a woman like her?”

“Our society is going downhill. Some women don’t realize they’re not as good as they think.”

“Some women are too domineering and think men are supposed to contribute everything in marriage.”

Ruby and her parents were enraged when the onlookers sided with the other party.

Roselynn rubbed her nose, her gaze saying, You want to argue? I can destroy you with words!

“Y-You shameless bitch! I’ll kill you!” Ruby, unable to win, tried to slap Roselynn.

Roselynn, unexpectedly strong, slapped Ruby first.

She’s incredible! Many men cheered for Roselynn. Beautiful women seemed to have special rights.

“Ah!” Ruby screamed in fury.

“How dare you lay a hand on our daughter, bitch! I’ll destroy you!” Roderick and Belinda joined the fight.

Ryder stood in front of Roselynn but didn't fight back.

Many thought he was a coward. Roselynn had argued for him, but he was silent.

Even Roselynn thought he was inflexible.

Tia found the not-so-handsome man reliable. Beating someone up had consequences. His approach was sensible.

Jacob arrived with friends. He was ready to expose Emmanuel’s scandals, but seeing the fight, he charged forward.

“How dare you lay a hand on Ruby? I’ll kill you!” He had a reason to attack the Lowes.

Seeing Jacob and his people, Roselynn was flustered, worried about her mother.

Jacob targeted Roselynn, drawn to her beauty. He wanted to beat her up.

Even if arrested, he’d only be accused of assault and released after a few days. It was better than molestation.

He lunged at Roselynn, but before he could touch her, he was lifted into the air.

“E-Emmanuel?!” Jacob’s gaze was full of fear. This guy is drenched in bloodlust!

“How dare you attack my sister? Are you sick of living?” Emmanuel was incensed. He'd seen Jacob trying to molest Roselynn.

Chapter 685

Jacob gasped. “Ah! It hurts! Let go of me!”

His friends surrounded Emmanuel, thinking a tiger couldn’t defeat a pack of wolves. But Emmanuel was ferocious, and they were weak.

He tossed Jacob at his friends, sending them tumbling.

Everyone was dumbfounded. Tia looked at Emmanuel with admiration. Oh, my gosh! He’s so cool! How I wish I could marry him!

Alessandra 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. Her children had caused a scene.

Emmanuel smiled helplessly. He’d held back; otherwise, Jacob and his friends would have been hospitalized.

Roselynn disagreed. “What are you talking about, Mom? Jacob is a scoundrel. Manny did a good job beating him up. I would’ve crippled him if I had the chance!”

Tommy supported them. “Aunt Roselynn has a point. Uncle Manny did a great job!”

She’s so feisty! Several men found Roselynn attractive. But if she weren’t beautiful and curvy, they would have reacted differently.

Noah’s voice came from the crowd. “What’s going on? Why have all of you gathered here?”

Bodyguards parted the crowd for Noah and Milani.

“The bride and groom have finally arrived.”

“Things are getting more intense. The blind date failed, and they even attacked the groom’s brother-in-law. That family is in trouble.”

The onlookers were glad things were heating up.

Most guests were friends and relatives of the Lofis and Zimmerman families and would side with Milani’s family. They’d pounce on the Lowes if the bride and groom ordered it.

Jacob cried, “N-Noah, you’ve come at the right time. You have to stand up for me. The Lowe family are trash! Ryder was ashamed because the blind date failed, so he wanted to beat Ruby up. I went to stop them, but they attacked me. Look, my nose is bleeding.”

Milani burned with rage, recalling her feud with the Lowes. She pointed at Emmanuel. “You scumbag, Emmanuel! Are you still mad because our blind date failed? 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 trash like you. Stop dreaming!”

She confidently chastised him, as if everything she said was true. She wanted her friends and relatives to believe Emmanuel had pursued her, not vice versa.

Emmanuel wouldn’t argue, but Roselynn wouldn’t tolerate the slander.

She defended her brother. “Are you suffering from amnesia, Milani? You were the one who pursued my brother, but he rejected you. That’s why you’re angry now. I still have the screenshot of you confessing your love to him on social media. Do you want me to show it? How could you be so thick-skinned?”

