Chapter 741

A black Corolla sped down the highway toward Zovince. Blake drove at 180 km/h, the ten-year-old car belching black smoke from its hood.

“Damn! Out of gas again!” he cursed. “Gas is so expensive these days. It’ll cost me another fifty bucks to fill the tank.”

Magnus, in the back seat, pushed up his glasses emotionlessly and chuckled. “You must have made quite a bit of money from my father. Did you spend it all on women? Why are you still driving this ten-year-old car?”

“It’s called sentiment. You wouldn’t understand,” Blake retorted, unimpressed. How could a young man in his early twenties grasp sentiment?

Those women didn't covet his house or car, yet they willingly gave him everything and served him wholeheartedly. They easily brightened his day.

Was it wrong to spend so much money on them?

Magnus smiled, offering no further argument. He silently watched Blake drive into a gas station, where he haggled with the attendant over a few dollars, creating a scene.

“Did you win?” Magnus teased as Blake returned to the car.

“Of course,” Blake said triumphantly. “I said I’d fill the tank, but she insisted on rounding up, overcharging me. I refused to pay.”

Magnus smiled admiringly. “You’re something else. I probably wouldn’t have been able to argue with her.”

“That’s why I say you’re not the smartest person in the world. You can’t even win an argument with a woman. What are you?” Blake’s lack of courtesy toward one of Zovince’s Four Geniuses was evident.

Magnus simply smiled. His phone buzzed; he checked the message, his smile freezing.

“What’s wrong? Did Felicity fail?” Blake restarted the engine, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth.

Magnus smiled faintly. “It was expected. If a few minions could steal from the Quillen family that easily, those items would have been gone long ago.”

“True. Why didn’t you say so? You knew she would fail, yet you sent four people to help her. Isn’t that a joke?” Blake mocked.

Magnus smiled casually. “I was testing the waters, seeing if Terence kept those items in the Quillen family. It seems at least one isn’t.”

“Oh?” Blake, slightly taken aback, spoke respectfully. “How?”

“Do you really think my intelligence is a joke?” Magnus rarely joked, but he was now, causing Blake to snort. Magnus explained, “People appear weak when they are strong, and vice versa. Terence heavily guarded one room to mislead people into believing he kept the items there.”

“Brilliant,” Blake laughed heartily. “A trap! Their faces must have been priceless! If it were me, I’d be cursing!”

Magnus smiled, saying nothing. Blake gave him a thumbs-up. “I was wondering why you’d help Felicity Lenoir steal those items. Why send such incompetent people? You could have sent me.”

“You’re not up to it,” Magnus smiled.

“What? Looking down on me?”

“No,” Magnus said seriously. “You’re my trump card. I save the best for last.”

Blake burst into laughter. “You’re good for nothing, but you have an eye for talent.”

Chapter 742

Emmanuel spent the next two days at home making medicine after the Quillen family celebration.

“Finally, it’s done,” he said, looking at his finished product with satisfaction. Sage’s organs were severely damaged; traditional medicine was his only recourse. Recovery would be a long process.

Emmanuel wrapped the tablets, ready to have Sage try them. If they worked, he’d give Sage the prescription.

Before he could contact Sage, his mother called.

“Emmanuel, how’s the plan for your cousin’s blind date going? No one else in the family can handle things; it’s not a long-term solution,” Alessandra worried. After the New Year, Ryder brought Tommy home. Ryder worked days and cared for his son at night, leading to an unhealthy routine. He’d thought Abellyn’s presence was redundant, but her absence impacted his life. She used to buy breakfast, sometimes picked up and dropped off Tommy, and replenished household supplies. Her absence wasn’t a major disruption, but the details made a difference.

“Mom, don’t worry. Leave it to me!” Emmanuel said, not wanting to add to her stress. He considered Ryder a brother.

“Alright,” Alessandra said, relieved.

Emmanuel called Rhea. “Piece of cake. Leave it to me. Just play along.” Rhea had been researching, waiting to showcase her skills. Otherwise, her title as a love advisor would be meaningless.

“Okay, tell me what to do,” Emmanuel sighed, lacking ideas.

Tia, at the kindergarten, received a call from an unknown, non-scam number.

“Hello, who is this?”

“Hello, is this Ms. Tia Franks?”

“Yes, who are you?”

“I’m Rhea Gomez, the one you poisoned that day.”

