Chapter 970

Mackenzie feigned indifference, saying, "If there's nothing else, I'm going to sleep!"

Emmanuel blushed, replying, "Well… it's not important, but I just wanted to talk to you."

He knew this stemmed from Terence's earlier conversation. Terence had promised a child within three months if Mackenzie didn't resist. He couldn't remain as reserved. He knew Mackenzie wouldn't initiate anything either. Without action from either of them, how would their marriage progress?

"Go ahead. I'm listening," Mackenzie replied, feeling strangely altered. Previously, unwanted calls would have enraged her. Now, she eagerly awaited his voice, even for trivial matters.

"Well, your grandpa had a nice chat with an elderly woman from town today…" Emmanuel began casually.

Conversation flowed effortlessly. They discussed town events, Mackenzie's grandmother, and even Roselynn's blind date—everything under the sun. Their phone call lasted over an hour. Both felt a strange but satisfying contentment. They'd never conversed so long, even face-to-face. Emmanuel's absence seemed to facilitate this ease and leisure.

"Mackenzie, it's late. You should rest!" Emmanuel finally checked the time, reminding her despite his reluctance to end the call.

"Alright. Take care!" Mackenzie replied considerately.

She felt increasingly wife-like. Even after hanging up, sleep eluded her.

Emmanuel, conversely, felt a lingering sweetness. He longed for her presence, to hold her close and whisper in her ear. Was this love? The feeling undeniably delighted him. If this atmosphere continued, he might heed Terence's advice and let things unfold naturally.

Meanwhile, Blake and Magnus left Templar Valor in the dead of night. After dealing with Alfwhit, they explored both authorized and unauthorized areas. They avoided only the female disciples' rooms.

"Magnus, Alfwhit's so weak; he's no match for Emmanuel. Why bother?" Blake asked curiously while driving.

"Isn't there a saying, 'strength in numbers'?" Magnus smirked.

"If you can take down Emmanuel alone, I won't waste my effort," he added.

"No, don't!" Blake, Templar Valor's Great Demon King, frantically waved his hands. "Gather more people. I won't fight him directly. He's legendary!"

He didn't care about being labeled a coward. He wouldn't engage in a losing battle.

Unexpectedly, Magnus didn't mock him. "You understand me. I only fight confidently. Rest assured, the trap is set. We wait for the fish to bite. I'll ensure you face Emmanuel at your best advantage."

Blake nodded, loving the feeling of victory. Magnus also clenched his fist, his eyes confident. "Emmanuel is my prey. He'll fall into my trap!"

Claudette's death at Emmanuel's hands was Magnus's deepest humiliation.

The next morning, Shane, lodging in a small inn, was jolted awake by a commotion. Rubbing his eyes, he looked out the window and gasped. "Manny, what's happening? Hundreds of people are surrounding us!" He raced towards Emmanuel's room, shoes untied.