Chapter 281
“What? Is it necessary to investigate this further?” Selina raised her hand
arrogantly and proudly declared, “Most of the people here witnessed it. The
necklace was around my neck. Old Mr. Quillen, if you doubt it, feel free to
check the hotel surveillance.”
“That’s right! I can vouch for it!”
“I saw it too!”
“This is the precious token of affection that Mr. Lane gave to Selina. It’s worth
30 million!”
Sure enough, a group of people at the scene voiced their support for Selina’s
claim.
Roselynn became anxious, unable to comprehend the situation. Did
Mackenzie steal the necklace?
No, that can’t be true!
She firmly believed that Mackenzie was not such a person.
Terence, the cunning old fox, continued to maintain a sly smile. He didn’t
doubt that so many people at the scene were lying, but he was well aware
that they had misunderstood a crucial detail.
Instead of questioning Selina directly, he turned to Isaac and inquired, “Isaac,
is it true? Did you purchase this necklace for 30 million? Where did you
acquire it?”
If someone else had asked him that question, Isaac would have proudly
admitted to it and boasted about the purchase. However, when he caught
sight of the look in Terence’s eyes, he felt something was amiss, and a strong
sense of guilt washed over him.
Isaac wouldn’t hesitate to show any mercy to anyone else in the room, but
Terence was someone he wouldn’t dare offend.
The Quillen family’s influence in Yeringham ran deep like an ancient tree
firmly rooted in the soil. They had connections in the business world, the
government, and even the underworld. They were on an entirely different
level compared to the Lane family.
If Isaac had a clear conscience, he wouldn’t be afraid of the Quillen family’s
power. After all, Yeringham was a society governed by the rule of law.
The problem was, he was lying.
Furthermore, he had a gut feeling that the genuine golden jade phoenix
necklace might have some connection to the elderly man standing before
him.
“Well… It’s true that I bought it and gave it to Selina…” Isaac attempted to
redirect the focus and provide selectively truthful information.
If it had been anyone else, they might have been deceived. However,
Terence Quillen, the shrewd and astute self–made man who had risen to
become the wealthiest person in the entire city, was not one to be easily
fooled.
“Mr. Lane, you purchased it for 30 million at the auction, right? Oh my, it
seems that I may have forgotten about the records at my own Quillen
Auction House…” Terence’s words caused Isaac’s confidence to shatter
completely.
How could Terence, as the auction house owner, not know who had bid 30
million for the golden jade phoenix necklace?
“Uh… no, I didn’t acquire it at the auction house. I obtained it through other
means.” With this sudden change in Isaac’s statement, a commotion erupted
in the room.
Many sensed a potential turning point in the situation.
Those who lied would always remain under suspicion.
Selina immediately exclaimed in disbelief, “What? Isaac, how dare you
deceive me! So, is this necklace truly worth 30 million?”
Isaac was drenched in sweat. If Terence hadn’t been standing right in front of
him, he might have boldly continued lying.
However, his confidence had crumbled, and he hesitated, “It didn’t cost 30
million… B–But… it’s close enough!”
Indeed, the difference was just a few zeros.
Terence, disinterested in their argument, let out a chuckle and remarked,
“Haha, Mr. Lane, I suggest you take a closer look. Is the necklace worn by my
godchild truly the one you purchased?”
What? His godchild?
Terence’s words sent shockwaves through everyone present.
The members of the Oatley family, who had previously scorned and belittled
Roselynn as a mere commoner, turned pale in an instant.
Jaxton’s expression turned exceedingly unpleasant.
Although Jessica had already harbored suspicions, she hadn’t fully grasped
the situation. Now, her mood darkened further as regret flooded her. Why
hadn’t she stepped forward earlier to assist Roselynn?
“U–Umm…”
Isaac found himself trapped with no escape, his face etched with distress.
To compound his troubles, Claudette approached Terence with a smile,
saying, “Old Mr. Quillen, the people I called will be here soon. I assure you that
the culprit won’t stand a chance of escaping!”
What?
Isaac’s complexion turned ashen.
Chapter 282
He was Claudette’s classmate, so no one in the room knew better than him
about how terrifying the Lenoir family could be. His younger brother was still
in the hospital after being taught a hard lesson by them! Was he going to
end up like his younger brother?
“Oh, thank you, Ms. Lenoir!”
Once Terence was done, his expression suddenly became stern. “Though the
Quillen family had never actively mistreated others, anyone who dares to
mistreat a member of the Quillen family will not end well either!”
