Chapter 761
“No, I won’t. I’ve settled down in Yeringham.” Emmanuel shook his head as he
answered Sage’s question.
As expected, Sage’s face was evident with disappointment. However, he only
sighed and nodded to express his understanding. “I see. Mackenzie is a
beautiful woman. It’s understandable that you want to enjoy life after serving
the country for years.”
His heart fluttered at the thought of Mackenzie.
If only she weren’t Emmanuel’s wife, Sage would do whatever it takes to turn
her head.
After all, it was a rare chance to meet your dream girl throughout life.
Emmanuel wore a small smile on his face. Sage was indeed right about
Emmanuel couldn’t live without Mackenzie.
First of all, she was his wife. Secondly, he must depend on her to accomplish
However, he chose not to tell Sage about his mission for now. He can think
whatever he wants.
“Did you find Claudette’s body?” He took the initiative to ask.
This matter had been weighing on his mind.
“No.” Sage shook his head and explained in detail, “We almost think
something supernatural is involved in this case. There’s a valley at the
bottom of the cliff to the south of the Lenoir Residence. The nearest river is
more than one hundred yards from where Ms. Lenoir fell. However, we just
couldn’t find her body around the valley. Besides, we spent days searching
the cliff by drone, but we found nothing. Absolutely nothing. Ms. Lenoir seems
to have disappeared into thin air. We can’t determine the nature of the case
without a body. It’ll soon become a cold case.”
Emmanuel frowned as he listened.
-After a while, he finally asked, “Is it possible that someone took her body and
erased all the traces before the police began the search?”
Sage answered with a serious expression, “We considered such a possibility.
But if someone indeed did that, they would have to wait in the valley in the
dark and leave before the police went into the valley to search. Otherwise, we
would’ve bumped into them. However, we haven’t found any suspect in the
past few days.”
“That’s strange.” Emmanuel couldn’t wrap his head around the case, but he
continued anyway, “Knowing Magnus, he’s indeed capable of assigning his
men to wait in the valley in advance. But how did they take Claudette away
without alerting you?”
The more he thought about the case, the more uneasy he got.
He didn’t want to imagine what a hypocrite like Magnus would do to
Claudette if he took her.
He would be less worried if it were just a body. What if she’s alive? The
thought made Emmanuel shudder.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll continue the investigation,” Sage promised. What concerns
Emmanuel concerns me too.
“Emmanuel, did you have a beef with Magnus because of Ms. Lenoir? Are you
suspecting him for what happened earlier?” asked Sage.
“That’s right!” Emmanuel nodded. “Hubert isn’t smart enough to pull off
today’s incident. They must be able to take into consideration the variables
to plan this. Magnus is the only person who’s capable of foreseeing this.”
As he finished his words, the pair heard a call from the side. “Captain Payne!”
Both men turned around only to see Ashton running toward them.
She had a full figure. It was hard not to notice her curves when she moved.
She had the posture of a professional athlete, unlike any ordinary girl.
“What did you find?” Sage cut to the chase.
“Sir, the preliminary investigation reveals that the negligence of the
maintenance staff caused the accident. They kept missing the loosened
parts when they were doing maintenance checks. It was a total accident.”
Ashton’s answer made Emmanuel burst out laughing. It’s so obvious. The
mastermind behind the case shifted the blame to the maintenance staff.
#
Chapter 762
“What are you laughing at, you jerk?”
Ashton had become extremely sensitive to Emmanuel’s laughter. Whenever
she saw him smiling, she immediately felt like he was mocking her.
“Miss Ashton, are you being a bit too overbearing?”
Emmanuel chuckled. “Is it illegal to laugh secretly?”
“You-”
Ashton’s hatred for Emmanuel had reached the point where she yearned to
snap as soon as he uttered a word.
However, a mere glance from Sage made her obediently put her hands
down.
How frustrating it is to be unable to get back at someone I despised!
Emmanuel was determined not to stoop to her level and earnestly said, “Miss
Ashton, out of respect for Captain Payne, I will now share crucial information
regarding the three cases. Please listen attentively.”
As she caught his gaze, Ashton struggled to restrain her anger.
How does this jerk suddenly assume such an air of undeniable authority?
