Chapter 701

“Go to hell!” Ashton’s last-ditch effort was a roundhouse kick aimed at Emmanuel, accompanied by a shrug.

Rip!

Emmanuel effortlessly tore her clothes to shreds. He swatted her leg aside with a single hand.

Smack!

Ashton landed on her feet, her top falling off due to her intense concentration on the fight.

“Ah!” She screamed, hastily covering herself with the remaining fabric. Emmanuel, however, had already seen everything.

Her physique was exceptional. Nevertheless, Emmanuel remained unmoved by inappropriate thoughts. Her fantastic figure, notably well-developed due to regular workouts, radiated vitality. He'd been a gynecologist, however, and was as nonchalant about the female form as a math teacher is about geometric shapes.

Instead, his attention was drawn to a pattern on Ashton’s neck. He examined it closely; it was identical to the pattern on the Snake Master’s face!

“What’s going on? What happened?” Sage, having just escorted two women out, rushed over upon hearing the commotion. The three were momentarily stunned by the disheveled couple: Emmanuel looked grim, Ashton flushed.

“Ash, how did this happen?” Lexi rushed to her cousin, panicked. Even with ten brains, she couldn't fathom what had transpired, especially in a police station.

Mackenzie, however, eyed Emmanuel’s clothes suspiciously.

“Lexie, this man molested me! I’m going to kill him!” Ashton, still clutching her clothes, lunged at Emmanuel.

“Stop!” Sage shouted angrily, believing his subordinate had lost his mind. Emmanuel was the most upright of the Wolf Warriors. Molest her? If he’d wanted to, she wouldn't have had a chance to resist.

“Captain Payne!” Ashton, despite her indignation, reluctantly stopped.

“We’ll be leaving then, Captain Payne.”

Mackenzie calmly took Emmanuel’s arm and declared coldly, “This is my husband. I believe he wouldn’t molest other women.”

What?!

Those words stunned everyone. Sage stared, speechless. He’d been certain his boss was a straight-laced man uninterested in women, yet he was married! And to the woman he’d fallen for at first sight! His sister-in-law?!

Ashton thought Mackenzie must be blind to choose such a man.

“Lexi, let’s go.” Mackenzie ignored the others and left with Emmanuel.

“Oh, yes… Ms. Quillen!” Lexi, regaining her composure, told Ashton to take care and followed.

The ride home was silent. Only when they reached the Yociam Residence did Mackenzie speak coldly, “Emmanuel, don’t you think you owe me an explanation?” She believed he hadn't intentionally taken advantage of Ashton, but she needed to clarify things privately to preserve his dignity. Publicly questioning him would damage their reputation.

Chapter 702

Mackenzie wouldn't be petty, but as his wife, she needed answers.

“Mackenzie, she ripped the suit you gave me!” Emmanuel said, frustrated.

Mackenzie's lips curved into a subtle smile. He cared about a gift she'd given him.

“So, you decided to rip her clothes in return?” she asked, amused.

“No, she ripped her own clothes. I just wanted her to apologize, but she refused!” He was still upset; she likely believed he had harassed her.

Mackenzie smiled gently. “Never mind. I’ll get you a few more suits.”

“What? Still sulking?”

She saw a childlike side to him, needing her comfort.

“I’m delighted you’d buy me clothes, Mackenzie, but… this is the first suit you got me. I plan to get it mended!”

Mackenzie burst into laughter. Her smile was enchanting. He silently thanked his ancestors for his wife.

“Sure, do as you please!” Her mood brightened considerably.

“How’s the case? Will those people still trouble you because of the Lenoir family?”

“They probably won’t anymore. Taking down Black Bear was self-defense. Magnus is responsible for Claudette’s death, and her body hasn’t been found yet.”

“Not found?” Mackenzie was surprised. Knowing the Lenoir villa better than Emmanuel, she pointed out, “Although the cliff is high, it’s not over a river, and it’s relatively flat below. If Claudette fell, there’s no reason they wouldn’t find her!”

