Chapter 711
Meanwhile, Emmanuel drove the Gomezes in his Maserati to the Serenity
Resort.
“My, Mr. Lowe, this car of yours must be quite expensive.” Edith knew the least
about Emmanuel. He appeared so easygoing when he came over to theirs
that she thought he was just an ordinary boy. Little did she expect him to
drive such a luxurious car.
“Well, I don’t really know the price. The car isn’t mine. I’m just the driver, haha…
Emmanuel responded with a candid smile.
Rhea, sitting in the pa*senger seat, liked this side of him. During her school
days, she had encountered numerous guys who loved to show off, especially
when borrowing someone else’s car-they would act all high and mighty.
Emmanuel, however, was different from those guys.
“By the way, Rhea, there’s something I’d like to ask you.” Emmanuel, who was
driving leisurely, decided to discuss his cousin’s matter.
“Oh? What about?” Rhea was secretly stealing glances at Emmanuel’s profile
when he suddenly started talking to her. She quickly turned her face away
and blushed.
“Well, it’s about my cousin, Ryder…” Emmanuel briefly explained the situation,
even mentioning the part about pretending to be Tia’s boyfriend for a day.
He wasn’t going to be direct and ask Rhea if she’d be willing to go on a blind
date with Ryder. Instead, he wanted to learn how to help Ryder get closer to
Tia.
“Oh, this isn’t too difficult!” Rhea, wanting to play the role of a love guru for
Emmanuel, had been reading quite a few books lately. She immediately
offered advice, “Since she willingly asked you to be her boyfriend, it means
she has feelings for you. Just try to find opportunities to ask her out and invite
your cousin as well. This will give them a chance to build a connection.
“Of course, you have to be subtle in how you ask a girl out, or else she might
sense your intentions and become reluctant to come. But don’t worry. I’ll give
you a detailed strategy when I get back tonight!”
Emmanuel was immediately boosted by her suggestions. Even though this
might consume a fair amount of his time, he couldn’t disregard the fact that
Ryder was like a blood brother to him.
Soon after, the four of them arrived at Serenity Resort,
They had reserved VIP Suite 888, but the one guiding them to their room
wasn’t the head manager Eleanor, but rather a female receptionist.
Upon reaching the entrance of Suite 888, they noticed a commotion.
“Please don’t get upset just yet, Mr. Verkade. I’ll immediately talk to the guests
who reserved this room and ask them to cancel their reservation!” Eleanor
appeared slightly flustered, trying to appease Jonathan Verkade with a
smile.
However, Jonathan maintained his usual arrogant attitude, “Why even bother
asking? Just tell them their reservation is canceled. As for what happens next,
you figure it out.
He had just boasted earlier. If he couldn’t get in this very moment, he would
be utterly humiliated.
“We don’t have such a rule in our restaurant, Mr. Verkade. I beg you to let me
communicate with them first. It won’t take much time,” Eleanor persisted in
upholding the restaurant’s protocols, just as she had before. After all, she
knew who paid her salary.
“Well, what are you waiting for?” Taking Tia’s feelings into consideration,
Jonathan decided to give Eleanor five minutes. If it were before, he would
have already started a physical confrontation.
“Okay!” Eleanor immediately dialed a number.
Rhea had just arrived at the corridor in front of Suite 888 when her phone
rang.
“Hello, is this Ms. Gomez?” Eleanor got straight to the point. “I’m sorry, but
because we have another guest who wants Suite 888, would you consider
switching to another room?”
“What? That’s not possible!” Rhea immediately refused. Her family and
Emmanuel had arrived on time for their reservation. Why should they accept
a last-minute change?
Emmanuel had even witnessed the scene at the room entrance and couldn’t
help but furrow his brows slightly. Why is Tia and her mother with a rascal like
Jonathan?
“Mr. Verkade, I’m sorry, but the guests declined,” Eleanor apologized to
Jonathan with a bitter smile.
“D*mn it! You incompetent fool! You can’t even handle something so small!
Get lost! I’ll handle it myself!”
Chapter 712
As expected, Jonathan exploded in anger, snatching the phone and loudly
threatening Rhea, “Listen up! I am Jonathan of the Verkade family in
Yeringham. I’m going to consume in Suite 888 tonight. You’ll switch with me if
you know better. I can even give you a tip. Otherwise, you’ll face the
consequences!”
Rhea’s mood instantly soured!
She had intended to make up for her failed cooking by choosing the VIP Suite
888 to treat Emmanuel. However, the restaurant first convinced her to
change her reservation, and now she was being threatened.
Of course, she was aware of the power of the Verkade family in Yeringham,
but what place did Jonathan hold in that family? How dare he use their name
to intimidate her?!
Her anger temporarily rendered her speechless.
Jonathan, on the other hand, mistook her silence for fear and grew even
more arrogant. “If you know what’s good for you, say you’ll change the
reservation. No one can take what I have laid my eyes on!”
At that, he looked at Tia with a triumphant glance. However, the young
woman only felt a strong aversion. If she were to become involved with a
man like this, not only would she lack security, but she would also feel afraid.
However, Marianne was wholly pleased, for she believed having a son-in-law
like Jonathan would ensure no one would dare bully her family.
“Hey!”
