Chapter 761

“No, I won’t. I’ve settled down in Yeringham,” Emmanuel said, shaking his head in response to Sage’s question.

Sage’s disappointment was evident. He sighed, nodded, and murmured, “I see. Mackenzie is a beautiful woman. It’s understandable you want to enjoy life after serving the country for years.”

Emmanuel’s heart fluttered at the thought of Mackenzie. If she weren’t his wife, Sage would have done anything to win her affection. It was a rare opportunity to meet one's dream girl.

Emmanuel smiled faintly. Sage was right; he couldn't live without Mackenzie. She was his wife, and he relied on her to accomplish his mission—a mission he chose not to reveal to Sage. He could think what he wanted.

“Did you find Claudette’s body?” Emmanuel asked. The matter weighed heavily on his mind.

“No,” Sage replied, shaking his head. “We suspect something supernatural is involved. There’s a valley at the bottom of the cliff south of the Lenoir Residence. The nearest river is over a hundred yards from where Ms. Lenoir fell, yet we found no body. We searched the cliff by drone for days—nothing. Ms. Lenoir seems to have vanished. We can’t determine the nature of the case without a body. It’ll soon become a cold case.”

Emmanuel frowned. After a moment, he asked, “Is it possible someone took her body and erased all traces before the police arrived?”

Sage’s expression was serious. “We considered that. But to do so, they would have had to wait in the valley in the dark and leave before the police searched. Otherwise, we would have encountered them. We’ve found no suspects.”

“That’s strange,” Emmanuel mused. “Knowing Magnus, he’s capable of assigning men to wait in the valley. But how did they remove Claudette without alerting you?”

The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he became. He didn’t want to imagine what Magnus would do to Claudette. He'd be less worried if it were just her body. What if she’s alive? The thought made him shudder.

“Don’t worry. I’ll continue the investigation,” Sage promised. “What concerns you concerns me.”

“Emmanuel, did you have a conflict with Magnus concerning Ms. Lenoir? Do you suspect him?” Sage asked.

“Yes!” Emmanuel nodded. “Hubert isn’t smart enough for today’s incident. It required foresight and planning. Magnus is the only one capable of that.”

As they spoke, a voice called out, “Captain Payne!” Both men turned to see Ashton running towards them. She was curvy and possessed the physique of a professional athlete.

“What did you find?” Sage asked directly.

“Sir, the preliminary investigation reveals the accident was caused by negligence on the part of maintenance staff. They missed loosened parts during maintenance checks. It was an accident.”

Emmanuel burst out laughing. It was obvious; the mastermind had shifted the blame.

Chapter 762

“What are you laughing at, you jerk?” Ashton snapped. She was hypersensitive to his laughter, interpreting it as mockery.

Emmanuel chuckled. “Is it illegal to laugh?”

“You—” Ashton’s hatred was intense. A glance from Sage, however, silenced her.

How frustrating to be unable to retaliate!

Emmanuel, refusing to stoop to her level, said, “Miss Ashton, out of respect for Captain Payne, I’ll share crucial information regarding the three cases. Please listen attentively.”

Ashton struggled to control her anger under his gaze. How does he suddenly assume such authority?

“Firstly, Magnus Zelinsky pushed Claudette Lenoir off the cliff. Investigate him, not me. Secondly, the restaurant poisoning targeted the water, originating from Jonathan Verkade. Thirdly, today’s Ferris wheel incident was no accident; Hubert Verkade even shot at me. It was attempted murder. Whether you can apprehend him is up to you!”

Emmanuel gestured to Sage, ready to leave.

“That infuriating guy! Sooner or later, I’ll bring him to justice!” Ashton muttered, overheard by Sage.

Sage’s frigid gaze sent a shiver down her spine. Why does Captain Payne defend Emmanuel so much?

“Ashton, these three cases are your responsibility. Fail to solve them within three months, and you hand in your badge and gun. Understood?”

“Ah, Captain—” Ashton was shocked, but Sage’s resolute gaze made her salute. “Yes, sir. I pledge to complete the mission!”

Sage departed, leaving Ashton to sigh. Her phone rang.

“Hello, Dad!” Her tone softened, revealing a girlish side.

“Ash, is your work progressing? You promised promotion to Inspector Grade 2 this year!”

“Dad, I’ll succeed!”