Buzz… Many people at the scene felt like their mind was about to explode as
they thought they were doomed. After all, they had taken Roselynn’s
opposing side just now, and though they were not the ones who took action,
they were considered accomplices!
Meanwhile, Jaxton looked at his wife like she was a stranger, while Jennifer
was at a loss. She thought her daughter–in–law was a commoner, but
Roselynn’s status had skyrocketed to become higher than hers! How was she
going to get along with her daughter–in–law in the future? Roselynn’s last
name was Lowe, so when did she become Terence’s godchild? What was all
this about?
While everyone thought Roselynn was pretending, the more sophisticated
Sebastian and Jennifer thought otherwise. If Roselynn had known she had
such a strong backer, she would not have reacted the way she did just now.
Therefore, there was only one explanation! Could Roselynn have had no idea
about her relationship with Terence before today?
On the other hand, Roselynn would not explain anything to the crowd. Also,
she knew about her relationship with Terence but did not know her younger
brother would have such powerful in–laws! Even the prestigious Oatley family
was nothing before the Quillen family! It turned out her sister–in–law was
really the Belle of Yeringham, the eldest daughter of the Quillen family!
Now that she thought of it, the troubles her family faced previously would be
easily solved after Mackenzie’s appearance. It was then that Roselynn
realized what was the reason!
She was still flabbergasted since the time she found out the truth and
wondered what Emmanuel’s reaction would be if he learned the truth as well.
“How is it, Isaac? Do you recognize that?”
The insufferably arrogant Isaac was now shaking.
When the Oatleys‘ relatives saw that, they thought they were looking at one
of the wonders of the world! They would never have guessed Selina’s
awesome boyfriend would fall into this situation.
“I… I do,” Isaac stammered.
“Did you buy that?” Terence’s eyes were filled with oppression, making him
seem utterly different from the kind old man he usually was.
Since Isaac was feeling guilty and terrified, he fell on his knees and pleaded,
“Old Mr. Quillen, I–I’m sorry! I… I was misguided by the situation just now. I
didn’t know-”
“F*ck you!” Terence did not listen to his explanation and whacked Isaac’s
head with his walking stick.
Isaac instantly blacked out. He felt a warm sensation on his head and almost
fell unconscious.
The next moment, he was pinned to the ground by Terence’s bodyguards!
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
At that instance, the hotel was filled with thunderous footsteps.
It seemed like the Lenoir family’s squads were indeed very quick because
they had arrived at the venue and fully surrounded the entire hotel.
Judging by their lineup, they were clearly about to block their exit and deal
with them here!
Meanwhile, the Oatleys would never have thought they would suffer such a
huge revenge operation after mistreating Roselynn. The Quillen and Lenoir
families were working together to get justice for Roselynn!
Chapter 283
“I don’t want to hear your excuse. You must pay the price for laying a finger
on my family!” Terence growled.
The guests were terrified by his authority.
Roselynn was surprised to see the usually friendly old man get angry. His
authority and assertiveness resembled a lion, the king of beasts.
“The golden jade phoenix is a gift from my grandson–in–law to my
granddaughter. Then, she gifted it to Roselynn. How dare you all accuse her
of stealing your item?! You arrogant idiots! I’ll teach you a lesson today!”
Terence glared at the crowds.
Nobody dared to say a word as they hung their heads low.
The next moment, the security guards brought Jamison back to the crowd
and shoved him to the ground. He fell next to Isaac.
The hotel manager approached Terence with his head bowed. “Old Mr.
Quillen, we looked up the surveillance footage and found this guy sneaking
into Mr. Lane and Ms. Selina’s room. He also left the room without drawing any
attention. He tried to take advantage of the chaos to flee the hotel, but our
people caught him. We even found a necklace on him.”
At that, he took out a yellow necklace from his pocket and presented it to
Terence.
“Ah! That’s my necklace! It belongs to me!” Selina exclaimed.
Realization dawned on Roselynn and she pointed a shaky finger at Jamison.
A long while later, she finally brought herself to scold him. “Wow! You again? A
thief having the audacity to cry thief! You must have a death wish!”
The discovery made her boil with anger.
Everything had to do with her beloved cousin. Before this, he once tried to hire
somebody to get rid of her and Emmanuel. Now, he stole somebody’s
belongings and tried to blame it on her.
If it weren’t for Terence arriving in time, things would end badly for her.
“Beat him up.” Upon noticing Roselynn’s flushed cheeks, Claudette waited no
more and ordered her men to teach Jamison a lesson.
