Chapter 721

Emmanuel drove Rhea and her family home. As they exited the car, Juan said guiltily, "Emmanuel, I'm so sorry! I was going to treat you to dinner, but—wow!"

Rhea's face flushed. She lowered her head.

"Dr. Gómez, please don't worry. I appreciate your kindness," Emmanuel said with a faint smile. The day had been quite profitable for him. First, Rhea had helped him plan a date for his cousin. Second, he'd inadvertently ruined Jonathan and Tia's blind date. Third, he'd gotten Jonathan to owe him a substantial sum—an amount he wouldn't earn in a hundred years at his $25,000 annual salary.

"No, that won't do," Juan insisted. "You didn't get to try Rhea's cooking. Next time you visit, we'll make sure you have a proper meal. Right, Rhea?"

"Yes," Rhea replied, nodding quickly and profusely.

She admired Emmanuel's medical skills; he was her savior! Furthermore, he had seen and touched her body. It was incredibly embarrassing. The thought alone sent a thrill through her.

"When you're free, Dr. Gómez, I'd like to invite you over again," Juan said.

Emmanuel graciously accepted.

"It's a promise," Juan said cheerfully. Having witnessed Emmanuel's skills, he was convinced the man was at the pinnacle of Yeringham's medical field.

"Goodbye." After bidding farewell to the Gómez family, Emmanuel drove away, various thoughts swirling in his mind. Had he been the target of the poison today? He knew it was a combination; the main component, in the boiled water, was harmless and undetectable. Yet, combined with another element, it created a deadly poison that, after a second mutation, could kill quickly. He'd only read about this ancient poison combination in the Divine Valley Medical Records.

Who had developed this poison and planted the source in Jonathan? Was it another murder plot orchestrated by Magnus?

His phone rang, interrupting his thoughts.

"Emmanuel, can you pick me up from work tonight?" Mackenzie asked, as direct as ever.

"Sure," he replied readily.

The icy goddess was working late on her first day back after the New Year, suggesting the Terence Group was very busy.

His Maserati arrived at the Terence Group headquarters. A BMW i8 emerged. Seeing Emmanuel's car, the BMW pulled over and the driver lowered the window.

Lexi smiled, a mature charm in her expression. "Ms. Quillen just finished work. I sent Beatrix home. Do you want to go up and get her?"

The third wheeler? Emmanuel glanced at the passenger seat to see a pouting Beatrix, clearly unhappy about the ride with Lexi.

"Okay, thanks." Emmanuel parked and headed for the elevator. The Terence Group was brightly lit, security guards on patrol, yet something felt wrong. He felt like he was being followed, even inside the headquarters.

The elevator doors opened, revealing Mackenzie. His heart skipped a beat.

"Emmanuel, why did you walk here?"

"I was worried about your safety," he answered honestly.

Chapter 722

Since realizing he was being followed, Emmanuel had been especially concerned for his wife's safety. Even if Lexi hadn't invited him, he would have entered the building.

Mackenzie, however, was unaware. A faint smile touched her lips before she resumed her usual aloofness. "You're such a worrywart. I'm in my own company, surrounded by security and bodyguards. What danger could there possibly be?"

He smiled nonchalantly. "I'm only at ease when I'm with you."

"Smooth talker. Emmanuel, you've changed," she said, feigning anger. Other men's sweet words made her uncomfortable, but not his.

Emmanuel gave a wry smile. He wasn't being cheesy; he was genuinely concerned. He didn't want to explain and remained silent.

They walked out of the building together. Emmanuel was acutely aware of being followed but pretended otherwise, silently escorting his wife to the car. As he locked the car door, his gaze turned cold, and he moved swiftly toward a corner.

Mackenzie was startled, her gaze instantly icy. Someone's following me again?

The person hiding in the shadows tried to escape, but Emmanuel was faster, grabbing their shoulder.

"Show yourself!" He intended to subdue them, but they were quicker than expected, trying to slip away. He used a grappling technique. The person didn't resist, willingly falling into his arms. To his surprise, they pressed their chest against his, even squeezing it.

"It's you," he said, his brows furrowed.

"Mr. Lowe, what will you do? I'm no match for you, so do what you please," she teased.