“Firstly, Magnus Zelinsky pushed Claudette Lenoir off the cliff. The person you
should be investigating is Magnus Zelinsky, not me. If not, you’ll never crack
the case. Secondly, the poisoning incident at the restaurant was aimed at
- It was a bizarre and deadly combo. The poison was introduced into plain
water, with the source traced back to Jonathan Verkade. As for how to
proceed with the investigation, that’s up to you! Thirdly, today’s Ferris wheel
incident was no accident. Hubert Verkade even took shots at me. It was a
premeditated murder. Of course, whether you can nail such a big shot like
Hubert Verkade, that’s up to your capabilities!”
After Emmanuel finished speaking, he gestured to Sage as he was about to leave the amusement park.
“That infuriating guy, who does he think he is? Sooner or later, I’ll bring him to
justice!” Ashton muttered angrily, but Sage overheard her.
Sensing Sage’s frigid gaze, Ashton felt a shiver run down her spine as if she
had fallen into an ice cellar!
Why does Captain Payne stand up for that guy Emmanuel so much?
“Ashton, listen up. These three cases are now entirely under your
responsibility. If you can’t solve them within three months, you’ll hand over
your badge and gun! Got it?”
“Ah, Captain-”
Ashton was secretly shocked. However, when she met Sage’s resolute gaze,
she could only bite her lip lightly and salute, “Yes, I pledge to complete the
mission!”
Then, Sage also departed.
Left alone, Ashton let out a long sigh.
Before she could relax, her private phone rang again.
“Hello, Dad!”
Ashton answered the call, and her tone differed slightly from her usual
tough-girl image as she showed her girlish side.
“Ash, is your work progressing smoothly? You promised me you’d get
promoted to Inspector Grade 2 this year!”
“Dad, I’ll definitely succeed!”
Laughter echoed through the line. “I’m not hoping for your success. I just want
to let you know that your brother has decided to lay low. He insists on having
you come back and inherit the Summerton family business. Remember what
you said: if you can’t get promoted this year, then you’ll obediently return
home and take over the family business!”
“No! I don’t want to!”
Ashton reacted with agitation.
The Summertons, a prominent business family in Yeringham, were known for
their commercial prowess. However, the younger generation of this family
stood out for their strong ideals and personalities.
Among them was Lexi Summerton, Ashton’s cousin, an undeniably hacking
genius. Rather than assuming the mantle of CEO in her family’s company,
Lexi chose to be an executive assistant in Yeringham.
Her brother, Tyler Summerton, was even more idealistic. He chose to be a
photographer, traveling around taking pictures, displaying no interest in the
business world.
Then there was Ashton, driven by an unyielding passion for justice and a
resolute determination to fight evil with her abilities, aiming to bring
righteousness to the world.
While her cousin and brother’s aspirations seemed more straightforward to
attain, Ashton’s dreams soared to lofty heights.
What should she do now?
She would be in big trouble if she couldn’t solve these three cases within
three months. How could she even think about a promotion?
Ashton was nearly driven to frustration. Am I destined to suffer the tragic fate
of going back home to inherit a multi-million family business?
Chapter 763
On the road in Yeringham, Blake was still driving his decade-old Corolla,
following behind a Maserati.
“Haha, Magnus, seems like your plan has failed again, huh? You’re truly a
failure. You can’t even kill an enemy after so many attempts!”
At his teasing, Magnus’ lips curved into a faint smile. He held neither anger
nor dismay.
Yet, within his eyes, a glimmer of intrigue sparkled-a light hinting at
something more.
‘From my earliest days up until now, I have never encountered such a
enacious opponent. It’s rather interesting!”
Magnus pushed his glasses and grinned.
Haha, I’ve seen this scene play out in movies and novels. Usually, after the
ntagonist’s defeat by the protagonist, they utter such lines to salvage their
pride! Magnus, I’m starting to believe that you’re akin to an antagonist, and
your lifespan might not be all that long!”
“Enough of that. Focus on your driving. If you keep talking like this, we might
just see the end of our friendship!”
Magnus pretended to be slightly angry.
Blake continued to laugh heartily. It was a novel sight to witness Magnus in
this state. While not quite an expression of exasperation, the fact that
someone could get him to this point of frustration was rather amusing.
He was curious to meet Emmanuel and see what kind of character he was.
Meanwhile, inside the Maserati, Ryder tightly gripped the steering wheel, and
his palms were sweaty.
He hadn’t driven for so many years, and now he was driving a Maserati.
Moreover, the woman he liked was sitting in the passenger seat. How could
he not be nervous?
“Mr. Lowe, why are you sweating so much? Is it hot?”
Tia sensed that something was off and offered him a tissue to wipe his
sweat.