Before Jamison could speak, a punch landed on his face and smashed his
teeth.
At that moment, a thief like him no longer deserved to defend himself.
After appraising the necklace, Terence concluded, “Ms. Selina, your necklace
is a counterfeit. It’s not the work of Mr. Cline. Judging from its material and
craftsmanship, it isn’t even worth 30 thousand.”
The statement made the crowd go wild.
Nobody expected such a dramatic outcome.
The fake daughter of a wealthy family is wearing a counterfeit that isn’t even
worth 30 thousand?! However, she dares accuse another woman, who wears
the real thing, of stealing her cheap necklace. She even used force on an
innocent woman!
The truth was out. Selina could feel the crowd’s eyes on her as they despised
and mocked her. The thought caused her body to shake.
As she refused to accept the truth, she threw a tantrum. “That’s impossible!
No way! Mr. Lane bought it for me for 30 million!”
“Wake up, you vain woman!”
Jessica decided to jump at the opportunity to stand up for Roselynn. “The real
rich daughter here is Roselynn. As for you, you are nothing but a poor woman
who shows off her counterfeit around. You’re just a laughingstock and a
clown!”
“N–No! Whom are you calling a poor woman? I’m not making a joke of
myself.” Selina was in denial.
I’m just a victim of Isaac’s lies from the very beginning!
However, Isaac didn’t dare to speak up. The crowd needed no more words as
the truth was already presented to them.
Usually, Roselynn would’ve slapped Selina. However, she changed her mind
at the sight of the miserable woman. A woman like her deserves a mental
punishment. It’s more effective than hurting her physically.
“That’s it. There’s nothing interesting around here. Get back to work.” Terence
waved his hand to dismiss the crowd. He decided that he had enough
attention for today.
Chapter 284
Terence was here to visit Emmanuel and Mackenzie. Fortunately, the two
weren’t there to witness the drama.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the banquet hall remained joyful.
The speakers were blaring. People in the hall had no idea about what was
happening outside.
Alessandra couldn’t stand the elephant in the room, but the Oatleys asked
her to stay calm. Therefore, she remained in her seat. Since both Emmanuel
and Mackenzie were around, she took the opportunity to catch up.
As expected, she asked mostly about Mackenzie’s condition and whether she
was feeling uncomfortable these days.
The questions embarrassed Mackenzie and Emmanuel.
However, the duo didn’t dare to tell her the truth. After all, they never shared a
bed. Therefore, Mackenzie wouldn’t get pregnant at all.
“You’re a man, Manny. You’re responsible for taking care of Mackenzie.”
2/5
Since the youngsters remained quiet, Alessandra took the opportunity to
continue, “You should take over the household chores no matter their nature.
Most importantly, you must take care of Mackenzie’s health. A woman is
meant to be spoiled by her man. Do you understand?”
The words pleased Mackenzie. She purposely glanced at Emmanuel with
pride written all over her face.
She’s different from her father. He favors a son over a daughter, but she
prioritizes the daughter over the son. They’re different to an extreme.
Emmanuel couldn’t stand the pressure. “I understand, Mom. I’ve always been
in charge of the housework.”
He even helped Mackenzie to dry her clothes. At this point, the only thing he
hadn’t done was help her bathe.
If there was more room to nitpick on him, he might as well start to feed
Mackenzie in the future.
“By the way, I’ve got some money. I’ll give them to you later. Remember to
buy nutrition supplements and folic acid tablets for Mackenzie.”
What the hell? Did she say folic acid tablets?
Mackenzie had been pretending to drink the water to avoid getting involved
in the conversation. However, Alessandra’s words took her by surprise. She
couldn’t help but spew the water on Emmanuel’s face.
Emmanuel was embarrassed as he stared at her wordlessly. What is she
doing?
“Don’t worry about it, Mom!” Mackenzie declined such an offer.
“I have to worry about it! Besides, you lent me some money before. I’m going
to pay you back.”
Alessandra was a woman who kept her promise. Even though they were a
-family at this point, she didn’t want to take advantage of her
daughter–in–law.
“It’s fine. Really!” Alessandra’s obstinacy was giving Mackenzie a headache,
but it was touching at the same time. It seems like Emmanuel and his family
aren’t greedy people.
“Listen to me. You have to take them!”
Alessandra turned to Emmanuel. “Manny, you’re taking your sister’s wedding
gift with you. Remember to pay Mackenzie back and buy her some nutrition
supplements with them.”
Knowing his mother, Emmanuel could tell Alessandra was being serious.
