Chapter 691

Mackenzie went straight to the company after leaving the Quillen residence. Given the current atmosphere in the Quillen family, she couldn't bring herself to stay any longer. Besides, with Emmanuel absent, she wasn't willing to return to the Yociam Residence either.

"Ms. Quillen! Ms. Quillen!"

Lexi, a single workaholic, had already enthusiastically returned to work after her time off. Seeing Mackenzie arrive, she hurried over.

"What's wrong?" Mackenzie rarely saw Lexi so flustered, indicating something significant had happened.

Lexi quickly replied, "The new inspector, Ashton, is actually my cousin. She's one of Magnus's fervent fans."

Mackenzie was surprised. Although she'd never met Magnus, she'd heard much about him—one of Zovince's Four Geniuses. Scholars in Chanaea called him "Magnus the Genius." He was renowned for his manners and gentlemanly demeanor; undoubtedly an intelligent, elegant, and wealthy scion. He enjoyed socializing and traveling, frequently appearing on variety shows, presenting himself as a genius to the public. Thus, his massive popularity wasn't surprising.

"Are you worried she'll harm Emmanuel because she loves Magnus?"

"She definitely will," Lexi said confidently. "I know her. She's proud and selective in men, but very fond of Magnus. Once, someone questioned Magnus's abilities in front of her, saying he didn't live up to his name. She beat that person up without hesitation. She's adept at martial arts, but hot-tempered—the other officers secretly call her 'Tyrannosaurus.' If she interrogates Emmanuel, I'm worried he'll be tormented."

After listening, Mackenzie unconsciously balled her fists on the table. Lexi noticed the cold glint in Mackenzie's eyes as she said impassively, "It seems someone is targeting Emmanuel."

"Exactly!" Lexi agreed. "Ashton isn't the only inspector transferred to Yeringham from Nuthana; there's also a male inspector."

"Alright," Mackenzie nodded. After a moment's thought, she ordered, "Help me call the captain, Lexi."

"Yes, Ms. Quillen." Lexi tried, but no one answered.

"What should we do, Ms. Quillen? Perhaps the captain is busy." Lexi was anxious. Without intervention, Emmanuel would face significant hardship, potentially ending in a terrible state.

"Get the car ready. I have to go to the police station now."

"Yes, Ms. Quillen."

Meanwhile, in a small room, Ashton scoffed at Emmanuel. "According to the evidence, you abducted Ms. Lenoir under the pretense of treating her illness. If you wanted to save her, you could have done so at her house."

"No," Emmanuel replied seriously. "Someone wanted to kill her at her house."

"That's the funniest joke I've ever heard," Ashton said, barely concealing her contempt. She was beautiful, but Emmanuel felt only disdain.

"Then tell me who was trying to harm Ms. Lenoir at her home."

"Magnus Zelinsky!" Emmanuel promptly replied.

Ashton slammed her pen on the table, making it tremble and hurting Emmanuel's ears. He noticed her violent reaction, realizing she was skilled in martial arts.

"I've been told I have a bad temper, so I suggest you stop talking nonsense," Ashton said, her sharp gaze mounting pressure. "Everyone in Chanaea knows Magnus has always loved Ms. Lenoir. He came from Zovince to Yeringham to help her. How dare you accuse him of killing her?"

Emmanuel met her gaze calmly. Her angry breathing was visible.

Chapter 692

Emmanuel was unconsciously observing Ashton's chest. She noticed and yelled, "You bastard!"

The next moment, she punched him. Seated and handcuffed, he could only tip his head back to dodge. To his surprise, Ashton was agile, using the table for leverage to sweep her leg at his face. The force of the blow was startling.

He was shocked by her determination to kill him in a police station. An ordinary person would have died or suffered severe brain damage. He desperately used his leg to defend himself.

Ashton's attack continued relentlessly. Landing on the ground, she grabbed his collar to throw him. Unable to break free from the cuffs, he pressed his knee against her bottom, preventing her from exerting force. He could have aimed for her waist, but her aggression limited his options.

He then saw a familiar tattoo on her neck. Snake Master and Richie had similar tattoos—what did this mean?

"Bastard!" Ashton, believing he was teasing her, became increasingly enraged, her face turning red. She released him and rained blows upon him.

He kicked the chair away and moved backward, warding her off with his legs. Ashton, the police wrestling champion for three consecutive years, the national boxing champion for two years, and the current national mixed martial arts champion, was infuriated that she couldn't defeat a handcuffed suspect. The humiliation was unacceptable.

