Chapter 641
“I won’t allow you to hurt yourself! I will… I will…” Emmanuel gripped Mackenzie’s
smooth arm tightly, his heart aching as he looked at the scratches on her
body from falling down the hill. However, he was clumsy with words, unable
to express his heartache for her.
Mackenzie, on the other hand, felt exasperated, watching him move his lips
for a long time but couldn’t finish his sentence.
How in the world did I end up marrying such an idiot?!
Livid, she turned around and snorted icily. “Isn’t it good that I hurt myself?
Wouldn’t you rightfully inherit my assets once I die? It’s something countless
people dream of—”
“Stop it! Enough of that!” Emmanuel, infuriated, interjected, scolding her.
He knew Mackenzie was speaking out of anger, but he just didn’t like her
saying such things. “For the hundredth time, Ms. Quillen, I never married you
for your money! Your words are an insult to my character and an insult to my
feelings for you!”
Finally hearing something decent from Emmanuel, Mackenzie smiled. Still,
she deliberately maintained an icy front, turned back around, and stared at
him. “What feelings do you have for me? I don’t feel anything! And look at you,
calling me Ms. Quillen again!”
Emmanuel was beside himself with fury at this point. “Alright, Ms. Quillen, if
that’s what you insist, don’t regret it!”
Driven by overwhelming emotions, Emmanuel forcefully held Mackenzie’s
face and attacked her lips.
This idiot! How dare he?! Mackenzie stared at him, shocked to find herself
being forcefully kissed by a man.
She made a symbolic struggle, then hit Emmanuel’s chest a few times. With
her protest futile, she let him do as he pleased.
However, little would she know that the moment would be cut short when a
frantic shout came suddenly from behind them.
“Mackenzie! Mackenzie!” Terence rushed over with his bodyguards receiving
Alfred’s report.
Terence had been so focused on saving his dear granddaughter that he
never imagined he would find Mackenzie and Emmanuel kissing passionately
the moment they shone the lights on the couple.
As composed as Mackenzie normally was, she had never been in such a
situation either. She hurriedly shoved Emmanuel away and turned to her
grandfather with slightly trembling hands.
“H–Hey, Grandpa!”
Good Lord, this is too awkward!
Oh, how Mackenzie wanted to dig a hole and bury herself in it right there and
then.
Terence was equally surprised, forgetting to respond to Mackenzie.
The bodyguards behind him, too, were jaw–dropped. Is that really Ms.
I must be dreaming!
ng a man?!
“Ahem. It’s too dark here. I don’t see anything. Let’s head back!‘ Terence
turned around right after coming around and left with the bodyguards.
Aftred, too, followed him and whispered, Congratulations, sir. Looks like you’ll
be meeting your grandchild soon.”
Hahaha. Terence guffawed gleefully, glad to see that Emmanuel finally
manned up for once! You better keep this up, my boy!
Mackenzie felt her cheeks burning like never before. After her grandfather
and the others finally left, she turned around angrily, glaring daggers at her
so–called husband.
She’s pissed! Immanuel was rather afraid of his currently upset wife.
“It’s all your fault, you idiot! Why did you force a kiss on me?! Why did you bully
The?!
Chapter 642
Mackenzie deviated from her usual behavior and started punching and
kicking Emmanuel. The more she battered him, the faster her heart pounded,
and the strange feeling inside her grew.
Alas, the man who could defeat the Snake Master in a matter of seconds was
now being unilaterally beaten by his wife without daring to fight back.
“What are you still standing here for?!” Mackenzie, tired from battering
Emmanuel, was now asking him to go back with her.
“Oh, okay!” Things were finally looking up for Emmanuel, and he held
Mackenzie’s hand tightly, not letting go.
The sweetness of love made him happy.
“Blegh, love…” The assassin in red carried her limping brother on her back in
the far distance behind the couple. A hint of a smile appeared on her lips as
she looked at the couple’s leaving figures while her heart bled.
She had sworn to marry that man. However, he was already taken, and he
also loved his wife dearly.
What should she do?
After everyone left, Sarah gradually emerged from behind a large tree.
“Emmanuel sure is impressive. Not even the Snake Master can defeat him…”
she muttered under her breath as she picked up a clump of blood–stained
snow from the ground.
The day after Emmanuel and his family returned to Hero’s Village, his
relatives came to visit them.
“Emmanuel, where’s your wife? Why haven’t we seen her?” Jack, never once
considering if his wife would be jealous, pressed Emmanuel for answers as
soon as he arrived, asking him where Mackenzie was and if she would be
around that day.
Benny was the same. He and his son visited Emmanuel solely for Mackenzie.