There was no room to argue with her regarding this topic.
Mackenzie could see he was about to agree with Alessandra, so she pinched
his thigh under the table. She glared at him, sending him a warning look.
Don’t dare to make a move on me. One false move and you’ll be dead!
Emmanuel winced as he silently endured the pain.
Fortunately, Terence’s invigorating laughter interrupted them. “We meet
again, Mrs. Lowe.”
“There you are, Old Mr. Quillen. Take a seat!”
Alessandra and Terence had been bonding over their past encounters. At
last, the two became good friends.
Terence liked the interactions between him and the simple woman. Even
though he was considered an elder to her, the age difference between them
was no more than twenty years. Therefore, the two shared some common
ground.
As expected, the two talked most about a certain topic, which was urging
Emmanuel and Mackenzie to have children as soon as possible.
The Oatleys, who followed Terence to walk into the banquet hall, finally
realized that Roselynn’s younger brother had married the daughter of the
Quillen family.
Jaxton finally recognized the pretty woman as Mackenzie. No wonder I felt like
Tknew her from somewhere during our first meeting. I’m such an idiot! Why
did I realize it only now?
Chapter 285
Felicity kept quiet the whole time. She was attending the banquet as
Terence’s companion.
Not long after that, Claudette came into the hall as well.
Instead of sharing the table with the bridesmaids, she followed Terence and
joined Emmanuel and his family at their table.
Indeed, the guests at the table drew all attention to them.
After all, the most respected man, the most beautiful woman, and the other
important figures in Yeringham were sharing that table.
Emmanuel could feel the guests‘ gazes on him, but he decided that it was
due to Mackenzie’s and Claudette’s gorgeousness.
“Manny, I rarely have a chance to talk to you. Today, I have something to tell
you in your mother’s presence.”
The conversation between Terence and Alessandra was cut short when
Terence sat taller in his seat with a serious expression. He shot Emmanuel a
stern look.
Emmanuel tensed at the man’s piercing gaze. Is he going to lecture me on
staying loyal to Mackenzie due to what happened between me and
Claudette?
“Grandpa, it’s not what it looks like. I-” Emmanuel immediately explained. He
didn’t want Terence and Felicity to misunderstand.
Terence’s words came out before Emmanuel could finish his sentence. “When
are you two going to have a baby? Now that your family elders are here, you
need to make a promise. An unbreakable promise.”
W–What? A promise to have a baby? The words took Emmanuel aback. That’s
what he wanted to talk about?
The guests at the table had different expressions on them.
Felicity was watching Emmanuel as well. Even though she seemed
expressionless, her eyes suggested otherwise.
Mackenzie stared at Emmanuel. Her cold eyes warned him to watch his
mouth, or else he would be dead.
Claudette pursed her lips. Her eyes darted from Emmanuel’s face to
Mackenzie’s. Her heart sank at the words.
If Emmanuel agreed with Terence, not only would Mackenzie fight him, but it
would also break Claudette’s heart.
However, if he decided against Terence’s wish, he would get scolded by
Terence and disappoint his mother.
It’s tough being a man nowadays as trouble came twice to a man.
Fortunately, the wedding was about to begin.
Upon noticing Roselynn’s discomfort, Emmanuel rushed upstage.
“What’s wrong? What happened to you, Roselynn?”
no
Emmanuel was a skilled doctor. It took him one look to tell Roselynn was
suffering an internal injury, which explained her emaciated face.
“Oh? Is this-” The smile froze on the host’s face.
He had been a wedding host countless times. He expected unforeseen
circumstances to interrupt the wedding, but never once in his career had he
faced a situation like now.
“Tell me what happened, Roselynn,” Emmanuel urged.
Roselynn didn’t show up as expected and it worried him. However, the
Oatleys asked them to stay in the hall. Therefore, he believed their words and
stayed in his seat.
He realized he had put his trust in the wrong people at the sight of Roselynn.
Roselynn couldn’t bring herself to answer. After all, she would reveal
Mackenzie’s true identity to him if she told him the truth.
But it seems like Mackenzie doesn’t want him to know.
Therefore, Roselynn decided it wasn’t her place to tell him. She didn’t want to
anger Mackenzie, and further drive a wedge between Emmanuel and the
woman.
Chapter
“Tell me what happened, Jaxton.” Emmanuel could see Roselynn was
refraining from telling him the truth. He thought it was because she was
는
worrying about the Oatleys. However, he would never allow anyone to wrong
his sister.
