Chapter 81

Felicity found the casual atmosphere irritating. However, unlike the stereotypical mothers-in-law in novels, she wouldn't belittle Emmanuel, even though she didn't think highly of him. Mackenzie, on the other hand, enjoyed the Lowe family's customs, though she would refuse to kneel and serve Alessandra. She discreetly studied her mother, but couldn't decipher her expression.

A commotion erupted outside the lively house. Ryder, uninterested in socializing, remained near the gate. Shawn arrived with his men, and without preamble, demanded, "Ryder, is your wife paying today?"

"We will! We'll definitely pay you back! But today's my cousin's wedding. Could you give us a few more days?" Ryder pleaded, clasping his hands.

With a sinister laugh, Shawn countered, "Sure! Let me sleep with your wife for a few nights."

"No! I can't let that happen!" Ryder exclaimed.

"No? If she doesn't pay, I'll make her a hostess in a bathhouse. What do you think she was before? Some virtuous woman?" Shawn sneered.

Ryder's heart sank. He knew his wife's past, but it didn't matter; her fidelity after marriage was all that mattered to him. Unable to argue, he knelt. "Please, I beg you, give us more time!"

"Scram!" Shawn kicked him aside and led his men into Emmanuel's house. Roselynn opened the door to the commotion. The Lowe's self-built house had a visible front yard from the living room.

"What's wrong? What's happening?" she asked.

"Get lost. We're here for Abellyn."

Ignoring Roselynn, Shawn and his men entered, kicking and throwing things to intimidate, infuriating Roselynn. Abellyn, anticipating their arrival, hid in her room. However, she knew Shawn's ruthlessness and that hiding wouldn't be a long-term solution.

"Why are you looking for my mom?" Tommy shouted.

"Hehe, we're looking for your mom because—"

Shawn's vulgarity was cut short by the sight of Mackenzie. Unfamiliar with the Lowe family, Shawn, the son of an influential businessman, instantly recognized Mackenzie. He rubbed his eyes, disbelieving the Quillen heiress was in such a dilapidated place. But she was. He knew he couldn't offend her. "I'm sorry! Wrong house!" he stammered, fleeing.

Chapter 82

"Stop right there!" An older man's voice boomed from behind Shawn. Recognizing the voice, Shawn trembled. Not only was Mackenzie present, but Terence, Yeringham's wealthiest man, was too!

Terence's assertive presence commanded Shawn's attention. "Old Mr. Quillen!" Shawn stammered, turning around.

The Lowes were confused by Shawn's sudden change in demeanor, realizing Mr. Quillen held significant status. Fortunately, they didn't know Shawn, or their shock would have been greater.

"Oh? You know me?" Terence asked, knowing Shawn wasn't there by accident. He wanted to de-escalate the situation.

"Everyone in Yeringham knows you" Shawn's voice trembled.

To maintain his granddaughter's charade, Terence didn't reveal himself. "Stop flattering me. What are you doing here?"

"N-Nothing! Ryder and I are good friends! I just stopped by!" Shawn lied, fearing the consequences of offending the Quillen family over eighty thousand.

"I see. Then why the 'wrong house'?" Mackenzie's cold gaze pierced him.

Shawn, speechless, trembled.

"Since you have no business here, leave," Alessandra stated, annoyed by the intrusion on her family's special day.

Relieved, Shawn quickly departed with his men.

Ryder, just arriving, was oblivious to the events. He'd feared Shawn taking his wife, but was surprised by his hasty retreat.

"Mr. Zeller!" Ryder called.

"Don't call me!" Shawn snapped, hurrying away.

"What about the money?" Ryder asked, concerned about the debt, but Shawn ignored him.

"That's weird! What's going on?" Ryder wondered, scratching his head.

Emmanuel, having been in the kitchen, missed the commotion. Upon exiting, he saw Benny and Jack fawning over Terence, recognizing his wealth and influence, hoping to benefit their businesses. For Emmanuel's sake, Terence made small talk. Mackenzie remained aloof, ignoring Benny and Jack. Felicity, knowing her daughter's judgment, trusted her assessment of them. She checked social media, ignoring them. Benny and Jack's anger was evident, but they dared not speak.