“Oh, it’s you!” Tia laughed; it was unforgettable. The thought of Emmanuel and Rhea seeing her in lingerie made her cheeks burn.

“Someone gave me amusement park tickets, and I can’t find anyone to go with. Interested in making friends and going together?”

“You can’t find anyone? What about Emmanuel—”

“Oh, him! He’s going too—”

“Then I’ll go!” Tia agreed.

Rhea was pleased. Playing matchmaker was easy. After all, she was Emmanuel’s exclusive love advisor.

Chapter 743

Alessandra asked Emmanuel to drive her to Ryder’s house. In the car, she immediately asked, “Emmanuel, how are things going?”

“Mom, it’s all arranged. Tomorrow’s Saturday; I’ve invited Tia to the amusement park. I’ll give Ryder the ticket later.”

“That’s good,” she nodded, then worried. “But Ryder isn’t good with words. I’m afraid he doesn’t know how to win a girl’s heart.”

Emmanuel smiled wryly. She worried about him; now she worried about Ryder. Parental worries were universal.

“Mom, we can’t worry about that. It’s up to fate,” he comforted her. “With interaction, Tia will realize he’s a good man.”

Alessandra nodded. “Yes, the Lowe men are good. Since you married Mackenzie, Ryder will definitely marry Tia.”

He fell silent, wondering if he seemed incompetent to her. Smiling, he dropped the subject.

They arrived at Ryder’s house, where Abellyn was waiting.

“Madam Alessandra, you came!” Abellyn cried, rushing over. Emmanuel guessed she didn’t know he was coming.

“Abellyn, stop crying. Tell me what happened?” Alessandra said. They were divorced; she didn’t owe Abellyn anything.

Abellyn played the victim. “Madam Alessandra, please help me persuade Ryder. I know I was wrong. Could you ask him to remarry me?” She was broke, her affair had been publicized, and she was ashamed to go home for the New Year. She was staying with Chloe, but Chloe couldn’t support her forever. Returning to the massage parlor was difficult; she was older, lazier, and her temper had worsened, and there’d been a crackdown.

Alessandra sighed, unsure how to respond.

Emmanuel pushed Abellyn away. “You had an affair, stabbed my cousin, and left with Zane. It’s too late for regrets. Don’t bother my cousin anymore.” He was patient; Roselynn would have been less forgiving.

Ryder opened the door, seeing Alessandra and Emmanuel. Abellyn rushed to him, crying. “Please let me come back home. I promise I won’t play poker anymore. I’ll be a good wife and mother.”

“Get out!” Ryder pushed her to the ground. Her words meant nothing. “A leopard never changes its spots. Even if you could change, I can’t live knowing my wife had an affair.”

Even Emmanuel almost applauded his cousin. Ryder was kinder than he was. Abellyn was asking for trouble.

Chapter 744

Ryder ignored Abellyn, turning to Emmanuel. Emmanuel took out a ticket. “I have two amusement park tickets, and I’m thinking of inviting you and Tommy tomorrow. Tia will be there too.”

“Really?” Ryder’s eyes lit up, but he sighed. He felt she was out of his league.

“Ryder, don’t overthink it. Think of it as a simple hangout. Even if you can’t be lovers, it’s good to have friends,” Emmanuel encouraged.

“Yes, Ryder. Seize this opportunity,” Alessandra urged.

Abellyn, on the ground, exploded. She jumped up, pointing at Ryder. “Fool! You think you’re free after divorcing me, huh? I’m telling you, word’s spread in Yeringham. He’s not your son!”

“What?!” Emmanuel and Alessandra were shocked.

Ryder was stunned. Tommy, who’d been hiding, froze. “I-I’m not Daddy’s son…” A child’s resilience is weak; he seemed to be in a trance.

“Stop talking nonsense! Scram!” Ryder roared, his eyes bloodshot. Alessandra restrained him; otherwise, he would have hit Abellyn again.

“If you don’t believe me, take Tommy for a paternity test,” Abellyn laughed maniacally. “If only you let me come back, he would still have a mother. Now, you can flirt with someone else’s teacher, and then form a new family. People will be laughing at Tommy for not having his biological parents by his side.”

Knives pierced Emmanuel’s heart. How could there be such a shameless woman? She’d been pregnant with another man’s child and married Ryder?!