"Argh!" She kicked at him with brute force. Emmanuel dodged, and she crumpled the chair behind him with a satisfied gleam in her eyes. She was ruthless.

Emmanuel was astounded and knew he couldn't underestimate her. Though only a few years younger, she was a formidable opponent, clearly talented in martial arts.

"What's going on, Ash?"

The commotion alerted others. A burly man and two subordinates entered.

"Nothing. This bastard refuses to cooperate and dares to talk nonsense. I'm just teaching him a lesson," Ashton said, known throughout the force for her hot temper and disregard for authority.

"Calm down, Ash!" The burly man, Deon Harvey, saw the broken chair and stopped Ashton. "You should leave. I'll take over."

"Mr. Harvey!" Ashton, wanting to punish Emmanuel, was unwilling to leave.

"Get out!" Harvey ordered sternly. As a higher-ranking inspector, his order was absolute.

Before leaving, she threatened Emmanuel, "Just you wait!"

Emmanuel found her ridiculous. "You wanted to bully me, but you failed. Why is it my fault?"

Ashton's temper flared, and she lunged at him again.

Chapter 693

A red Bentley sped toward the police precinct.

"Ms. Quillen, Captain Shaw just called back!" Lexi exclaimed excitedly.

"Answer it," Mackenzie ordered calmly, her eyes brightening slightly.

"Hello, Ms. Quillen? Happy New Year. I heard you're looking for me," a middle-aged man's voice said.

"Happy New Year, Captain Shaw! Are you at the precinct? I need to talk to you." Mackenzie explained the urgency. Emmanuel was skilled, but bound, he would eventually lose.

"Oh, what bad timing! I just retired before the new year!"

"What? You retired?" His unexpected retirement shocked them.

Mackenzie worried. Was the Zelinsky family controlling everything in Yeringham?

"Haha, yes!" he chuckled. "People in my line of work risk their lives. By our forties and fifties, our bodies are riddled with injuries. We should let the youngsters take over."

Mackenzie hastily asked, "Captain Shaw, who's taking over?" The Quillens maintained public relations annually; Finlay's early retirement meant they hadn't contacted the new captain.

"Oh, that man! He's amazing!" Finlay's tone changed. "He's only 30, but his resume and abilities far surpass mine!"

Mackenzie and Lexi exchanged glances, their breaths catching.

"His name is Sage Payne, recently retired from a mysterious military unit. They call him the Jade Beast. He's incredibly skilled at interrogation; he once intimidated an underground boss solely with his aura. The guy lost his wits!" Finlay spoke with amazement and respect.

Lexi looked at Mackenzie anxiously, sensing her unease despite her unchanged expression.

"Thank you, Captain Shaw," Mackenzie ended the call, falling silent. The new captain could be friend or foe; if an enemy, Emmanuel was in deep trouble.

Meanwhile, in the small room, Deon Harvey shouted, "Stop!" Ashton left furiously. Emmanuel felt aggrieved; he'd cooperated but refused to be beaten.

He thought Deon was decent, but after Ashton left, Deon signaled his subordinates. One shut the door, the other turned off surveillance. Emmanuel sensed danger. Was Deon pretending?

As expected, a gun was pointed at Emmanuel. "Kid, confess. Did you kill Hayden Hamilton?" Deon interrogated him, seeming to consider him unimportant. He was being accused of assaulting an officer; even skilled, Emmanuel was powerless against a weapon.

Chapter 694

A gun was a significant threat.

"Did Magnus tell you to do this?" Emmanuel asked disdainfully.

"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm following protocol," Deon said, aiming the gun at Emmanuel's temple. "Confess. You'll suffer less, and we can wrap this up quickly."

Emmanuel was amused. "Why force me to admit to killing Harvey? What about Claudette?" He wondered if Deon knew Magnus killed Claudette.

Deon surprised him. "We haven't found Ms. Lenoir's body, so we can't reach a verdict."

What? They hadn't found her? It had been two days.

Deon's subordinates made Emmanuel fingerprint a pre-prepared confession. Emmanuel resisted, sending one flying with his shoulder and kicking the other away.

"You piece of shit!" Deon fired his gun.

Bang!

The gunshot startled Ashton at the door. She gritted her teeth. She wanted to beat Emmanuel for slandering Magnus, but not kill him. Had Deon lost his mind?

Before she could enter, another man arrived. "Y-You're Mr. Payne!" Ashton was dumbfounded then elated.