"It's time for lunch!" Emmanuel announced, unwilling to let the tension escalate. He knew Mackenzie's disinterest was unyielding.

Soon, everyone was at the dining tables.

Chapter 83

Emmanuel's and Mackenzie's families sat at one table; Benny's and Ryder's at the other. The atmosphere was harmonious. Mackenzie found the food unfamiliar and disliked the enthusiastic serving from Alessandra. Unable to refuse, she smiled, then pushed the food toward Emmanuel after Terence's pointed cough.

Alessandra's embarrassment was palpable. Emmanuel started to explain, but Mackenzie said, "I'm on a diet."

Alessandra worried about her thinness. Mackenzie internally bristled. Roselynn quickly explained modern beauty standards to her mother, placing serving utensils beside the dishes, recognizing Mackenzie's discomfort.

Alessandra apologized. Mackenzie accepted it, thinking her mother-in-law, while naggy, had a good temper and she wouldn't have to live with her. Roselynn found Mackenzie difficult but manageable, worried about Emmanuel's potential annoyance.

Terence asked Alessandra about grandchildren. Mackenzie nearly choked, and Emmanuel's smile faltered. He hadn't even held Mackenzie's hand, much less had intimacy.

Alessandra immediately pressured her son, "Manny, work harder!" Emmanuel chuckled, eating quickly.

"I'm done. I have something else to do," Mackenzie announced, leaving. Emmanuel followed, neither speaking. He then received a message.

Chapter 84

Emmanuel was driving, so didn't see the message. Mackenzie glanced at it, shocked. The message from Terence read: Emmanuel, I support you. Pin Mackenzie down. A Quillen grandchild and my life savings are yours!

Mackenzie was speechless. Tens of billions as bait? Impossible! If Emmanuel finds out, he'll pounce!

"What's wrong?" Emmanuel noticed her reaction and wanted to see the message.

"Don't you dare!" Mackenzie threatened.

Emmanuel argued, "Ms. Quillen, that's my phone. Why can't I read it?"

"No!" Mackenzie tried to delete it, but didn't know his password.

"Give me your password!" she demanded.

Emmanuel chuckled, "Ms. Quillen, we're married in name only. You said I'd have my freedom. Now you want to check my phone?"

Mackenzie, flustered, tried to be unreasonable.

"Just give it to me!"

"I will, but let me read the message first!" Emmanuel pulled over, reaching for his phone. He had no secrets.

Mackenzie hesitated, unwilling to give it back.

"Ms. Quillen, you're invading my privacy," Emmanuel stated firmly.

Mackenzie threw the phone. Emmanuel caught it, unlocking and reading the message. He laughed.

"Don't even think it!" Mackenzie snapped.

Emmanuel drove home. Mackenzie remained silent. At home, she tried to slam the door, but Emmanuel stopped her. "You're ridiculous! It's your grandfather! And you're acting like I want to force myself on you. Have you considered how unarousing your icy expression is?"

Mackenzie retreated to her bedroom. Emmanuel didn't follow. Their marriage was in name only; unless she kicked him out, other issues were minor.

Later, Emmanuel found Mackenzie on the couch with papers and a pen. "Sign this."

Chapter 85

Emmanuel approached, curious. Mackenzie, cold and composed, crossed her arms. The papers were two identical agreements, already signed and stamped by Mackenzie. The terms were:

1. No sexual intercourse. Any inappropriate touch by Emmanuel constituted marital rape.
2. No shared assets. No monthly allowance or rent. Expenses split, only necessary purchases.
3. Divorce in six months, with no asset division. Mackenzie would vacate the house.

Emmanuel knew it favored him but sensed Mackenzie's guardedness. He wondered why she thought he married her for money and looks.

Mackenzie said coldly, "Don't worry. I won't ask for the money you borrowed. Consider it a gift. Don't have inappropriate thoughts. Don't treat me like your real wife. And stop thinking about Grandpa's money. We're not fated."