It was the woman in red from the Redback Assassins. Emmanuel, unprepared for such boldness, pushed her to the ground. She lay there, lifting a leg, revealing bare feet and a leg partially exposed as her fabric slid up.

"Mr. Lowe, you're not affectionate. Am I not beautiful? Why are you so rough?" She continued teasing until a chill enveloped her. She looked up and met Mackenzie's gaze. Mackenzie's aura made her shudder.

"M-Mackenzie!" The woman in red became docile.

"What are you doing here? Were you following me earlier?" Emmanuel asked.

Mackenzie's gaze grew colder. This shameless woman! Trying to seduce my husband?

"No, it wasn't me," the woman in red shook her head. "But I know who it was."

"Tell me. Don't beat around the bush," Emmanuel said, a threatening glint in his eyes. "Don't forget your brother's life is in my hands!"

She pouted. "I came for two things. First, to ask you to save my brother."

"Your brother? What happened?" He was slightly taken aback. He was his slave; his death would be a loss.

"He failed his mission, and they severed his Achilles tendon," she said, resentment in her eyes as she bit her lip.

Chapter 723

"Really?" Emmanuel was skeptical. "The Redback Assassins value success, but your brother is a top assassin. Would they cripple him for one mission?"

Mackenzie also found it hard to believe. She looked at him. Since his disappearance, she suspected he wasn't ordinary. His skills, medical knowledge, and overall demeanor confirmed her suspicions. However, his mother claimed he was a retired soldier, so Mackenzie hadn't speculated further.

"Mr. Lowe, Mackenzie, please believe me!" the woman in red pleaded. "My brother failed, but he refused to return the twelve million to the employer. He wanted to leave the Redback Assassins with me, but he was caught and they crippled him!"

Emmanuel found her words credible. Mackenzie remained skeptical. "Your brother is a top assassin. Who could have caught him so easily?"

"That's the second thing," the woman in red said anxiously. "Someone hired the new Saintess of the Holy Fire organization. She's in Yeringham with her followers. She captured my brother!"

"Saintess?" Mackenzie frowned, looking at Emmanuel. She didn't know the organization. Neither did Emmanuel, though he'd heard of it.

"The Holy Fire organization sold us to the Redback Assassins. They have over one hundred thousand members worldwide," the woman in red explained.

The couple was surprised, especially Mackenzie. The Quillen family had never confronted such a large organization. If they were targeting them, resistance would be difficult.

"After I take Mackenzie home, you can show me to your brother." Emmanuel decided to trust the woman. The Snake Master's life was leverage; she wouldn't dare deceive him.

"Emmanuel, let's go together," Mackenzie suggested.

He was stunned. "Didn't you say you need to sleep before eleven?"

"I'll make an exception for you," she smiled.

He was touched. The woman in red rolled her eyes. What did I do to deserve this?

The three arrived at a secluded guesthouse. The couple would have suspected an ambush if not for the Snake Master.

Mackenzie asked suspiciously before getting out of the car, "Why this place?"

"Mackenzie, stop being paranoid," the woman in red said, her tone now less sweet, her desperation fading. "The Holy Fire organization is stronger than you think. Their network is worldwide. They could find us anywhere if I took my brother to a hotel."

Chapter 724

Emmanuel accepted the explanation, but Mackenzie remained in the car, fearing a trap. The woman was a cunning assassin.

"Mackenzie, let's go in," Emmanuel urged. "I'm here to keep you safe!"

He also wanted to learn about the pattern on the Snake Master's face, similar to patterns on Richie and Ashton.

"Alright."

Mackenzie got out of the car. The woman in red rolled her eyes. Seriously, this couple’s PDA!

"Hey, what are you doing?"

The innkeeper fussed. "You booked for two, not four."

Emmanuel frowned. "Why does it matter?"

"It matters! Our rooms are priced per person…"

The innkeeper trailed off as Mackenzie placed a pile of banknotes before her. "Does this cover all your rooms?"

"Hehe, more than enough! Enjoy!" The innkeeper cheerfully took the money. Her words had been a ploy to secure more bookings.

Emmanuel was surprised by her greed.