“I’ll kill you, Abellyn Sheppard!”

The commotion attracted neighbors. Ryder lost control.

“Ryder, don’t! Don’t do anything rash!” Alessandra tried to hold him back.

Emmanuel steadied his mother and held Ryder. “Ryder, if you kill her, you’ll go to jail. Then, what about Tommy?”

Ryder calmed down. Tommy would become an orphan.

“Y-You’re right. She must be lying,” Ryder said.

“Yes, it’s very likely. Keep your cool,” Emmanuel added. “No matter what, your six years of kinship won’t change, right? There’s a genuine bond between you and Tommy.”

Despite that, he suspected it was true, judging by Abellyn’s expression. Alessandra felt the same. When Tommy was born prematurely, gossipy women had whispered. She’d told them to stop. She never expected this from Abellyn.

Chapter 745

“Tommy! Tommy!” Ryder rushed to Tommy’s room, noticing something was wrong. He hugged him. “Don’t listen to your mother—that woman. She’s up to something bad.”

Tommy nodded, his eyes red. That night, Alessandra stayed to keep them company, advising Ryder to take the initiative tomorrow with Tia.

Emmanuel went to the company at 8 p.m. to pick up Mackenzie, briefly telling her what happened.

“Abellyn Sheppard might have spread those rumors intentionally,” Mackenzie said. “Regardless, you don’t need a paternity test to confirm Tommy is Ryder’s son.”

He smiled.

“Why are you smiling like that?” she glared, pretending to be annoyed.

“We’re thinking the same thing,” he explained.

She pretended to be aloof. “You mean we have a telepathic connection, right?”

“Isn’t that great?” he laughed.

This fool is getting more presumptuous, Mackenzie thought.

“Mackenzie, tomorrow is Saturday. May I ask a favor?” Emmanuel became serious. “It’s to help Ryder get closer to Tia. I’ve invited them to the amusement park.”

“A double date?” Mackenzie guessed. Rhea would have had to look it up.

“Yeah.” He nodded, impressed by her intelligence.

“Unfortunately, I’m not available tomorrow. You might have to invite someone else.”

Mackenzie guessed wrong; she thought he wanted them to go together.

“Oh, it’s alright,” Emmanuel hesitated, then nodded.

She sensed something was off. “Okay, so you didn’t want to ask me out?”

“That’s not it!” He smiled wryly. “Rhea suggested it. She’ll accompany me, and we’ll help Ryder out.”

“Rhea Gomez?” Mackenzie’s expression turned colder, with anger.

“You know her?” He felt trouble but remained calm. He believed she would trust him.

“I know her. I just want to know something. Did you never plan to ask me out?” Mackenzie’s gaze was penetrating.

Emmanuel felt like he was in an ice cellar. “Mackenzie, I know you’ve been busy with work lately, so can I ask you out again when you are free?”

“No, thanks.” She turned away. Why should I go just because he asked me out?

Chapter 746

He’s not romantic at all, Mackenzie thought. Emmanuel realized she was mad. I have to ask Rhea how to appease wifey.

Mackenzie remained silent before saying, “Two days ago, after we got home, my mother went back to the Quillen family. They were robbed.”

He furrowed his brows. “Perhaps it was done under your mother’s orders?”

“It was her,” she sighed. She felt relieved having someone to confide in.

“Mackenzie, since you told me about this, I guess there’s nothing wrong with telling you about this,” Emmanuel said frankly. “Is Felicity also interested in the two things owned by the Quillen family? If her goal is the same as Magnus’, then it is highly likely that they reached some kind of conspiracy during her visit to the Lenoir family over the New Year.”

She silently agreed.

“Felicity is still your mother and a member of the Quillen family. How the two things are divided is the Quillen family’s business. If your mother ends up owning them, I can accept it from my standpoint. But I’m afraid that she will be used by someone, and then the Quillen family’s treasures will fall into the hands of outsiders.”

She felt relieved. It felt like she’d gained another confidant.

“So, what do you think I should do?” Mackenzie proactively asked, her eyes fixed on his profile.

“Find an opportunity to have a good talk with your mother. We’re a family, and there’s nothing that cannot be solved.”

His suggestion comforted her. She was the head of the Quillen family and Felicity’s daughter; it was her responsibility.

Mackenzie smiled lightly. “I didn’t expect a fool like you to be quite smart sometimes.”