“|—”
Chapter 286
Jaxton averted his gaze. He couldn’t help but look down to where Terence
and the others were seated.
He finally realized that Emmanuel’s wife was none other than the daughter of
the Quillen family.
He had always thought that Roselynn was marrying above her station, but
things weren’t quite what it seemed. The discovery made him panic.
Losing patience for Jaxton’s stutter, Emmanuel began, “Jaxton, since my
sister chose to marry you, I’ll see you as a family too. The Lowe family are
indeed commoners. We have no wealth, no influence, and no connections.
However, if any of you dare to wrong my sister or bully her, I’ll make you pay
the price.”
The crowd fell into silence at his announcement. The guests turned to each
other and exchanged looks between them.
The Oatleys didn’t dare to speak up.
If Emmanuel said those words before today, the Oatleys would only fume at
his accusation.
After all, he was just a commoner. He shouldn’t step on their ego and talk to
the daughter of the Quillen family. The Oatley family didn’t dare to mess with
Besides, she had always seen marriage as a game. The player who was
She was in her thirties. She decided to end her single status so her mother
Therefore, she smiled at Emmanuel. “I’m well–respected in the Oatleys.
Nobody would dare to pick on me. Don’t you agree with me, Jaxton?”
right. I, Jaxton Oatley, hereby pledge to love and cherish my wife. I’ll never let
Their applause was getting louder and louder. Most of the guests thought
At that, the atmosphere in the hall became warmer.
“All right, Jaxton. I believe your words. I’ll entrust Roselynn to your care from
today on.” Emmanuel finally let Jaxton off the hook.
He’s a dependable man. One would be lucky to be his family because he’ll
Felicity forced a smile. She said nothing but her mind was thinking otherwise.
It’s all about foolhardiness. If it isn’t for the old man to back him up, he would
Why did I choose to sit with them? Do I want to torture myself that much? No
only normal to establish a more intimate relationship on that basis, including
In contrast, she could never establish an intimate relationship with
Emmanuel because it was forbidden and wrong. People would never bless
them with a future.
“What are you doing here, Hubert?”
Thus, Hubert followed Isaac to join the fun. He even witnessed Terence
Realization dawned on him. No wonder Emmanuel was so agitated when I
confessed to Mackenzie. He even put the candles out like an aggressive man.
It turns out that Emmanuel isn’t Mackenzie’s driver but her husband!
who wishes to avoid any wrongdoing, but pursuing your own love, how can
that be considered wrong?”
Claudette bit her lip lightly. She couldn’t deny that she agreed with his words.
Her aunt, Laura, who happened to be Hubert’s aunt as well, had also
It turned out they were just creating an opportunity for her to take Emmanuel
away, and then he would spend time alone with Mackenzie.
It didn’t seem like a bad idea.
Claudette also knew what kind of person Hubert was, and it did seem as
The atmosphere of the wedding reception was lively, so no one noticed when
“Oh. By the way, Roselynn, do you have any plans for your honeymoon?” At
family business and was usually very busy, so he hadn’t made any plans to
with enthusiasm. As she spoke, Roselynn’s attention immediately shifted to
“Of course, that sounds great!” Jaxton hastily agreed, fearing any
“Mhm, how about you, Emmanuel? Would you and Miss Quillen like to join us?”
Mackenzie’s gaze turned vigilant as she couldn’t shake off the nagging
feeling that this young Ms. Lenoir harbored ulterior motives. Could it be that
To think that this young Ms. Lenoir has such audacity! With her striking looks
“Oh, Manny. I just realized that you haven’t taken my granddaughter on a
honeymoon yet!”
Emmanuel hadn’t responded yet, but Alessandra quickly apologized, “Old Mr.
Quillen, I’m really sorry! Our family was going through some tough times, and
honeymoon. I’ll make sure they’ll have some quality time together this time!”
“But Grandpa, I still have matters to attend to at my company,” Mackenzie
Terence immediately shut her down with a cold tone, “Can’t your company
handle things without you? You of all people should understand the
importance of a work–life balance! In any case, you will be going, or I’ll help
Unfortunately, Terence, as the chairman, had the power to fire her if he so
“Well, Mackenzie. Let’s go and have some fun for a few days.” Emmanuel
It’s hard to withstand parental pressure.
Mackenzie snorted but did not continue to refuse. Therefore, Emmanuel took
it as her giving the green light regarding this matter.
Now, she was eagerly waiting to become a grandmother.
Now he was taking care of Tommy alone, regardless of whether that woman
happened to pass by the road where Chloe’s rented house was, and he saw
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