After entering the room, the innkeeper muttered, "Young people these days… group activities, huh?"

The room reeked of blood. The Snake Master lay on the bed, soaked in blood.

"Mr. Lowe, please! Save my brother!" the woman in red pleaded.

Emmanuel saw the severity of the injuries. His tendons were severed, and his internal organs damaged. Only his resilience kept him alive.

Mackenzie found the Saintess brutal. To beat someone mercilessly seemed worse than a quick death. She felt sympathy for the siblings, knowing he'd tried to assassinate her.

"They didn't plan on sparing him, did they?" Emmanuel asked while treating the Snake Master.

"No. I risked everything to rescue him, but we were outmatched. Luckily, he used a shedding skin technique, and we barely escaped!" The woman in red said sincerely, gesturing to her bare feet. "I left my shoes behind!"

Emmanuel couldn't imagine the details, but their condition showed the danger they faced.

After rebandaging the Snake Master, Emmanuel told the woman, "We need medicine. Go get it."

She looked troubled. "I'm broke. I pawned everything to stay here. That's why the innkeeper was rude."

Chapter 725

Emmanuel was still doubtful. She was an assassin; she should have money. How was she broke?

Mackenzie shared his doubts. "With your skills, haven't you considered stealing medicine?"

"Hehe, you underestimate me!" the woman said proudly. "We're assassins, not thieves!"

Emmanuel chuckled. "Oh really? Who was following us today?"

The woman blushed.

"Alright, I'll have someone bring it," Mackenzie said, not wanting to waste time.

She wanted to save the Snake Master. First, he was Emmanuel's slave and competent. Second, he was a high-ranking assassin; he could provide information. She also knew Emmanuel was interested in the pattern on his face.

Emmanuel ignored who Mackenzie would send. He studied the Snake Master.

The more he examined him, the more astonished he became! Modern dark medicine was far beyond comprehension. The Snake Master's body was barely human. The scales, likely holding mystical energy, had been forcibly removed, leaving bloody wounds and exposed bone.

"What kind of saintess is she? A female demon!" Emmanuel ground his teeth, angered by the brutal treatment.

Mackenzie's expression turned cold, resentment hidden in her silence.

After the examination, Mackenzie said, "Emmanuel, come with me!"

She left the room. Emmanuel was stunned, glancing at the woman in red before following.

The woman in red pouted. They want privacy. I won't intrude.

They entered an empty room and locked the door.

"Mackenzie, what is it?" Emmanuel was tired. He sat on the bed and stretched. The day had been exhausting.

Mackenzie found the room dirty and didn't sit. She stood, pursed her lips, and asked, "Do you suspect the woman in red?"

"Yes!" Emmanuel nodded. "I think she's been telling half-truths."

"Then, do you really want to save the Snake Master? Aren't you afraid of a trap?"

"I was, but seeing his condition, I don't think he's a threat. He wouldn't hurt himself like this to deceive me."

He knew that without intervention, the Snake Master wouldn't survive the night.

Mackenzie gazed into his eyes, sighing. "Alright, I trust you. I'll have Lexi get the supplies. Then you can revive him."

Emmanuel nodded. He knew Mackenzie's concerns. With Magnus targeting the Quillen family's assets, and the Holy Fire organization's arrival, it was likely the Quillen family was also targeted. There might be ties to the Zelinsky family. Mackenzie's caution was justified.

"Mackenzie, you look tired. How about a hot bath?"

Chapter 726

Emmanuel spoke with concern. He was strong, but his wife was delicate. She worked tirelessly. He worried about her well-being.

"Alright!" Despite disliking the environment, Mackenzie decided a warm shower was acceptable.

Emmanuel went into the bathroom. After checking for hidden cameras, he reassured her, "Go ahead. Close the door."

Mackenzie chuckled. "Worried someone will see me naked?"

Emmanuel's face reddened. "Of course! Which man wants others seeing his wife like that?"

He'd rather be stabbed twice.

Mackenzie chuckled. She hadn't expected his traditional views. She put on a stern expression. "This glass door is semi-transparent. No peeking!"

"Do I look like that kind of guy?"