Emmanuel smiled bitterly. My dear wife, you’re underestimating me…

Alessandra, at Ryder’s, got up and called Jaxton.

“Hi, Mom. Why are you calling at this hour?” he was dubious. He was tired, but he wanted to connect with the Quillen family; Roselynn was key.

“Jaxton, I’m sorry to disturb you at this late hour.” “Tomorrow is Saturday. If you’re free, why don’t we go to the amusement park? I’ll make sure Roselynn will go too.”

He almost cursed at the amusement park suggestion. But he grinned at the last sentence. He wanted to be with Roselynn. “Great! I’ll pick her up tomorrow morning.”

“Okay, I’ll convince her,” Alessandra said, hanging up. He wasn’t bad; he genuinely liked her daughter. She wished them a long marriage.

Chapter 747

Early morning, a black Corolla sped on the outskirts of Yeringham. In the mountains, the car seemed about to fall apart. Magnus gripped the armrest.

“What kind of sin do I have to atone for by riding in your car?”

“F*ck!” Blake cursed, bouncing up and down. “Wouldn’t that be my line? What kind of luck do I have working for you? Why did you have to meet someone here instead of in the city?”

Magnus apologized. “You’re right, it’s not your fault. But it’s not my fault either. The other party insisted on meeting me here to discuss cooperation. I want to be the heir of the Zelinsky family too.”

“I know, but if you don’t cooperate with this d*mn organization, you won’t get those things from the Quillen family, right? You’re useless.”

Magnus pushed up his glasses. “Nope. I want to meet the so-called Saintess in person. Don’t you wanna know who she is?”

“If I wasn’t curious, I wouldn’t have come. It’s rare to meet someone calling themselves a Saintess.”

Magnus teased, “You pretend to find it embarrassing, but you’re curious, right?”

“You’re perceptive,” Blake admitted, laughing. Who wouldn’t be curious?

“Speaking of Yeringham, I have a story,” Blake said.

“I’m all ears,” Magnus said.

“About seven years ago, I came to Yeringham and helped some unfortunate girls. That night, I was in a bad mood and got drunk. I took a woman from a massage parlor. I didn’t take any safety precautions. I was scared of contracting a disease,” Blake said, flustered.

Magnus smiled, thinking it was trivial.

Blake continued, “But unexpectedly, that woman didn’t have any diseases. And because of this incident, I paid more attention and later heard that she found someone else to marry and even gave birth to a premature child! I wonder if I’m a father.”

“I see,” Magnus smiled faintly. “So, are you going to look for that woman now that you’re back in Yeringham?”

“Find her? No way.” Blake waved his hand. “If I become a father, can I still help those unfortunate girls? It will affect my charity work, so absolutely not!”

Magnus smiled. “That’s true. Maybe you’re overthinking; that child isn’t yours.”

“Exactly,” Blake said, still uneasy.

They arrived at a wooden house with a courtyard.

Chapter 748

“No wonder we’re meeting in a place like this. This is fancy. Haha…” Blake laughed, pushing the door open.

They were disappointed. Only one man was waiting.

“Damn. You’re the Saintess?” Blake cursed. “Are people nowadays lacking so much in manners? You’re a grown man pretending to be a Saintess? Isn’t that inappropriate?”

The man, in purple, glared. His killing intent was suffocating.

“So, you’re Dustin Palmer of the Holy Fire organization? My friend was rude. My apologies!” Magnus bowed.

Dustin was surprised by the humility. He didn’t expect it from one of Zovince’s Four Geniuses.

“That’s right. I am Dustin Palmer!” He took out a check. “The mission to poison Emmanuel failed, so here’s your money.”

“Heh… You little trash! It’s so difficult for you to kill someone, and you even failed.” Blake mocked, taking the check.

Dustin’s killing intent intensified.

“I have to say, the Holy Fire organization still has some credibility. You returned the money even though the mission failed. You’re much better than the Redback Assassins,” Blake continued.

Magnus smiled, handing the check back. “Consider this a token of friendship between me and the Saintess. You’ve worked hard!”

“Hmph… We don’t accept charity. It’s our fault for the mission’s failure, so we won’t take a single penny!” Dustin said.

Magnus took out a larger sum of cash and handed it to Dustin.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Dustin asked.