They, too, used to reside in Hero’s Village before moving away later. They had
heard about how Emmanuel’s wife gave out over 500 cash envelopes, each
containing 2,000 to the villagers the day before.
That would be over a million, for heaven’s sake! With that kind of wealth, he’d
be a Dutchman if Emmanuel’s wife wasn’t from a wealthy and prestigious
family!
They had already figured out that Mackenzie was the lady of the Quillen
family; they just needed solid verification..
“Mackenzie has other things to attend to today, so she won’t be coming,” said
Emmanuel plainly before pulling out several cash envelopes and giving one
to each relative in the house.
Upon opening the envelopes, they were surprised to find that all of them
contained 5,000 bucks!
“Manny, when… when did you strike gold?”
Benny and his family, who was relatively well–off, were merely surprised,
while Ryder trembled emotionally, for the money was close to his monthly
income.
Since he and Tommy each received an envelope, their total came up to
10,000, which meant they didn’t have to worry about their living expenses for
the next few months.
“They’re from Mackenzie. She asked me to convey her regards since she can’t
come today,” Emmanuel explained.
Since Mackenzie gave 2,000 bucks to the villagers, she couldn’t give less to
Emmanuel’s family, could she? Given the Quillen family’s assets worth billions,
cash envelopes containing 5,000 bucks were just a drop in the bucket.
Emmanuel had helped resolve their energy business crisis, so this was just a
small gesture of gratitude.
“T–This is too much. How can we accept them?!” Ryder turned them down in
a shaky voice.
Jack thought the same too. He had originally prepared several 1,000–bucks
cash envelopes, intending to curry favor with Mackenzie. Little did he know
that she would give out 5,000 each. For a moment, he felt embarrassed to
take out his envelopes.
Ryder, on the other hand, was unperturbed when he handed two cash
envelopes with 500 bucks to Emmanuel. “Here, this is for you and Mackenzie.
It’s her first new year with our family. It’s only right that I give you two
envelopes. I just hope you don’t think they’re too little.”
“Thanks, Ryder.” Emmanuel accepted the envelopes. Giving out cash.
envelopes was a custom and a blessing of one person to the other. The
amount didn’t matter to him. Moreover, considering Ryder’s financial
situation, giving out 500 bucks was already a generous gesture.
“By the way, Manny, I have a favor to ask.” Ryder took the chance to pull
Emmanuel aside.
“What’s up?” Emmanuel speculated that Ryder must have something
important to discuss since he had asked before the holidays if Emmanuel
had time. He was curious to find out what was it.
Chapter 643
“Here’s the thing, Manny… Ms. Poole wants to help Tommy film a video and
hopes that a parent can join in as well. However, I’m too ugly to be on
camera, so the teacher asked if you could help.”
Ryder’s words stupefied Emmanuel. “What are you saying? You’re Tommy’s
dad! Your son looks so handsome, and you, as a dad—”
He paused instinctively.
The issue never dawned on him until this day. Tommy looked crisp and
handsome, while Ryder had much tanner skin, plus they didn’t resemble
each other at all.
People used to say Tommy looked like Abellyn, but even if he resembled his
mother, he should at least share some resemblance to his father, right? That
said, this wasn’t the time to think about that.
Seeing that Emmanuel let his words trail, Ryder laughed self–deprecatingly.
“Well, it’s not Ms. Poole’s fault. After all, this video is meant for promotional
purposes, and my unattractiveness will definitely affect its effectiveness. Can
you help out? You can film the video with Ms. Poole today itself. Don’t keep
her waiting.”
“You seem to care a lot about Ms. Poole, Ryder,” Emmanuel said jokingly,
sensing that something might be up.
“…” Ryder blushed at once, stumping Emmanuel. Have I really hit the nail on
the head?
“Hehe, Uncle Manny, you can bet my daddy likes Ms. Poole!” Tommy chimed
- in.
“Shoo, don’t spout nonsense, you rascal! Do you think your old man has the
right to like her?!” Ryder’s cheeks turned red, spreading all the way to his ears.
Alessandra and Roselynn were standing aside when they sensed that
something was up, and Alessandra went up to them at once. “Do you have a
crush, Ryder?” she asked with a smile. “That’s a good thing. You should pursue
your love actively rather than have me arrange blind dates for you, no?”
“Please don’t make fun of me, Auntie Alessandra. She’s a young, single
woman while I’m old, divorced, and look like a mess. How could she possibly
be interested in me?!” Ryder lowered his head and waved his hand
dismissively, unable to gather his courage.