Laughter echoed. “I’m not hoping for your success. Your brother wants you to return and inherit the Summerton family business. Remember: no promotion, you return home.”

“No! I don’t want to!” Ashton reacted with agitation.

The Summertons were a prominent Yeringham family. Lexi, Ashton’s cousin, was a hacking genius who chose to be an executive assistant. Her brother, Tyler, was a photographer. Ashton, however, was driven by a passion for justice.

Her cousin and brother’s aspirations were attainable, but Ashton’s were loftier. She was in trouble if she couldn’t solve the cases. Am I destined to inherit a multi-million dollar business?

Chapter 763

Blake drove his Corolla behind a Maserati.

“Haha, Magnus, your plan failed again! You can’t even kill an enemy!”

Magnus smiled faintly, showing no anger or dismay, but his eyes gleamed with intrigue. “I’ve never encountered such a tenacious opponent. It’s interesting!”

Blake continued, “Haha, I’ve seen this in movies. After the antagonist’s defeat, they say such lines! Magnus, I think you’re the antagonist, and your lifespan might be short!”

“Enough. Focus on driving,” Magnus said, feigning anger.

Blake laughed. It was amusing to see Magnus frustrated. He was curious to meet Emmanuel.

Inside the Maserati, Ryder gripped the steering wheel, sweating. He hadn’t driven in years, and now he was driving a Maserati with Tia, the woman he liked, beside him.

“Mr. Lowe, are you hot?” Tia asked, offering a tissue.

Each wipe seemed to produce more sweat.

“Are you unwell? Let me turn on the air conditioning,” Tia said, concerned.

“Hehe, Ms. Franks, my dad gets hot whenever he’s around you!” Tommy said from the backseat.

“Hey, little brat…” Ryder said, and Tia blushed. How can someone as well-behaved as Mr. Lowe say something so suggestive?

Tommy intervened, “Dad, I’m hungry!”

Ryder said, “Ms. Franks, how about we grab a bite? I’ll pay.” Tia nodded.

They stopped at a restaurant. The security guards assumed they were wealthy, surprised to see Ryder, who looked like a retired laborer. Whispers followed: “How can such a beautiful woman be with such an ugly man?”

Ryder felt embarrassed. He remembered being compared to a diamond in the rough with Abellyn, but with Tia, the comments were worse. Tia also overheard, brushing her hair behind her ear.

“Hmph, my dad isn’t ugly!” Tommy exclaimed, pointing at an even uglier man getting out of a Corolla. “That fellow is much uglier!”

Chapter 764

Blake was overwhelmed by the stares. Who did I offend?

He glared at Tommy. “You little brat, have you no manners? If you were my child, I’d spank you!”

“You’re uglier than my dad!” Tommy retorted, hiding behind Tia.

Ryder apologized.

Magnus got out of the Corolla, “In fairness, the kid isn’t entirely wrong. You are a tad uglier than his dad.”

Attention shifted to Magnus, who exuded an air of superiority. He nodded to those who met his gaze, then quickly averted his gaze from Tia.

They entered the restaurant, leaving onlookers bewildered.

Ryder felt uneasy about the assumptions about his financial status; the Maserati wasn't his.

“Well, Tia, shall we head in?”

“Okay.”

Tia held Tommy’s hand. The restaurant owner seated them at a larger table than Magnus and Blake.

Blake noticed Tommy staring. “Why the staring? Want to call me ugly again? When I was your age, I was fairer, more handsome, and cuter than you!”

“I don’t believe you!” Tommy said. “You’re ugly and a bragger! My dad’s more handsome and honest. He admits he’s not good-looking!”

Tia laughed. Ryder blushed.

Blake, determined to win, pointed at Magnus.

“He’s your friend, so he’d take your side! You’re uglier than my dad,” Tommy said.

Blake scratched his head in frustration. Magnus smiled, knowing Blake had once been strikingly handsome. Intensive training and womanizing had aged him poorly.

Chapter 765

“Blake, want to teach that kid a lesson?” Magnus asked.

“Bullying someone younger isn’t right,” Blake said, gritting his teeth. He wouldn’t bully a child in Tia’s presence.

“There are other ways. You’re not his father, so physical discipline is out. But teaching a lesson doesn’t mean spanking.”

“What do you have in mind?” Blake asked.