Milani’s classmates whispered.

“Yeah, I have that screenshot too.”

“Why is Milani lying?”

Milani flushed. But she said coquettishly to Noah, “Dear, they’re lying and ganging up on me. Please stand up for me and destroy this shameless former date of mine.”

She sobbed, knowing these people didn’t matter as long as Noah believed her.

Noah remained unmoving; the name Emmanuel rang a bell. What’s going on?

Chapter 686

Noah rarely visited Yeringham and didn’t know these people.

“What should we do, Manny? Why don’t we apologize and leave?” Alessandra trembled.

She didn’t know her son could defeat them all, didn’t want another fight, worried about arrest, and it was someone else’s wedding.

Emmanuel nodded, ready to leave. He’d intended to congratulate Milani but saw no need now.

“Where do you think you’re going? Stop them!” Milani shrieked.

Their friends and relatives stopped the Lowes.

“You ugly bitch. Let’s see how you’re going to deal with this,” Ruby hissed, glaring at Ryder and Roselynn.

An icy voice said, “How dare you lay a finger on my family?”

Although she hadn’t raised her voice, it was piercing, freezing everyone. Fear struck their hearts.

Milani stiffened. Noah saw Mackenzie arrive and realized who Emmanuel was. Yes, that Emmanuel! Ms. Quillen brought hundreds to Onza and picked him up. My gosh! I didn’t know he was Milani’s former date! We’ve offended Ms. Quillen again. We’re doomed!

Mackenzie exuded power as she approached Emmanuel. Silence fell.

“Let’s go, Emmanuel.”

“Sure.” Emmanuel nodded.

Jacob spread his arms, grinning. “Hey, beautiful lady. Are you dreaming? Do you think you can leave just like this?”

He was captivated by her, even more charming than Roselynn. He wanted to touch her skin.

Noah stepped forward before things escalated and slapped Jacob for his stunt.

Jacob covered his face, petrified. “Noah, what are you-”

“Get lost!” Noah kicked Jacob away, knowing he’d otherwise drag the Zimmerman family into a quagmire.

Jacob fell, and Milani didn’t speak or move, as if she’d seen a ghost.

“Ah! Jacob!” Melody pushed through the crowd to help her son. She pointed at Noah. “What are you doing? How could you attack him?”

Noah didn’t know how to explain, frustrated. His anger flared, and he kicked Jacob again. “So what if I attacked him? He’s an utter fool!”

The friends and relatives from Onza or ordinary Yeringham families didn’t know Mackenzie. Seeing this, they were dumbfounded.

Chapter 687

“Let’s go.” Mackenzie left with an impassive expression, followed by Emmanuel and his family. No one dared stop them.

“W-What’s going on?”

The others didn’t investigate further, but Ruby, having been on a blind date with Ryder, was curious about the icy woman who'd taken the Lowes away. She secretly followed them.

The hotel general manager hurried down the corridor with security guards. He saluted Mackenzie respectfully. “Are you alright, Ms. Quillen? I was informed there was a commotion. I was worried about you.”

Alessandra still hadn’t realized her daughter-in-law’s identity. Ruby was flabbergasted as things clicked. An icy Ms. Quillen? Could she be the Ice Female CEO of Yeringham, Mackenzie Quillen? My goodness!

Ruby’s jaw dropped, staring dumbly at Mackenzie and the Lowes. She mourned her and Milani’s foolishness. They should have connected the dots when Milani mentioned Emmanuel having a wife named Mackenzie. They should have stopped their witch hunt then!

They hadn’t associated Emmanuel’s wife with the famous CEO. They knew he was a kept man but didn’t connect the dots. There was news about Mackenzie searching for her husband. How blind had they been?

With the clues, they should have realized Emmanuel’s wife was Mackenzie. If Ruby knew the Lowes were tied to the Quillens, she would have married Ryder instantly. Being part of the Lowe family meant no more money worries.

But they’d fallen out. Proposing now would be humiliating. She could only go home and plan to regain their favor.