Emmanuel wasn't angry. The terms weren't unreasonable. He felt upset that she squashed his little hope.

"Ms. Quillen, I never thought about your money or your grandfather's. Believe me or not. If you think we're not a real couple, I won't give you five thousand a month. But I'll return the money I borrowed, and I won't ask for this house!"

Mackenzie felt a surprising pang in her heart. She'd expected anger, not this.

"Ms. Quillen, you're beautiful and elegant. But not every man will covet you! I'm a gynecologist, and I wonder if I have erectile dysfunction because I never intended to take advantage of you. So, I'll sign this."

Emmanuel took the pen. Mackenzie hesitated but didn't stop him. He signed, then asked to use his thumbprint instead of a stamp. Mackenzie nodded, feeling uneasy as the smell of blood wafted.

"I'm done, Ms. Quillen! Dinner?" Emmanuel offered.

"No. I'm going out. No need to wait up. Don't lock the door," Mackenzie said, taking a copy of the agreement.

"Sorry, but I've never waited for you," Emmanuel replied.

Mackenzie felt a sharp pain. How dare he?

Chapter 86

Mackenzie met Beatrix for drinks (mostly for Mackenzie). It was a Quillen family establishment, their first visit since Mackenzie's marriage.

Beatrix noticed Mackenzie's excessive drinking. After the eighth glass, she realized Mackenzie was trying to get drunk.

"I'm fine. Cold weather," Mackenzie explained.

Beatrix knew Mackenzie never made excuses.

"Mackenzie, did Emmanuel do something bad?" Beatrix asked cautiously.

"Hmph! When has he ever done anything good?" Mackenzie retorted, thinking Emmanuel was an idiot.

Beatrix disagreed, listing Emmanuel's actions: helping with thugs, the logo issue, and saving Mackenzie.

Mackenzie was stunned. Am I feeling this way because of that idiot's words? No way!

"Whatever! Drink!" Mackenzie insisted. Beatrix discreetly emptied her drinks. Mackenzie noticed but didn't care; she just wanted company.

Around 10 pm, Beatrix helped a drunk Mackenzie leave. They went in separate cars. Mackenzie couldn't go to the Quillen residence and didn't want to return to Yociam Residence.

"Where to, Ms. Quillen?" her driver asked. Eight bodyguards followed.

Mackenzie said, "Home."

She arrived home, a bitter smile playing on her lips. This is my home now. A place that restrains me. She struggled to get her keys in the lock, pain hitting her. She almost didn't make it to her door. She considered calling Emmanuel, but felt humiliated.

Chapter 87

Mackenzie couldn't call Emmanuel—she'd just set rules. He never waits. Why would he open the door?

The pain intensified. As she was about to call her driver, Emmanuel opened the door.

"What happened?" he asked, helping her up.

"WhatWhat are you doing? You never wait," Mackenzie said, trying to push him away.

Emmanuel sighed and didn't touch her, but she slumped to the ground. He caught her.

"Don't touch me! We signed an agreement!" she protested.

Emmanuel carried her into the bedroom, slamming the door.

"You! How dare you!" Mackenzie raged, the alcohol clearing from her mind.

Ignoring her, Emmanuel laid her on the bed. "Lie down. I'll make something to sober you up. You shouldn't have drunk so much."

She struggled, shouting, "Who says I'm a lightweight?"

He helped her into bed, only to have her vomit all over him.

"Hey, what are you doing? This is my pajamas!" Emmanuel exclaimed, disgusted, then surprised by the pleasant smell of her vomit.

He carried her back to bed. "Is this how upper management behaves? Luckily you found your way home! Otherwise, the street sweepers would've sent you to the morgue!"

He made coffee and got antacids.

"Take this," he said.

"W-What is this?" Mackenzie asked, mortified. Good thing Emmanuel is good. Yeringham will be shocked!

"Coffee and antacids," he said.