“Give him a treat,” Magnus said, producing a small box.

Blake was startled. “Magnus, you’ve lost your mind! This is a witchcraft worm!”

“You do have an eye for things,” Magnus smiled. “This mind-controlling witchcraft worm controls a person or makes them ill. It took effort—and money—to obtain.”

“Control a person? That sounds fantastical,” Blake said skeptically.

“Why not try? If it makes the kid ill and teaches him a lesson, isn’t that good?” Magnus said, starting to put the box away.

“Who said I’m uninterested?” Blake grabbed the box. “Are you using a child as a test subject?”

Magnus smiled. “I have a clever approach, but I can’t reveal it. Consider it a mischievous prank!”

“Haha, fine then!” Blake agreed. He thought it fitting to teach the brat a lesson. Words could stir up trouble, illness could enter through the mouth. Making the child ill once might discourage him.

Ryder and his family were engrossed in their meal, hoping Tia would join their family. Tia had no romantic feelings for Ryder, but she knew marrying him meant being cherished.

“Hehe, little brat!” Blake interrupted.

“What’s up, Mr. Ugly!” Tommy said.

“Hey, Tommy…”

Chapter 766

Blake smiled, placing a chicken wing in front of Tommy. “Back in the day, I was cute and handsome, just like you! Seeing you reminds me of myself, so I thought I’d treat you.”

Ryder hesitated to accept a favor from a stranger.

“Let’s consider it making friends. Besides, these kiddie snacks aren’t exactly our cup of tea!” Blake said, patting Ryder’s shoulder.

“Dad, I want it!” Tommy said, licking his lips.

“Well… alright, thanks!” Ryder said.

“Haha, no problem! Let’s consider it making friends!” Blake said, glancing at Tia before leaving.

What a striking woman!

They watched Tommy eat the chicken wing.

“Are you full? Let’s go!” Magnus said, leaving the restaurant.

“Magnus, you played a trick on that kid, right?” Blake teased. “When the time comes, this move will certainly make an impression. And if it remains unnecessary, it won’t be a loss. After all, nobody else knows.”

Magnus grinned. “Isn’t it always better to be prepared? Nobody dares to claim a hundred percent certainty, but if you don’t plan ahead, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself empty-handed when the moment arises.”

“Haha, you’ve got a point!” Blake agreed. “You can stay put and get picked up by the Verkade family’s Lincoln. It’s more comfortable.”

Magnus was flabbergasted. Blake drove to Phoenix Haven Spa.

“Dmn it, seven years have pased, and this place is still up and running? They must have some serious backing!”

Blake saw Abellyn walking out, cursing.

“What are you looking at? Never seen a beautiful woman before? Head home and ogle your own lady!” Abellyn yelled.

Blake walked over. “Abellyn, is that you?”

Abellyn trembled. “Who are you?”

Chapter 767

“Don’t you recognize me? I’m Blake, your Casanova!” Blake said excitedly.

“I was drunk that night, and you washed my feet for me. Then, I took you in my arms and insisted that you wash my hair. The next day, I woke up and realized that we didn’t use any protection, so I gave you 7,000. Have you forgotten all of that?”

Abellyn staggered. “It… Was it you? How could it be you?” She remembered the man as good-looking, not ugly. She never expected him to be uglier than Ryder!

“It was me!” Blake said. “I heard you had a son. Is that true?”

“It’s none of your business!” Abellyn pushed him away.

Blake blocked her. “How is it none of my business? I left because I didn’t know you were pregnant. I’m not irresponsible. I love you and all other women!”

Abellyn knew he was telling the truth. She had deliberately washed his feet, knowing he was generous to prostitutes. That night, she hadn’t used protection, wanting more money. Now, she regretted it. “I should’ve had a happy family. It’s all because of you! You b*stard!”

Blake stood there, enduring her blows. He then unlocked his phone, showing her his millions in the bank account.

“Tell me where our son is, and I’ll give you 1 million, okay?”

Abellyn was stunned. 1 million?!

“You b*stard, why did you only show up now? Do you know how miserable my life has been?”

Blake laughed. “Where is our son?”

Abellyn showed him her PayPal QR code.

Chapter 768

Abellyn received the million dollars. I can live a comfortable life at last!

“Hurry up and take me to see my son!” Blake urged.