She joyfully ran to Sage Payne, her idol. She idolized only two men—Magnus and Sage, her former military instructor, the Jade Beast, the strongest man she knew.

"Ash? Is that you?" Sage, a handsome man with a long facial scar from battle, declined her embrace. She smiled, "Yes, Mr. Payne! I heard you're becoming captain in Yeringham, so I applied for a transfer to serve you!"

Sage nodded, asking, "Are they interrogating Emmanuel about Ms. Lenoir's case?"

"Yes, we've arrested the murderer, Emmanuel Lowe!" she confirmed.

Upon hearing the name, Sage's expression changed. He kicked open the locked metal door.

Chapter 695

"W-What happened here?!" Ashton was stunned. She expected to see a dead or bleeding Emmanuel after hearing the gunshot.

"Was I hearing things?" she muttered, seeing Deon and his subordinates unconscious.

Sage was examining the bullet hole in the wall, deep in thought.

"Be careful of this maniac, Mr. Payne! He's probably dangerous!" Ashton warned, finally recognizing Emmanuel's strength.

Mr. Payne? Emmanuel was secretly stunned and trembled slightly at the scar.

Sage stopped Ashton as she moved toward Emmanuel. "Stop it, Ash! You're being impudent to him!"

What? Ashton was startled and indignant. Why was Sage, usually cold and unfathomable, being respectful to Emmanuel?

Sage ignored her, walking over to Emmanuel and respectfully saying, "Mr. Lowe, pardon me, but please tell me about the case details."

Mr. Lowe? Pardon me? Please? Ashton was confused. What was going on?

Emmanuel cursed Sage mentally. Why was Sage being so formal with outsiders present?

"Hey, Mr. Payne is talking to you!" Ashton, already angry, wanted to kick Emmanuel for delaying his response.

"Um, well Magnus brought Black Bear to kill me and Ms. Lenoir. Protecting her, I accidentally killed Black Bear. I swear I was defending myself! Magnus threw her off a cliff! I swear!" Emmanuel trembled deliberately.

"Damn, you're still talking nonsense!" Ashton didn't believe him, further convinced he was playing tricks. She wanted to hit him.

"Oh! I see!"

Chapter 696

Sage stared intently at Emmanuel, frowning slightly. He thought he might have the wrong person. This Emmanuel wasn't the one from the Northern Region.

Information about the Northern Region Wolf Warrior Unit was an S-rank secret; information on the Wolf Warriors was SSS-rank. He and Emmanuel were former comrades. How could he not know his name?

"Um, yes, that's how it is Sir, can I leave now? My wife is waiting" Emmanuel continued his act.

Sage remained motionless for a long time; Emmanuel felt uncomfortable under his burning gaze.

"Can you raise your head?" Sage insisted slowly.

"Sir, I'm not some beautiful woman. What's there to see?" Emmanuel continued his act to protect his identity. He didn't want to jeopardize his mission to eliminate enemies.

Sage noticed something fishy. His keen senses could detect deception.

Ashton was confused. Why was Sage so polite to this bastard? She'd never seen him treat anyone this way.

Emmanuel refused to look up; Sage didn't force him, kneeling to look at Emmanuel's face.

Ashton was shocked. Sage was being polite to this bastard?

Sage's eyes lit up with elation. He was certain. It was him! The one he'd searched for three years.

He didn't know why Emmanuel was denying his identity, but he believed he had the right person. "Greed and brutality reign on the battlefield, but we sustain on bonds of brotherhood!" He recited their old slogan.

Emmanuel sighed in exasperation. His past decision betrayed his creed as a Wolf Warrior. He felt guilty for the unit's downfall.

He had to keep faking it. "What's going on? Why are you reciting poems? Can I go home? I miss my wife and son. Who wants to spend the night here? Damn it!"

"Mr. Lowe, you can't hide it. Please stop pretending," Sage said, gripping Emmanuel's shoulders.

"Hey, grumpy girl, I don't mind that you're stupid and low-level, but why is your captain acting weird? Don't you have anyone with common sense? How am I supposed to put up with this?" Emmanuel kept up the act, being rude and arrogant.

Sage shook Emmanuel forcefully. "Mr. Lowe, why won't you acknowledge me? It's me, Night Wolf! Don't you remember me? I'm Night Wolf!"

Ashton was shocked. The bastard she despised was superior to her idol!

Chapter 697

Emmanuel looked at Sage as if he were insane. Sage no longer doubted his identity; his emotions calmed. The more flawless Emmanuel's performance, the surer Sage was. Was Emmanuel on a special mission?