Unbeknownst to her, each wipe only seemed to produce more sweat.
“Are you feeling unwell? Let me turn on the air conditioning.”
Tia’s brows furrowed with concern. Given the early spring weather, the
temperature was nid. It was perplexing for Ryder to be dripping with sweat.
“Hehe, Ms. Franks, my dad gets hot whenever he’s around you!” Tommy’s
voice chimed in from the backseat.
“Hey, little brat, you’re always butting in. Get back in your seat!”
At Ryder’s suggestive comment, it was Tia’s turn to blush.
7
How can someone as well-behaved as Mr. Lowe utter something so subtly
suggestive?
The etmosphere become quite awkward for a moment.
Fake Tommy, the master of defusing tension, swiftly intervened. “Dad,
ach growing wont to eat something!”
Wxto be ever you are. That’s one thing you got from me!” Ryder playfully
XXX 79 80 bebe turning his gaze toward Tia with a noticeable hint of
Box 18 Fonks, how bout we grab a bite first? I-I’ll cover the bill!”
4300300ne son, a gave a nod of agreement.
Son Ye Mosers omiked in front of an ordinary restaurant,
The security guards and greeters at the entrance hurriedly walked over with
welcoming smiles when they saw such a luxurious car.
When they saw Ta step out of the passenger seat and Tommy hop out from
the book, they immediately assumed that the Maserati passengers were
From a wealthy family.
Little did they expect that the person who walked out of the driver’s seat was
a weathered-skinned older man. At first glance, he could be mistaken for a
seasoned farmer.
Upon closer inspection, one might conjecture he was, at best, a retired
laborer.
This unexpected revelation prompted discreet murmurs among the
observers. “How can such a beautiful woman be with such an ugly man?”
“Surely, that man must be incredibly wealthy, right? Perhaps he razed his
hometown to construct an airport?”
“Thank goodness the kid doesn’t take after his dad!”
Overhearing these hushed comments, Ryder couldn’t help but feel
embarrassed.
Back in the day, when he was with Abellyn, they were often compared to a
diamond in the rough. But now, with an even more significant age gap
2
between him and Tia, and Tia being slightly more attractive than Abellyn, he
was aware that if they pursued a relationship, the same kind of comments
would persistently bother them.
Tia also overheard these comments but kept her head down and brushed
her hair behind her ear.
“Hmph, what nonsense! My dad isn’t ugly!”
Tommy’s sudden outburst startled the crowd.
Just as everyone believed he was courageously standing up for his father
and defending him, Tommy’s focus swiftly shifted to the opposite side of the
scene, where an ugly man was getting out of a black Corolla.
“Look there! See how my dad compares to that unattractive guy. Is my dad
truly that ugly? That fellow over there is the real eyesore! Much uglier than
my dad!”
Chapter 764
Holy cow!
Blake found himself slightly overwhelmed as he noticed the collective gaze
aimed his way.
Who on earth did I rub the wrong way? I stepped out of the car, and now, I’m
being branded as ugly?
With a fierce glare, he locked eyes with Tommy and issued a threat. “You little
brat, have you no sense of manners? Has your father not taught you
anything? How can you speak so rudely? If you were my child, I would
definitely spank your little butt for sure!”
“Well, it’s true that you’re uglier than my dad!” Tommy retorted.
He even made a funny face before promptly seeking refuge behind Tia, using
her as a shield against the situation.
P
“I’m sorry about that! Kids have a knack for the unexpected. I’ll certainly
reprimand him once we’re back. My deepest apologies…”
Ryder offered a swift apology on behalf of his son as he bowed repeatedly.
“Blake, why are you getting so worked up?”
At this moment, Magnus also got off the Corolla and smiled as he said, “In
fairness, the kid isn’t entirely wrong. You are a tad uglier than his dad. Kids are
honest, you know, and that’s a fine quality!”
After enduring Blake’s playful banter over the past days, Magnus finally
seized the opportunity to strike back. A sense of revenge settled in.
Blake remained silent in frustration.
Attention shifted to Magnus, and gradually, a sense of awe spread through
the crowd.
There was an ineffable aura surrounding this young man-an inexplicable air
of presence.
2
His background seemed well-off, yet his attire wasn’t extravagant. Still, he
emanated a distinct air of superiority.
Donning glasses and carrying himself with a poised and gracious demeanor,
he nodded in acknowledgment to anyone who met his gaze.
When his gaze fell on Tia, she quickly averted her eyes.