Emmanuel was taken aback. “Mackenzie, are you implying that Claudette might not have fallen?”

Mackenzie nodded. A flicker of hope, quickly dimmed, appeared in his eyes. Even if she survived the fall, her injuries were likely fatal.

“Alright, let’s take solace in the circumstances. We can mourn her at the Lenoir Residence once the police find her.” Mackenzie comforted him.

In Polperro, a TV show called ‘Super Brain’ was being recorded. Dozens of academic scholars and social elites were contestants. The guest was Magnus Zelinsky. A fiendishly difficult question stumped everyone.

“Ladies and gentlemen, since no one has managed to conquer the challenge, how about we invite the esteemed Magnus to give it a try?” The host suggested.

Amidst cheers, Magnus took the stage. The time limit was 40 minutes; he solved it in 18.

“Alright, next comes the moment of truth, our validation!” The host exclaimed.

Chapter 703

“Validation successful!” A wave of shock rippled through the room, followed by praise.

“My God!! Mr. Magnus is so smart! Is he an alien?”

Amidst the accolades, Magnus remained humble.

“Mr. Magnus, everyone says you are the smartest person on Earth. What’s your take on that?” The host asked.

“I just happened to be able to solve this problem. There are many remarkable individuals in the world, far smarter than me. I can’t possibly accept such a title!” Magnus responded modestly.

His modesty only fueled the belief in his genius. After the recording, journalists swarmed him.

“Mr. Magnus, we’ve heard about the unfortunate passing of your Princess Claudette. Is that true?”

“Mr. Magnus, how are you feeling now? How can you still manage to spare time for a show?”

“How do you plan to avenge your princess?”

His face filled with sorrow; tears streamed down his cheeks. He wiped them away, too choked up to speak.

“Clear the way! Clear the way!”

“Mr. Magnus won’t be giving interviews today. Thank you!” Bodyguards escorted him away.

In his car, the chauffeur, Blake Dotson, grinned, revealing yellow teeth. “Haha, Magnus, you can wipe your tears now!”

Magnus wasn’t angered. “What brings you here, Blake? I’ve been asking my father for you, but he never agreed. Why did he agree this time?”

“Your dad sent me to tell you Emmanuel Lowe is alive!”

Magnus was stunned. Blake laughed. “Just a moment ago, a whole group of people were praising how amazing you are, the ‘Super Brain,’ solving the world’s most challenging questions. Yet, you can’t foresee your enemy could come out alive!”

Magnus smiled. “Enough teasing, Blake. I never claimed to be the smartest.”

“I’ve read novels; you can’t fool me!” Blake retorted. “You might put on a humble act in front of the cameras, but deep down, you think you’re the smartest!”

Magnus chuckled. “Oh, you understand me the best, Blake! From now on, you’ll stay by my side. This time, my father can’t refuse.”

“That’s not my concern. You need to convince your old man,” Blake said. “I’m just here to take you back to see him. He’s given you a task. You have to complete it within three months. Otherwise, the position of the heir might fall to someone else!”

“Got it.” Magnus’ gaze turned cold, tinged with excitement. The Quillen family treasure… Watch me unearth it and claim it! *This challenge… Hm, it’s much more interesting than those so-called tough questions on ‘Super Brain’…”

The holiday was over; the annual “Going to Work” drama began.

Chapter 704

Emmanuel spent two days cooking, researching prescriptions for Sage, and awaiting news about Claudette. His wife had returned to work; there was still no news. Mackenzie offered him a position at Terence Group, but he hadn’t accepted.

He wouldn't be of much help, and he didn't want to be seen as living off his wife. Being her driver wasn't an official job he desired.

He was about to buy medicine when his mother called.

“Manny, do you or Mackenzie know any girls who you can introduce to your Ryder?”

Emmanuel smiled wryly. He’d been on eighteen blind dates arranged by his mother. Mackenzie's connections were far removed from Ryder's world.

“Sorry, Mom, none at the moment.”

“Sigh, I heard from Tommy that his father likes Ms. Franks. Can you think of any way to help?”