“Alright,” Abellyn replied. I’d love to see the look on Ryder’s face when he finds out he’s been raising someone else’s son for six years!

Ryder, after finishing his meal, sent Tia home and drove to Yociam Residence, where Emmanuel was waiting.

“Emmanuel, thank you so much for today! I’m so happy!” Ryder said.

A Bentley arrived. Mackenzie saw Ryder’s happy face.

“Good evening, Ms. Quillen!” Ryder greeted Mackenzie humbly.

Mackenzie nodded to him before looking at Emmanuel. “How much longer are you two going to chat?”

Ryder quickly left.

“How about I take them home first?” Emmanuel offered.

“I have something to talk to you about. Let’s have Wally take them home,” Mackenzie said.

“Alright, then. Thank you for that,” Emmanuel said.

“Let’s go inside,” Mackenzie said.

They went home. Mackenzie asked, “I’ve heard about the Ferris wheel accident. Is everyone okay?”

“Everyone is fine, but Jaxton got injured!” Emmanuel replied.

“Good to hear that!” Mackenzie said. “I wanted to talk to you about the Oatleys. They want to collaborate with the Terence Group, but I had my secretary reschedule the appointment!”

Emmanuel asked, “Are you going to decide whether or not to collaborate with them based on the actual relationship between my sister and Jaxton?”

“You’re not so dumb, after all,” Mackenzie replied.

Chapter 769

“I’m also scratching my head over this for my sister,” Emmanuel said. “Here’s some tea to relieve fatigue. Mackenzie, why don’t you finish this cup of tea first?”

Mackenzie glared, but drank the tea.

Emmanuel continued, “My sister and that guy have no feelings for each other anymore. She wants a divorce, but my mom is dead set against it!”

“So, that’s how it is. Then, there’s no need to collaborate with the Oatleys!” Mackenzie said.

Emmanuel said seriously, “Mackenzie, thank you for caring so much about my family, but when it comes to business matters, I hope you’re still making decisions in the best interest of Terence Group.”

“Humph! Do I need you to teach me how to do things?” Mackenzie pretended to be aloof.

Emmanuel wasn’t angry. “Mackenzie, why don’t you take a hot bath and relax for a while?”

“I got it. Don’t nag at me like my dad!” Mackenzie said. “Oh, by the way! I’ll find some time to talk to your mom about your sister’s situation. She might listen to me!”

Emmanuel’s face lit up.

Mackenzie came out of her room.

“What’s wrong? You don’t look right!” Mackenzie said, noticing something was wrong with Emmanuel.

“Ryder said that Tommy suddenly got possessed and is vomiting severely now. His life might be in danger!”

“What? That’s so serious!” Mackenzie said.

“I don’t know either. I have to go over to take a look. I won’t be able to drive you to work!”

“Okay, just go ahead!”

Chapter 770

“Have you seen him before?” Abellyn asked, surprised to see Ryder.

“Haha! I happened to run into him before I met you yesterday. We even ate at the same restaurant!” Blake laughed.

“Oh,” Abellyn replied strangely.

Blake followed Abellyn’s directions to the Lowe residence.

“The front gate is locked. If you want to see your son, you’ll have to wait for that guy to come back!” Abellyn said.

Blake jumped over the wall, breaking into the house. He heard groans of pain. Could I have harmed my own son so severely?!

“Aaaah!” Tommy screamed.

Blake saw Tommy half-slumped by the bed, vomiting. My son! Oh, my son! I’m the one who caused my son to suffer like this! Dmn it! Magnus!*

He slapped himself repeatedly. I’m such an idiot!

Ryder arrived, seeing Abellyn.

“Abellyn, why are you at the door to my house again?” Ryder said, his face darkening.

“Hehe! What do you care if I’m here? I came back today to piss you off!” Abellyn retorted.

“So, it really was you who did it! I’ll kill you, you shameless b*tch!” Ryder slapped Abellyn.

Abellyn turned pale. “W-What?”

This cleaned-up version corrects grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, making the narrative flow more smoothly. It also removes some repetitive phrasing and clarifies ambiguous sections. However, the original text contained some questionable content (e.g., references to a "witchcraft worm" and potentially exploitative situations). These elements have been retained as they are part of the original author's intent, but it's important to be aware of their presence.