His voice held excitement. He quickly corrected himself. "Ms. Quillen! You're my wife! What's wrong with a husband stealing a glance?"

Mackenzie glared. "You dare? I'll gouge your eyes out!"

Their stances were different from three months ago. He remembered barging in and seeing her; she'd been unaffected. She noticed his change; last time, he’d blushed and retreated.

Has he grown bolder?

Should I test him?

Can I keep my guard up forever?

Mackenzie entered the bathroom, tossing her clothes onto the bed. Emmanuel, though his thoughts were innocent, felt a tingling sensation. Seeing her clothes made him imagine her in the bathroom.

Mackenzie threw her intimate garments. Emmanuel, catching a glimpse, gulped and rubbed his hands.

Why am I thinking this?

I'm not a gynecologist anymore.

So, this is normal, right?

A phone ring interrupted him. Mackenzie's phone was ringing. It was Beatrix. He answered for his wife, who was showering.

"Hello, Mackenzie, I brought the supplies. What's your room number?" Beatrix sounded excited.

Chapter 727

"Room 5, I think," Emmanuel replied, unaware of Beatrix's thoughts.

Beatrix felt her assumptions were correct. When had Mackenzie ever let someone else answer her phone? Given the timing, was she showering? It was unbelievable that Mackenzie would come to this place with Emmanuel. But the power of love…

"Alright, I'll be there!"

Beatrix hung up and rushed off. Emmanuel put down the phone and waited.

A knock came. He opened the door to Beatrix, panting, cheeks flushed, patting her chest.

As soon as she caught her breath, she asked, "Where's my sister?"

She saw the bathroom light was on. Oh my goodness! She'd suspected the truth, and now she knew it.

"What's wrong?" Emmanuel furrowed his brows, assuming her behavior was due to her hastiness.

"I-It's nothing! Emmanuel, here's what you asked for. I won't bother you!"

Beatrix seemed flustered. Why did he open the door? Isn't he worried Mackenzie will be angry?

"Hold on… Emmanuel, if you or my sister need anything, let me know. I'll do anything!"

Emmanuel’s eyebrows furrowed; he wondered what she was up to.

"Probably not. But if I need anything, I'll let you know. Thanks!"

"You're welcome! We're all pitching in for the Quillen family!" Beatrix responded enthusiastically. She didn’t want to interrupt.

She noticed the bloodstain on the bedsheet. Oh my goodness! It wasn't likely from her brother-in-law; it had to be her sister.

How could Mackenzie… in a place like this?

Grandpa will blow a fuse!

"No, I've got to tell Grandpa!"

She leaped into the car. "Hurry! To the Quillen residence!" She would tell her grandfather personally; a phone call wasn't enough to convey her excitement.

Chapter 728

She anticipated his reaction. Emmanuel was still puzzled by his sister-in-law's behavior. He closed the door, and Mackenzie emerged in her bathrobe.

Her warmth and scent filled the room. Emmanuel was captivated. Her beauty was heavenly.

"What happened? Did Beatrix come by?" Mackenzie asked.

Emmanuel realized his indiscretion. He shook his head. "Yes, she brought supplies! She rushed over and then rushed off…"

"That girl…" Mackenzie, from his description, sensed her sister was acting strangely. She was quirky, but not neurotic.

She checked the supplies and found a box of condoms. That girl!

She saw the bloodstain. She guessed the reason for Beatrix's behavior.

"What's wrong?" Emmanuel leaned over.

Seeing the condoms and the bloodstain, he understood. Ah! No wonder…

"Ah! No wonder…" Emmanuel's expression changed. A big misunderstanding!

"Mackenzie, I didn't know your sister would overthink. I—"

"You fool!" Mackenzie didn't listen to his explanation. The misunderstanding had happened; there was no point in explaining.

"Never mind. Next time I see her, I'll explain."

Emmanuel sighed. He was speechless.

"You fool! You fool! You fool!" Mackenzie scolded him. Didn’t he know Beatrix's temperament? The whole family would know tonight!

Emmanuel didn't guess why she was scolding him; he thought she was mad at his insensitivity. He picked up the medical box. "I'll save the Snake Master. I need to figure out the pattern on his face."