He couldn’t refuse. “I’ll give it another try.”

Rhea Gomez popped into his head. He’d promised to visit the Gomezes. It was an opportunity to ask for matchmaking advice. What if Rhea was single? Could he introduce her to Ryder? How did he, a man of 5'4", become a matchmaker?

He decided to call Juan, since he planned to visit their house anyway.

Meanwhile, at the Gomez Residence, Juan and his wife discussed finding a partner for their daughter. Juan was nearing retirement and anxious about Rhea's unmarried status.

“Juan, are there any young talents in Beacon Hospital? As a father, you should take the initiative to help our daughter find a match!”

“Hmm, Rhea is also studying medicine. It would be fitting for her to marry another doctor.” Juan agreed. He was about to arrange a blind date when

Rhea overheard them.

“What should I do? I don’t want to go on a blind date!”

Chapter 705

Rhea retreated to her room, distressed. She harbored feelings for Emmanuel, despite knowing he was married. She was a proponent of not getting married, and being friends with Emmanuel was enough for her.

Her parents’ plan meant only one thing: sabotage the date.

Meanwhile, Juan was about to call when his phone rang.

“Emmanuel?!”

He was thrilled. He'd invited Emmanuel to his home many times.

“Hello, Emmanuel? Happy New Year! Are you finally free to come over?”

“Happy New Year, Dr. Gomez! If it’s not too presumptuous, I’d like to visit today.”

“That’s wonderful! I’ll have Rhea cook up some dishes for you! Haha, not to brag, but Rhea’s cooking is excellent! It’s no inferior to a fancy restaurant!”

“Well, then, thank you in advance for your hospitality, Dr. Gomez!”

Juan hung up and told Rhea, “We have an esteemed guest coming. You’ll surely be thrilled to see him.”

“Oh…” Rhea responded reluctantly.

Humph, it’s not like he’s Emmanuel! I’ll cook the most disgusting dishes and “poison” you with them. She chuckled.

Juan, thinking she knew it was Emmanuel, left her to it.

After hanging up, Emmanuel left, sensing he was being followed by someone more skilled than Mackenzie's previous stalker. Sent by Magnus? he wondered.

Chapter 706

Emmanuel drove slowly, allowing the pursuer to catch up, but they kept their distance. He then used his driving skills to lose them.

At the Gomez Residence, Rhea had returned with ingredients. Juan was relieved; she seemed to be putting in effort.

“Dad, I’m going to start cooking now!”

Juan was pleased. My Rhea can not only cook for the family but also dress classy!*

Rhea was enraged. Dad’s not selling me off to some stranger just like that, is he?! She decided to make sure it would be a disastrous meal.

She added excessive vinegar, chili sauce, and mustard to her dishes.

“Rhea, do you need any help? Can you handle it all by yourself?” her mother asked.

Rhea blocked her, unable to let her mother see her sabotage. Juan intervened, telling Edith that Rhea was trying to impress a crush.

Rhea breathed a sigh of relief. Hmph, Dad is too confident, isn’t he? The man I have a crush on is Emmanuel. Does Dad really think the man visiting today can measure up to Emmanuel?!

The doorbell rang. It was Emmanuel.

Juan welcomed him enthusiastically. Rhea, hiding in the kitchen, overheard. You might want him to be your son-in-law, Dad, but I don’t want him to be my husband.

Chapter 707

Edith greeted Emmanuel enthusiastically. Rhea, peeking from the kitchen, was stunned to see Emmanuel.

What’s going on? How could it be Emmanuel?!

She panicked. She'd prepared terrible food, assuming it would be a blind date for someone else.

“Shoot. What do I do?!”

In the living room, Emmanuel asked about Rhea. Juan said she was busy cooking. Emmanuel offered to help serve, but Edith stopped him. He insisted, saying it was right for younger people to help their elders.

Haha, alright! Truly a man with both talent and character! Juan exclaimed.

Rhea heard this, even more upset.

Emmanuel opened the kitchen door and entered.