Roselynn felt rather frustrated at her cousin and tried encouraging him. She
said, “You know nothing about women, Ryder. What we want is someone who
threats us sincerely, not someone who showers us with sweet nothings while
being selfish in reality. Your chances will come if you can touch her heart.”
However, no matter how much she and Alessandra tried to persuade him,
Ryder remained unmoved, burdened by his deep–seated insecurity.
Helpless, Alessandra took her son aside and whispered, “Manny, why don’t
you go and meet Ms. Poole today? Find an opportunity to play matchmaker
for your cousin. Their family can’t continue without a woman, and it’s not
beneficial for Tommy’s growth!”
Emmanuel agreed with his mother, but he wasn’t cut out for matchmaking.
Alas, unable to resist his mother’s insistence, and with Ryder agreeing to stay
at home to help greet the relatives, Emmanuel bit the bullet and braved the
so–called mission.
Upon hearing the doorbell, Tia went to answer the door as usual. “Coming!”
She became excited as soon as she found Emmanuel and Tommy behind
the door.
Since Emmanuel was supposed to film a video, he had tidied up for it,
-wearing a casual–style suit that exuded his masculinity with a touch of
elegance. He effortlessly outshone most young male stars.
Tommy, a child with great mischief, noticed his teacher’s eyes twinkling just
like when his father was looking at her.
“Oh, it’s… it’s you, Mr. Lowe! Why didn’t you let me know you were coming? I’m
not prepared at all…” Tia wasn’t sure what to do with her hands.
She had no idea Emmanuel would come, or she would’ve dolled up.
“Sorry for the intrusion, Ms. Poole. I’m here for the video shoot,” Emmanuel said
with a smile.
“Sure, please come in!” Tia was somewhat flustered, wanting to be
welcoming but also reserved. She wanted to touch Emmanuel’s hand but
hesitated. It became quite awkward!
“Please have a seat first, Mr. Lowe. I’ll be right back,” Tia said after welcoming
Emmanuel and Tommy in.
“Alright.” Emmanuel believed her, but he ended up waiting for over half an
hour. Just as he was becoming impatient, Tia finally came out of her room.
Upon seeing her, Emmanuel was stunned.
Chapter 644
Not only had Tia changed into a new dress, but she also put on stockings and
tall boots. She even applied a thin layer of makeup to her face, making her
look completely different from earlier.
Is it really necessary? Emmanuel thought.
“Wow, you look so pretty, Ms. Poole!” Tommy complimented Tia, making the
-atmosphere less awkward.
“Thank you!” Tia smiled brightly and glanced bashfully at Emmanuel.
She was purely boy–crazy. Her bedroom was filled with posters of male
celebrities, and she had gone through countless ‘husbands‘ in her
imagination.
Her infatuation with Emmanuel was based on his appearance and his
appearance alone.
“Can we start recording now, Ms. Poole?” Emmanuel asked soberly.
“Yes, we can.”
Emmanuel was Tia’s type–mature and charming.
Meanwhile, the recording process went smoothly.
Tia noticed that no matter which angle Emmanuel was filmed from, he
exuded a captivating charm. There wasn’t an angle where he didn’t look
good in.
1
“Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Lowe. It’s a wrap!”
Tia was thrilled but also a little nervous, for she was planning to ask
Emmanuel to join her for dinner.
To her surprise, Emmanuel asked after checking the time, “You’re welcome,
Ms. Poole. It’s mealtime now. If you don’t mind, would you like to have a meal
together?”
Oh my goodness! Am I dreaming? Tia was in seventh heaven. Did Emmanuel
just invite me to dinner? Could it be that he’s interested in me? Should I be
—
reserved in my response or be more open and proactive?
“Well, Ms. Poole?”
Emmanuel’s eyes remained placid. He wanted to seize the opportunity to
fulfill the task given by his mother. Of course, he wanted it for Ryder too, for he
always considered Ryder his real brother. Naturally, he hoped that Ryder and
Tommy could have a complete family.
During their short time together, he found Tia to be quite innocent, which was
completely different from Milani and much more suitable for Ryder. Of
course, the precondition was whether she liked Ryder.
“Of course-” Tia’s excitement got the better of her, revealing her infatuated
side.
Fortunately, her phone rang right then, or it would’ve been difficult to hide her
infatuation.
“Hey, Mom!”
“What? Do I really have to go?”
“Fine, I got it!”
Tia walked away and chatted for a few moments on the phone before
returning with a worried look.
“What’s wrong?” Emmanuel asked with concern, noticing the drastic change
in her demeanor.
“Mr. Lowe, can you do me another favor?” Tia suddenly looked at Emmanuel,
clasping her hands together and fluttering her misty eyes.
“You’re Tommy’s teacher. I’ll do whatever I can if it’s not a big trouble,”
Emmanuel responded generously.