He escaped. Mackenzie was angry and helpless. Wasn't he going to explain to Beatrix? Did he expect her to do it? It wasn't her style.

"Never mind, let Grandpa misunderstand. It will save him from encouraging this idiot to deal with me…"

Beatrix went straight to Terence's room.

"Stop it right there!" Alfred stopped her. Recognizing her, he said, "Ms. Beatrix? Why are you running outside Old Mr. Quillen's room?"

"I'm not running, you old fool! Mr. Grishaw, hurry! I need to see Grandpa! I have great news!"

Chapter 729

"Old Mr. Quillen is resting. Good news can wait!" Alfred rolled up his sleeves. His only duty was to protect Terence. It was past eleven; Terence was asleep.

"No, I can't hold it in! I must say it tonight!"

Beatrix persisted. Terence's voice came from inside. "Mr. Grishaw, let her in! I want to see if this girl has gone mad!"

"Yes, Old Mr. Quillen!"

Alfred let Beatrix in.

"What is it? Why are you here?"

Terence, in his pajamas, sat up, displeased. Everyone knew he had trouble sleeping and dared not disturb him. Alfred knew Terence would be furious. Beatrix was asking for trouble.

To his surprise, Terence's anger turned to joy!

"Grandpa, my sister… She's bleeding!"

"Bleeding? What happened? Is she injured?"

"Grandpa, it's not the bad kind. It's the good kind!"

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, Grandpa, don't you understand? My sister slept with her husband tonight, and then she bled!"

He realized what she meant and smiled.

"Really? That's great news! Haha… Finally, that boy knows how to use his tool properly. Haha, I'm going to be a great-grandfather soon!"

Beatrix knew her grandfather would be happy. Alfred watched the joyful grandfather and granddaughter, thinking they were naive. Even if Emmanuel knew how to use his tool, there was still a 50% chance it would be a girl! The probability of a girl was probably over 90%. He dared not say anything.

Emmanuel was unaware of this. After hours of treatment, he stabilized the Snake Master's condition. Physical injuries were different from detoxification.

"Brother! You're awake? You scared me!"

Near dawn, the woman in red saw Snake Master open his eyes.

Chapter 730

After talking with his sister, Snake Master turned to Emmanuel. "Master, thank you for saving me!"

"Good! I have questions, and I expect honest answers," Emmanuel said impassively.

Snake Master nodded. "Master, please ask."

"Good!" Emmanuel said. "Since you've broken away from the Redback Assassins, tell me who hired you to kill Mackenzie?"

Mackenzie, having heard the conversation, hurried in.

Snake Master gritted his teeth. "The client used the Zelinsky family's VIP account, but the payment came from the Verkade family in Yeringham!"

Emmanuel and Mackenzie were startled. They had guessed, but hearing it confirmed made them angry.

"Second, do you have information on the Saintess of the Holy Fire? Who is she? What is her purpose in coming to Yeringham?"

The Snake Master shook his head. "The Holy Fire organization is large and complex. I'm just an assassin, not a manager, so I don't have much information."

"The Saintess always wears a veil. I only know she has a great figure and is ruthless!"

"Is their purpose to eliminate you two traitors?" Emmanuel asked.

The Snake Master shook his head. "The Saintess is high-ranking. I'm not worth her personally hunting me down. She must have a deeper mission!"

Mackenzie worried. The most valuable things in Yeringham were with the Quillen family! The Saintess was definitely her enemy.

Emmanuel nodded. "Last question: how did you get the mark on your face? What is its function and meaning?"

Snake Master said, "It's a mark from the Holy Fire organization when I joined. It helps me transform into a snake and is a mark of the members."

"Oh?" Emmanuel looked at the woman in red. "All members have it?"

"Yes, I have one too!" The woman in red, unrepentant, leaned toward Emmanuel's ear and whispered, "It's in a very private place. Do you want to see it?"

She expected him to blush, but he simply nodded. He'd been a gynecologist.

She was stunned, then shamelessly lifted her skirt. The mark was between her thighs, near her private area. She looked at Mackenzie, wondering if she'd be enraged. Mackenzie was expressionless.

Emmanuel calmly asked, "Why is this mark in different places for everyone?"