“I’m fine. I have to leave now. I’ll leave the arrangements in your care,” Mackenzie ordered impassively.

“Yes, Ms. Quillen.” The general manager told someone to get the car ready.

Ryder knew Mackenzie was capable but was still shocked. Has Emmanuel’s wife gotten a promotion? Is she very influential now?

Mackenzie’s powerful family background hadn’t dawned on Alessandra. She felt Mackenzie’s respect was natural, given she was a manager from a large corporation with a vast network. Alessandra was uninterested in the upper class and only concerned about her grandchild.

At the hotel entrance, Mackenzie turned. “Ms. Cadigan and Roselynn, Emmanuel will take me home, so I’ll entrust your safe journey to the hotel.”

Alessandra, unwilling to part ways, took Mackenzie’s hands. “Sure, sure. When will you have time to visit me?”

Mackenzie was busy. “We’ll see, Ms. Cadigan. Emmanuel and I will definitely make time to visit you every month.”

Alessandra, disappointed, nodded. “Alright. Please call me before you come.”

Mackenzie nodded and walked toward her Maserati.

“I’ll see you again, Mom.” Emmanuel felt apologetic. Mackenzie was swamped with work—no time for lunch or bathroom breaks during busy times. He couldn’t force her to visit often. He hoped Ryder would find a wife soon to keep Alessandra company.

The wedding hall was still a mess. Noah had beaten his brother-in-law, creating tension. The onlookers were curious about the wedding’s continuation.

Chapter 688

After attacking Jacob, Noah closed his eyes in frustration, unsure how to salvage the mess. The Zimmermans were no match for his family, but he was still wrong to attack Jacob.

Ignacio arrived with people, frowning. “What’s going on?”

Noah recounted what happened in hushed tones.

Ignacio furrowed his brows. He was trying to partner with the Quillens in energy and couldn’t let the Zimmermans ruin his plan. If the Quillens were angry, he’d be doomed.

He considered before saying, “I’m sorry. There’s been a misunderstanding because both families haven’t…”

Milani stood dazed, an audience to her doomed wedding, not the bride. She knew she’d offended Mackenzie but was nothing compared to her. She wouldn’t dare vent her fury; she blamed Emmanuel.

That good-for-nothing is resentful because I refused to marry him. Now he’s married to a wealthy woman and wants to retaliate!

Milani gritted her teeth. Just you wait, Emmanuel! I’ll destroy you!

Emmanuel, oblivious to the havoc, drove the Maserati home, focused on Mackenzie. He got out, sneezing repeatedly, his eyelids twitching.

Mackenzie noticed. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing. Perhaps I’ve caught a cold,” Emmanuel smiled. He was rarely sick. This was strange. What is up with me today?

Mackenzie didn’t press, but felt a bad premonition. She wasn’t superstitious but had dabbled in metaphysics; science couldn't explain everything.

They left the parking lot. Three people approached.

The woman had a ponytail, a uniform, and black leather boots. She was about five-foot-seven, her gaze sharp. Two men in dark blue uniforms were behind her.

Emmanuel and Mackenzie frowned. They sensed why these people had approached.

“We’re from the Criminal Investigation Department, and this is my police ID.” Showing her ID, the woman said icily to Emmanuel, “We suspect you’ve been involved in two murder cases. Please come with us.”

The men bristled, ready to arrest Emmanuel.

Chapter 689

“Wait a minute!” Mackenzie stared at the woman. “Who are you? Why have I never seen you before?”

The woman glanced at her, smirked, and said, “My name is Ashton. I’m a new inspector in Yeringham. Are you doubting my identity, Ms. Quillen?”

But Ashton’s words didn’t ease Mackenzie’s wariness. The Quillens had a vast network in Yeringham. As the leader, she knew all the important figures. She wondered why Yeringham’s police department sent a new inspector.

“Let’s go. You’re not going to resist arrest, are you?” Ashton stared at Emmanuel.

Emmanuel looked at Mackenzie after fending off the officers.

“Go with them. I’ll make sure you won’t be accused of crimes you’ve never committed,” Mackenzie said.