"Ashton, drag the others out. I'll deal with this case personally," Sage ordered.

"Huh? Yes, sir!" Ashton saluted, still confused about Sage's deference to Emmanuel.

Sage ignored everyone. After Ashton removed the men, he locked the door. Emmanuel knew he couldn't avoid acknowledging his comrade.

"Mr. Lowe, with no outsiders, please stop pretending if you still consider me your comrade," Sage pleaded.

"Sorry, you must have the wrong person. I have no idea what you're talking about," Emmanuel refused.

"No! I won't mistake anyone for you, even if I die! I may mistake the whole world, but never you!" Sage gripped Emmanuel's shoulders. "Do you remember the scar on my face? On the battlefield, we ran out of bullets and fought in close combat! I felled 28 enemies, but seven holes appeared on my body. I got slashed on the face! I thought I was dead, but Mr. Lowe, you descended from above and saved me! You used your unique medical skill to pull me back! My life belongs to you, so how can I mistake anyone for you?"

Emmanuel sighed.

"Mr. Lowe, why won't you admit your identity? Do you not consider me your comrade anymore?" Sage continued, revealing his Jade Beast side.

Emmanuel's heart throbbed. He couldn't mistreat his comrades. He'd sacrificed a mission to save them. He didn't want to repeat his mistakes. Before completing Kolton's mission, he didn't want to expose his identity, not even to his long-lost comrade. He didn't know what transpired in the past three years, but he'd experienced betrayal. Especially now, knowing Magnus had sent men to attack him.

Suddenly, Sage clutched his chest, sweating profusely, his body trembling uncontrollably.

"Hey, what's up with you?" Emmanuel was shocked.

Sage produced medicine, shakily taking some. His trembling ceased, but his face remained pale.

Emmanuel smelled the medicine and panicked. "Who allowed you to take medicine like that? This is a strong painkiller! Are you trying to die? Have you never recovered?"

Chapter 698

"Haha You finally showed yourself," Sage laughed. "If you weren't Mr. Lowe, how would you know about my health conditions? Why would you be so worried about me?"

Emmanuel sighed, realizing he couldn't maintain the act. He helped Sage to a chair.

"Haha, Mr. Lowe, I'll be fine. This is just a scratch to me!" Sage laughed boldly.

"Just a scratch?" Emmanuel sighed in regret. "Back then, you returned from the mission with severe injuries. I used traditional medicine to regulate your health, so if I hadn't left the Wolf Warrior Unit so suddenly, your wounds would have healed properly. You wouldn't be like this. That prescription probably won't work anymore."

"Mr. Lowe, what are you saying? It's not your fault!" Sage grabbed Emmanuel's arm emotionally. "If I were in your shoes, I'd make the same decision! Yes, abandoning a mission makes you scum, but not cherishing your comrades' lives is worse! Mr. Lowe, you weren't at fault! Casper was to blame! You were the scapegoat. When I heard Casper was killed in Yeringham, I applied for a transfer here! I never thought you'd be the one to avenge yourself!"

Emmanuel felt complicated emotions, his thoughts and feelings morphing into a relieved smile. "All right, let's not talk about the past. Now, I have to fix your body."

Sage sighed gratefully. "Mr. Lowe, after you left, I could only rely on conventional medicine. They diagnosed me with second-degree disabilities; I can't handle high-intensity work. How can I listen to their nonsense? I'm only 30, and I'm still strong. How can I have second-degree disabilities?"

"Come on, stop acting tough. Give me your hand," Emmanuel interrupted.

"What are you doing, Mr. Lowe?" Sage gave him his hand.

Emmanuel took Sage's pulse, his expression turning serious, then frowning. "They were being nice when they said second-degree disabilities! You're in the first-degree disability range! It's a miracle you're still alive!"

Sage's internal injuries were extremely serious. Many organs were severely damaged, and his heart and kidneys showed signs of failure.

Sage shivered but smiled courageously. "Aren't we Wolf Warriors always creating miracles? We wouldn't be motivated if it wasn't a miraculous mission!"

"Quit changing the topic. Have you always been using analgesics to survive?" Emmanuel questioned.

Sage nodded. "The doctor gave me prescriptions, but none worked, so I stopped."

Emmanuel was speechless, sighing. "You're alive because of your physical attributes and will. But if this continues, you'll be dead sooner or later."

Sage knew it, but he didn't fear death. He'd always done things he considered worthwhile.