“I want the Saintess to help me obtain two things. This money is just a deposit, and after the job is done, there will be a remaining payment of nine times the amount!” Magnus smiled.

Blake was shocked! It was 150 million! The bounty was 1.5 billion?! The Quillen family’s assets were only a few million. What could be worth 1.5 billion?

“All right. I will go back and report to the Saintess because of your sincerity!” Dustin took the check.

They left the wooden house.

“Mr. Magnus, what are those two things? What’s worth spending so much money on? Why does the Zelinsky family value them so much?” Blake asked.

Magnus smiled and changed the subject. “Let’s go. If we can’t find someone to kill Emmanuel, we’ll have to figure out a way ourselves.”

Chapter 749

On Saturday, Roselynn woke up early and dressed up in a pink and white dress, princess shoes, and light makeup. She was going for a job interview; she’d heard the interviewer was handsome.

Opening the door, she saw a BMW. Her good mood vanished. She tried to walk past, but a man got out.

“Roselynn! Honey!” Jaxton called. Alessandra also got out.

“Let go! Who is your ‘Honey?’ Don’t touch me!” Roselynn pushed Jaxton away.

Jaxton felt angry and helpless. He wanted to explode but restrained himself. He couldn’t touch her.

“Roselynn, what are you doing?” Alessandra scolded. “It’s been so many days, and Jaxton has sincerely apologized. Why can’t you forgive him?”

Roselynn sighed, turning away. Jaxton sighed, looking pitiful.

“All right, Roselynn. Go to the amusement park with Jaxton. Just have more contact with him!” Alessandra said, handing her daughter to Jaxton.

“Mom, why do I have to go with him?” Roselynn pushed Jaxton away. She didn’t want to forgive him; she just didn’t like him.

“Just think of it as helping Ryder, okay?” Alessandra pleaded. “Emmanuel arranged a group date and invited Tia, the person Ryder likes. Emmanuel is a man; he’s not as good with words as you are. Just go with Jaxton and help Ryder, all right?”

Roselynn sighed. She wanted to help Ryder but didn’t want to be with Jaxton.

“Roselynn, just come with me. If you don’t like it, I won’t touch you, okay?” Jaxton said.

“Fine!” Roselynn agreed coldly, not looking at him.

Alessandra breathed a sigh of relief. “I can only help you until here. Behave well and win your wife back!”

“I understand. Thank you!” Jaxton said politely.

Chapter 750

Tommy overheard Ryder’s conversation and felt unnecessary.

Emmanuel smiled at him. “Tommy, your dad and I are taking you to the amusement park today, along with Ms. Franks. Why do you seem unhappy?”

Tommy smiled. “Uncle Manny, I’m very happy. I just feel sleepy.”

Emmanuel laughed. Could Tommy not be Ryder’s son?

Emmanuel picked up Rhea.

“Hello, my name is Rhea Gomez. I’m Emmanuel’s good friend. Nice to meet you!” Rhea reached out to Ryder and Tommy. She wasn’t usually this outgoing; she had to be since she was Emmanuel’s relationship advisor.

“Oh. Hello! Nice to meet you!” Ryder hesitated, wiping his hand before shaking hers. Emmanuel wasn’t this popular before, he thought.

“Rhea, you’re so cute!” Tommy said.

“You stole my line. You’re the one that looks fair and cute, unlike your honest-looking dad!” Rhea said.

The men froze. Rhea realized her mistake. “I’m sorry. I—”

“Hehe. It’s okay!” Ryder waved his hand. “Tommy does take after his mom, and it’s fortunate that he did. Otherwise, he would look ugly like me.”

“Mr. Ryder, you shouldn’t underestimate yourself. In fact, many girls like men like you who are reliable. Reliability is the most important thing!” Rhea encouraged.

Ryder nodded, lacking confidence. He had nothing.

They arrived at the amusement park. Tia was waiting, nervous and conflicted. She liked Emmanuel but had to date Ryder.

“Wow! Tia, you look so beautiful today!” Rhea said. Tia wore black leggings, a tight-fitting top, and a loose sweater. Rhea wore a dress. They had switched styles, like the day they were poisoned.

This cleaned-up version addresses grammar, punctuation, and style issues while preserving the original story's tone and content. Note that some potentially offensive words remain in the narrative as they are part of the characters' dialogue and reflect the story's setting and characters.