Emmanuel nodded and left with them.

Mackenzie decided against going home and left the Yociam Residence.

Wally arrived in a Bentley. Mackenzie entered and ordered, “Get me to the Quillen residence as quickly as possible.”

“Yes, Ms. Quillen.”

Thirty minutes later, Mackenzie and Terence were in a private room, having dismissed the servants. Only Alfred was outside.

Learning about Emmanuel’s arrest, Terence said confidently, “Tell Lexi to look into Ashton’s background, Mackenzie. Don’t worry. In Yeringham, no one has the guts to harm one of ours.”

Mackenzie needed his assurance; that’s why she rushed here. She’d already asked Lexi to investigate. Even if wealthy families from Zovince wanted to harass them in Yeringham, they could only use bribed inspectors, not higher-ranking officers.

Mackenzie said, “Grandpa, Ignacio wants to invest 280 million and become part of Terence Energy.”

“I see.” Terence nodded. He’d already seen through Ignacio’s intentions.

“It’s up to you, Mackenzie.”

Huh? Mackenzie was startled by his cavalier response.

He stood, using a cane, and drawled, “Well, I have faith in you.”

Mackenzie realized her grandfather was 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.”

She felt suffocated by the burden. She worried she’d crumble under his expectations.

He guffawed. “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. “I’ll deal with work right now, Grandpa.”

“Hey!” Terence glared.

He understood he couldn’t force her. He’d pressure Emmanuel instead.

Alfred entered after Mackenzie left.

“It’s time for your medication, Old Mr. Quillen.”

Terence sighed. “I don’t even know if I’ll live long enough to see the birth of my great-grandchild.”

Alfred replied, “You’ve always been in the pink of health. I’m sure your wish will be granted.”

But Terence remained worried.

Chapter 690

Emmanuel had a long way to go before gaining full acceptance from the Quillens. Terence reckoned he needed to tell the young man to be more forward.

“When did you return, Mackenzie? Why didn’t you tell us?!”

Mackenzie entered the living room, realizing her aunts and cousins were staying for New Year’s. They surrounded her.

“Mackenzie, I heard Emmanuel has been arrested. What happened?” Samantha asked.

Mackenzie knew many family members looked down on Emmanuel and didn’t want to dwell on it. “It’s nothing serious. He’s cooperating with the police’s investigation. He’ll be back soon.”

Hannah refuted, “Stop lying. Emmanuel definitely had something to do with Claudette’s death. She was Mr. Magnus’s first love. He and the Lenoir family won’t let Emmanuel off.”

The other women worried.

“Mackenzie, you’re not going to go against the Lenoir and Zelinsky families for a man, are you?”

“I truly don’t know what you see in him, Mackenzie. You can surely find a man who is a hundred times better.”

“Mackenzie, everyone knows you’re the most intelligent woman in Yeringham. You can deal with this easily.”

“You’d better sever any ties with him.”

They kept talking.

Samantha saw Mackenzie’s tense shoulders and clenched fists. She reprimanded them. “All of you, shut it! Are you doubting Mackenzie’s capabilities? She doesn’t need you to tell her what to do!”

Mackenzie couldn’t say that, but Samantha could. As family leader, Mackenzie had to ensure unity. She couldn’t defend Emmanuel to avoid accusations of preferential treatment.

The women fell silent.

Mackenzie unfurled her fists and smiled. “Thank you for the advice. I’ll keep that in mind.”

She left, wondering when the Quillen family atmosphere had become repulsive.

She’d hoped Emmanuel would achieve something to gain acceptance. Now she was trying to make him a bright star without changing him.

Emmanuel was led to an interrogation room. The light was dim, and the atmosphere depressing.

Ashton entered with a tablet and sat opposite Emmanuel.

She worked on the tablet, not looking at him. “I’ll start asking you questions about the cases involving Claudette Lenoir and Hayden Hamilton. You have to answer honestly,” she warned icily.

Emmanuel realized 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 sneered. “Who?”

“Claudette Lenoir,” Emmanuel answered seriously. Ashton looked at him with disdain.