"I have to go back and develop a prescription for you. You have to trust me on the Lenoir case. Just follow my instructions," Emmanuel promised.

"Haha, even if I don't trust myself, I'll still trust you, Mr. Lowe. You're the faith of us Wolf Warriors! That has never changed!" Sage laughed.

"Don't worry, as long as I'm in Yeringham, no one can harm a hair on your head!" Emmanuel smiled, patting Sage's shoulder as he left.

Chapter 699

Ashton eavesdropped at the door. The room was soundproof, but she heard Sage's laughter. Who was Emmanuel? She'd never heard Sage laugh so much!

Creak

Hearing the door open, she ran away.

"Ashton, I've recorded Emmanuel's confession. Send him home for me," Sage ordered.

"What? I have to send him home?" Ashton couldn't believe it. Sage was letting Emmanuel go and wanted her to escort him!

"Why? Is there a problem? Weren't you the one who brought him here?" Sage frowned.

"Yes, sir!" she saluted, her respect ingrained.

"Goodbye, then," Sage waved to Emmanuel.

Emmanuel had told Sage not to call him "Mr. Lowe" around others. Sage understood.

Sage went to the reception room. His subordinate reported that Mackenzie Quillen had arrived.

After retiring from the military, Sage became a Grade Two inspector, promoted to Grade One in six months for solving many cases. He'd been stationed in another city and nominated for General, but applied for a transfer to Yeringham upon hearing of Casper's death. He retained his original rank.

He learned that compassion was needed alongside adherence to the law.

Upon seeing Mackenzie, he was stunned. He'd met many wealthy young ladies, but Mackenzie's beauty was overwhelming.

"Hello, Captain Payne," Lexi introduced Mackenzie, CEO of Terence Group.

Mackenzie nodded politely, doing everything for Emmanuel.

"Hello, Ms. Quillen. I'm Sage Payne." He smiled, extending a hand. "What brings you here?" It was his first time initiating a handshake with a woman. He felt his heart racing. Was he having a crush?

"Captain Payne, I'm here to ask about the Lenoir murder case," Mackenzie shook his hand, explaining her visit. After marrying Emmanuel, her misandry seemed to have lessened.

"Oh, I see. I'll deal with the case righteously and find the real culprit. Rest assured, Ms. Quillen." Sage asked, "Are you a good friend of Ms. Lenoir's, Ms. Quillen?" Knowing Claudette's identity, he presumed Mackenzie and Claudette were close friends, hence her urgency and pressure.

"Something like that," Mackenzie smiled lightly.

Chapter 700

Mackenzie understood Sage implied Emmanuel didn't murder Claudette. She breathed a sigh of relief but asked, "So, Emmanuel can go home anytime?"

"Of course. He and Eve were just defending themselves," Sage affirmed.

Lexi sighed in relief. Mackenzie relaxed but maintained her expression, glancing at his hand.

"Oh, sorry! Pardon me," Sage blushed. He'd forgotten to let go of her hand.

"Goodbye, then," Mackenzie remained expressionless.

"Allow me to see you off, Ms. Quillen," Sage offered, wanting to be gentlemanly.

She accepted; she needed to maintain this relationship for future assistance.

Ashton, displeased, walked past Emmanuel. "Come with me."

"Miss Ashton, if you don't wish to send me back, I can return myself," Emmanuel said.

She glared at him. "You'd better behave." This is a trap! He's arrogant because he's friendly with Mr. Payne!

Emmanuel was exasperated. "Miss Ashton, you seriously don't have to. I can go back on my own." He walked away.

"Damn it. I'm casting pearls before swine!" Ashton considered his actions deliberate. She wanted to beat him up. She grabbed his collar.

Emmanuel, caught off guard, struggled free, tearing his shirt.

Clack! Two buttons fell, as did his face. It was the suit Mackenzie gave him. This is my most treasured suit! This woman has ruined it!

Ashton sensed his changed expression, pleased. "Serves you right! It's just a torn cloth, but you're so mad. Are you poor? Or narrow-minded?"

"Apologize!" Emmanuel demanded.

She ignored him. "If you don't want me to send you back, you can get your sorry ass home yourself!" She left.

Clap! Emmanuel held her back, placing his hand on her shoulder.

"How dare you!" Ashton fumed, realizing she couldn't move without immense pain. This bastard has strength!

"I said apologize to me!" he enunciated.

She gritted her teeth. No one dared threaten her like this! You're courting death!