Only then did Magnus and Blake proceed to step into the restaurant.
The spectacle unfolding at the entrance left the onlookers bewildered. A rural
farmer driving a luxury car with a beautiful woman for a meal while a
sophisticated young man arrived in an ordinary car with an unattractive
man? Such a scene sparked speculation among the bystanders.
“Well, Tia, shall we head in as well?”
Ryder felt very uneasy. He worried about any mistaken assumptions of his
financial status-after all, the Maserati was not his.
“Okay.”
Tia took the initiative to hold Tommy’s hand as they entered together.
The interior of the restaurant was quite modest, the space manageable. All
the dining tables were arranged within a large hall.
Misled by their respective vehicles, the restaurant owner seated Ryder’s
group at a larger table and Magnus and Blake at a smaller one.
“Why the staring? Do you want to call me ugly again?”
4/6
Blake noticed Tommy’s gaze had been on him the whole time, so he playfully
bared his teeth and claws. “Let me tell you, when I was your age, I was even
fairer, more handsome, and cuter than you!”
“I don’t believe you!” Tommy responded innocently, “You’re not only ugly, but
you’re also a big bragger! My dad doesn’t do that. He’s more handsome than
you and way more honest. He admits that he’s not good-looking!”
Pffft.
Tia couldn’t hold back her laughter.
Ryder’s face turned red with anger. This bratty kid sure has a lot to say!
“Oh, you don’t believe me, huh? I’ve got a witness! If my words aren’t
convincing, just ask him!” Blake exclaimed excitedly, pointing at Magnus.
He was determined to win this argument against the brat.
Magnus innocently blinked his eyes.
“Hmph, he’s your friend, so he’d take your side! Anyway, you’re just uglier than
my dad. There’s no way you were cuter than me when you were younger!”
Tommy placed his hand on his lips and held his head high.
“Oh my, you’re driving me crazy!”
As Blake thought about how to turn the tables, his agitation grew to a point
where he began to scratch his head in frustration.
Without uttering a word, Magnus looked at him and smiled.
2
He was acutely aware that, in his earlier days, Blake had been regarded as
strikingly handsome, perhaps even more so than himself.
Unfortunately, Blake’s intensive training and indulgence in women made him
less appealing than the weathered-skinned elderly farmer seated across the
table.
Chapter 765
“Blake, do you want to teach that kid a lesson?”
Magnus suddenly spoke up.
“Well, I’ve considered it, but bullying someone younger than us isn’t really the
high road, is it?”
Blake gritted his teeth.
Although he was ugly, he still held onto his pride.
With a stunning woman by the child’s side, how could he allow himself to
bully a child in her presence?
“There are numerous ways to impart a lesson. You’re not his father, so
resorting to physical discipline is out of the question. Nonetheless, teaching a
lesson doesn’t always mean spanking.”
“Oh, what do you have in mind? Are you suggesting a strategy?”
Blake’s yearning to impart a bit of discipline to Tommy was palpable.
His feelings toward Tommy weren’t rooted in dislike, but he refused to be a
pushover.
2/6
There was no reason to be a doormat and endure bullying without retaliation,
right?
“Give him a treat to eat.”
Magnus suddenly took out a strange little box.
At the sight of it, Blake was startled. “Magnus, have you lost your mind? This is
a witchcraft worm!”
“You do have an eye for things.”
Magnus smiled and explained, “This is the mind-controlling witchcraft worm
that I obtained after visiting an elder in the Mysticwood. It took quite a bit of
effort to get.”
2
“I bet it wasn’t just effort, but also quite a bit of money. right?” Blake stared at
the box curiously and asked, “Mind-controlling witchcraft worm? What’s it
used for?”
He was a master arts expert in the inner martial world, but he didn’t have
much understanding of witchcraft worms. He only knew that these things
were real.
“I’ve heard it can control a person, and of course, it can also make them fall
ill,” Magnus explained while maintaining his smile.
“Control a person? Doesn’t that sound a bit too fantastical? If something like
that really existed, it’d be quite over the top.”
Blake waved his hand dismissively, and his skepticism was evident.
“Haha, I’m not entirely convinced either. So, why not give it a shot this time? If
it makes the kid sick and imparts a lesson to him, isn’t that a good thing?”
Observing Blake’s hesitation, Magnus deliberately began to tuck the box
away. “If you’re uninterested, then let’s forget it.”
“Who said I’m uninterested?”
Blake swiftly grabbed the box and immediately followed up with a question
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