Tia’s face lit up immediately. “It’s not much trouble. I just want you to be my
boyfriend for a day!”
“What?!” Emmanuel exclaimed, his lips twitching. You call this ‘not much
trouble‘?
Meanwhile, Tommy giggled from the side. He had known for a while that his
teacher had a crush on his uncle, while his uncle wanted to play
matchmaker for his dad. He had a feeling Emmanuel would end up being the
‘boyfriend‘ instead.
Chapter 645
“I’m afraid I can’t do that, Ms. Poole. I-” Emmanuel tried to tell Tia he had a
wife, but who’d have thought Tia completely disregarded it and pleaded,
interrupting him before he could finish his words. She said, “My mom is
forcing me to go on a blind date now. You just have to pretend to be my
boyfriend and accompany me for a meal, that’s all. You don’t even have to
say a word if you don’t want to! Please!”
Even the most formidable man feared tenderness. Besides, Emmanuel also
knew the pain of being forced to go on a blind date. They were both people
once in the same position, so why not help each other?
“Alright, but I can only be your boyfriend for one meal, and I have one
condition,” Emmanuel stated upfront.
“Okay, no problem!”
He thought Tia would at least ask about the condition, but who’d have
thought the infatuated girl jumped straight into character without even
asking?!
She clung to his arm affectionately and pressed her chest against his arm,
looking as blissful as a bride.
Despite her behavior, Emmanuel didn’t have the heart to push her away. Still,
he pulled his hand out and said with a smile, “Ms. Poole, your mother isn’t
here right now, so there’s no need for us to get into character right away.”
“Oh, sorry, I got carried away for a moment… Tia blushed.
“Well then, Ms. Poole, Uncle Manny, have a pleasant journey!” Tommy, who
was pretty quick–witted, knew that he wasn’t suitable to be present for the
upcoming occasion. As such, he volunteered to stay at Tia’s house and wait
for them to return to pick him up.
Emmanuel was devising a plan at the same time. He would have Ryder come
and pick Tommy up later, allowing Ryder to interact with Tia.
He suddenly thought that he was pretty quick–witted at times!
On their journey, Tia kept talking to Emmanuel, and the latter barely found a
moment to ask, “Ms. Poole, you have pretty neat conditions. Why do you still
need to go on blind dates?”
Finally, Tia smiled sheepishly and said, “Don’t laugh at me, Mr. Lowe, but I’ve
always been boy–crazy. I only ever have eyes for the hottest celebrities. No
man around me could ever pique my interest.”
Other than you! Tia wanted to add, but unfortunately, she was too shy to say
it out loud.
“That won’t do,” Emmanuel replied seriously. “Reality is not a novel, let alone a
TV series. Those big celebrities rely on agency packaging to have that kind of
appearance. Once they are off–screen, they are just ordinary people. You
won’t be able to find guys you see on TV in real life.”
Tia nodded in agreement but opposed in her head, thinking, You are the guy I
see on TV, though!
Seeing that she agreed with him, he continued toward his goal and added,
“The most important thing for girls is to find a reliable man. Character and
sincerity are what matters most. Looks are the least important! My cousin,
Ryder, has a good character!”
Tia wasn’t dumb. She quickly interjected, knowing where he was going with it.
“I know! I was young and naive, wasn’t I? That’s why I haven’t had a boyfriend,
even at 27. My mom is becoming so anxious that she’s been arranging blind
dates for me for the past few months. I used to reject them with various
demands, but this time, she found a returnee. According to her, the guy not
only has a high level of education but was also born into the purple. If I dare
oppose her, she will break my legs!”
Tia wasn’t actually afraid of her mother’s threats. She had moved out of
home ever since graduating, and her mother had made similar threats many
times before, but she never once realized them.
It was because Emmanuel happened to be present that she took the
opportunity to make her request. On one hand, she could experience being a
hottie’s girlfriend for a day, and on the other, she hoped to make her date
back off. Thirdly, she wanted to prevent her mother from pressuring her into
more blind dates in the future. It was practically killing three birds with one
stone!
The two of them quickly arrived at the Fabled, a five–star restaurant in
Yeringham. Only anybody who was anybody could afford to dine there. It was
said that many high–profile figures in Yeringham often frequented this place.
Chapter 646
Emmanuel was also amazed by the magnificence of the restaurant. It
seemed that Tia’s blind date for the day was someone prominent.
Tia was startled. She was just a preschool teacher and had no experience in
this?!”
Hospital, and he also worked part–time as a legal counsel for Terence Group.
already has a boyfriend, and we’re all just casually having a meal right now.
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