“Ah! What are you doing?!” Rhea screamed, startled, protecting her disastrous dishes.

Emmanuel was surprised by her reaction. Why was she acting so strange?

“Rhea, I came to see if the dishes are ready.”

“No! They’re not ready! Get out quickly!”

Emmanuel was puzzled by her strange behavior. He looked at the dishes and noted their impressive presentation despite the questionable ingredients.

“Ah, don’t touch that!” Rhea screamed again when he tried to take the dishes.

Chapter 708

Emmanuel was at a loss. Rhea's face was flushed.

“Are you okay?” he asked, concerned about her apparent illness.

Rhea became more flustered and turned away.

“What is up with you, Rhea, screaming and shouting in there?!” Juan entered, confused by her strange behavior.

“Alright, let’s bring the dishes out together. We can discuss it during the meal. We don’t want to be rude to our guest!” Edith suggested.

They took the dishes to the living room.

“I’m doomed…” Rhea thought.

“Rhea, what are you standing there for? Come out!” Juan called.

Rhea came out, flushed and downcast, looking like she was about to cry.

Emmanuel served Emmanuel soup.

“Ah, don’t!” Rhea screamed.

Juan served Emmanuel a vegetable dish.

“What do you think? Isn’t it quite unique?” Juan asked, nervously.

Emmanuel tried to be polite. "Well… the flavor is quite unique…"

Juan proudly served Emmanuel a shrimp and meat roll.

“Don’t eat it!” Rhea screamed, rushing to stop him, but

Chapter 709

Emmanuel had already taken a bite. He spat it out. It was disastrous.

“Rhea, what on earth are you doing?!” Juan shouted.

Rhea rushed to get water for Emmanuel. He drank it, relieved it wasn't poisoned. Juan tasted the dishes and spat them out.

“What is the meaning of this, Rhea? What are you trying to do?!” Juan yelled.

Rhea stammered, “I… I didn’t know t-that Emmanuel was coming! I thought you guys had arranged a blind date for me…”

Juan was speechless. Emmanuel was also surprised to be the scapegoat for her blind date plan.

“Quickly prepare some normal dishes then, Rhea!” Juan ordered.

“Alright… I’ll see what’s left in the kitchen…” Rhea rushed back to the kitchen.

“Emmanuel, I’m truly sorry! Sigh, how did things turn out like this?” Juan apologized.

“Haha, it’s fine!” Emmanuel said. He jokingly added, “Indeed, this taste is truly unforgettable!”

Juan laughed nervously.

Rhea, ashamed, emerged and said, “Emmanuel, I’m sorry, there’s nothing left to cook at home. Should we go out to eat instead?”

Juan suggested the Serenity Resort. Emmanuel's expression dimmed; it was there that Claudette had saved his life.

Chapter 710

“Emmanuel? What do you say?” Juan asked.

“Ah, let’s go then!” Emmanuel agreed.

“Great, Rhea, quickly reserve the best private room!”

At the Serenity Resort, Tia and her mother, Marianne, were waiting for Tia's blind date, arranged by Eleanor. The last time Emmanuel had pretended to be her boyfriend, Tia had been happy, but it couldn't last. Marianne was angry about the lie and the ruined date with the Unger family.

Eleanor, under pressure from her aunt, contacted Jonathan, a playboy.

A Porsche pulled up. Jonathan stepped out. He seemed pleased with Tia's appearance, but Tia found him unpleasant.

“Mr. Verkade, you’ve finally arrived! We’ve been waiting for you for quite a while!” Eleanor greeted him.

“Haha, let’s go to Room 888!” Jonathan declared.

Marianne was impressed by his extravagance. Tia, however, murmured, “Anybody can brag. We haven’t even made a reservation. What if we can’t afford the bill today?”

Jonathan's expression turned grim. Eleanor apologized for Tia's naivete. Jonathan, pretending to be magnanimous, said he would show her the high life. He assumed booking Room 888 wouldn't be a problem. Men tend to boast in front of beautiful women, and in Jonathan’s eyes, booking Room 888 on short notice should be easy enough.