Guilt washed over Mackenzie. He's taking care of me. Yet I assumed he married me for my wealth and looks.

"Whatever," she said.

Emmanuel left, slamming the door. Mackenzie huffed, then took the medicine and coffee, falling asleep. She woke to find him gone. My door wasn't locked. He's really not interested.

"Hmph! One night doesn't count! I'll keep observing him. It's all Grandpa's stupid text! I won't let my guard down."

Chapter 88

Addison Barnes, a deputy director, approached Emmanuel at the hospital. Surprised, Emmanuel asked what was needed.

"Emmanuel, home visit?" Addison asked.

Emmanuel was surprised – he'd never done one.

"Ms. Claudette Lenoir is unwell and prefers a home visit. She's willing to pay substantially," Addison explained. "If you're free, I authorize it. Payment goes to the hospital, but you keep tips."

Emmanuel agreed, remembering his financial burdens. He wouldn't accumulate any more debts to Mackenzie.

A Rolls-Royce waited. Darren was surprised. Emmanuel focused on the job. He arrived at Claudette's mansion.

"Ms. Lenoir, what happened?" Emmanuel asked.

"I-I dare not go out. I'm itchy and painful," Claudette explained, embarrassed.

Emmanuel examined her, finding rashes.

"Bear with me," he said.

Claudette felt shy but needed treatment. She didn't want to be misinterpreted.

"Ms. Lenoir, it's an imbalance of positive and negative energy. You likely consumed heat-inducing foods. I suspect seafood and alcohol," he explained.

Claudette was relieved by his understanding. "I ate king crab and drank liquor last night."

Emmanuel prescribed medication and rest. Claudette stared, transfixed. Emmanuel treated her professionally. She’d never experienced that.

Chapter 89

Claudette thought Emmanuel was different. It was late. Claudette offered Emmanuel a ride.

"I'll just sit still. It won't worsen my condition," she said cheerfully.

They drove back to Yociam Residence. A Bentley arrived.

"Stop!" Mackenzie ordered, seeing Emmanuel exiting a Rolls-Royce. Claudette got out, reluctant to leave Emmanuel.

Mackenzie couldn't believe he'd seduced the Lenoir heiress. Claudette was curious. "Dr. Lowe, you live here? Alone?"

"No. I live with someone else," Emmanuel replied.

"Girlfriend?" Claudette asked, anxiously.

Emmanuel hesitated. He didn't want to mention Mackenzie. Claudette felt bitter.

She teased, "What's the matter? Inconvenient?"

"Mm, you could say that," Emmanuel said vaguely.

Claudette was tense. She laughed, "I didn't know gynecologists are interested in women!"

"Ms. Lenoir, I have no interest in my patients," Emmanuel assured her.

Claudette's smile faded. "I trust you. I was thinking of hiring you as my personal doctor, if your girlfriend doesn't mind."

"Thanks, but I'm not looking to be someone's personal doctor," Emmanuel refused.

"All right. I'll leave. Thanks," Claudette said, disappointment evident.

Emmanuel walked in. Mackenzie rolled down her window, fists clenched. He's my husband in name only. Claudette is bold!

A Mercedes-Benz arrived. The young driver greeted her: "Mackenzie!"

Chapter 90

The young man, Hubert Verkade, was fashionably dressed. Mackenzie ignored him, winding up the window and ordering her driver to enter the residential area.

Hubert understood, parking to block them. He got out, carrying expensive herbs and roses.

Mackenzie warned, "Hubert, one minute to move. Or face the consequences!"

Hubert ignored her, showing the herbs and roses. "Mackenzie, this is for you! I love you! I want to court you! These are for you. I know about your digestion, so I got these herbs."

Hubert, twenty-four, had loved Mackenzie since he was fourteen.

Mackenzie was impatient and disgusted. She tossed the roses to the ground, ordering her driver to proceed.

The driver panicked. "But Ms. Quillen, Mr. Verkade's car is blocking us."

"Hit his car!" Mackenzie ordered.

The driver, shocked, obeyed. Bang!