Just as Jonathan was at the height of his arrogance, someone called out to
him from behind.
Jonathan’s smile instantly froze at the sound of the familiar voice, and he a
sense of foreboding quickly crept up on him.
He turned around, and sure enough, Emmanuel, the Great Demon King, was
right there.
“E-Emmanuel? What… What are you doing here?”
Jonathan’s smile stiffened as he quickly stepped back, his back against the
door of the suite.
His drastic change in demeanor rendered Marianne stumped, and Rhea felt
the same way. She couldn’t believe someone so arrogant acted like a mouse
encountering a cat when seeing Emmanuel.
Is Emmanuel that scary?
“I’m here to eat, and you’re in my way,” Emmanuel said nonchalantly.
However, Jonathan’s legs were trembling with fear! The scene’ of him
previously being choked and lifted off the ground by Emmanuel in this
restaurant replayed in his head. It was a nightmare that haunted him.
“Is… is this your reservation?” he asked in a quivering voice.
“Naturally! Are you going to snatch it again?” Emmanuel asked.
“What? No, no, no!” Jonathan waved his hands hastily. “I-I have no intention of
doing that, haha. I was just asking!”
“What are you still standing there for, then? Good dogs don’t stand in the
way!” Emmanuel’s gaze turned icy.
Jonathan immediately scurried to open the door for them, rendering
everyone present flabbergasted!
Marianne felt regretful even more so. Why can’t this man be my girl’s real
boyfriend? Ah, how great would that be! Besides, that woman next to him isn’t
any better than Tia.
“Emmanuel, let’s go in!” Rhea said to Emmanuel with a smile, delighted
beyond measure.
This was true masculine dominance! No need to resort to clawing and
growling like Jonathan; true authority emanated from within.
“Sure.” Emmanuel nodded and turned to Tia. “Would you like to join us for a
meal?”
Rhea was momentarily stunned. So, this is the Tia that Emmanuel had just
mentioned? What a coincidence!
Chapter 713
“Um…” Tia certainly wanted to have dinner with Emmanuel, but she glanced
at Rhea.
What a young and beautiful girl, and she seemed so gentle, a proper lady!
In contrast, she was just a kindergarten teacher from an ordinary family. How
could/she compete with her?!
“Maybe not. I’m here for a blind date today!” Tia, feeling a bit inferior, declined
softly.
At the wedding, although she saw Mackenzie call Emmanuel, she wasn’t
certain she was his wife. They didn’t seem like a couple, more like a superior
and subordinate.
Now that she saw Rhea, Tia was even more convinced that Rhea was
probably Emmanuel’s woman.
Emmanuel and his girlfriend were having dinner with her family; what
business did she have interfering?
“Alright then.” Emmanuel cast another glance at Jonathan and let out a silent
sigh. He thought it would be a shame if Tia really ended up with Jonathan.
However, it was her choice, and he had no say in it.
Both groups ultimately sat down separately for their meals.
Jonathan was upset that he couldn’t get the Suite 888, so he just gave up
and found a random table to eat at.
He was no fool; he had already interpreted the look in Tia’s eyes. It seemed
like she had some kind of fascination with Emmanuel, that demon king.
At the table, Marianne tried her best to play matchmaker.
Though she also thought that Jonathan was far inferior to Emmanuel and his
earlier behavior had been quite dismal, he was still a wealthy young man,
after all. Marrying her daughter to him would ensure a comfortable material
life.
Jonathan, in a bad mood and not interested in wasting time, grabbed Tia’s
hand directly. “So, how about being my girlfriend? Let’s go on a date tonight. If
it goes well, I’ll arrange our engagement soon.”
A clichéd proposition, his plan was to get intimate with Tia tonight no matter
what.
Tia wasn’t naive. She could see right through his intentions.
She quickly withdrew her hand and shook her head. “We’re still not familiar
enough with each other yet. Let’s take it slow.”
“Slow my foot!”
Jonathan slammed the table and was about to vent his anger on Tia when
he unexpectedly saw Emmanuel again.
In reality, Emmanuel was still worried that Tia would be taken advantage of.
After all, she was the woman his cousin liked, and Rhea also suggested that
he come out and take a look and break up their blind date if possible.
Otherwise, if Tia fell into Jonathan’s trap, it would be a heartbreak not only for
her but also for Ryder.
“What are you up to again, Emmanuel?” Jonathan frowned. “Have I bothered
you by eating here? Be reasonable. Let’s not make trouble tonight.”
He was clearly scared, yet he was trying to sound tough.
Unexpectedly, Emmanuel stared at him for a moment and then furrowed his
brows, saying, “You seem to be poisoned.”
Jonathan trembled slightly, then burst into laughter. “Don’t try to scare me
with that nonsense! I’m not easily frightened. You just want to scare me off
and ruin our blind date! It won’t work!”
One had to admit that this guy was quite the dimwit.
Emmanuel didn’t bother explaining further. His expression turned slightly
serious as he glanced at the people dining nearby.
After noticing many people’s expressions were off, he issued a stern warning,
“I’m not lying. Someone might have poisoned the restaurant!”
What? His words struck fear into the hearts of those who overheard. This was
no joking matter!
“Haha, an unemployed gynecologist trying to scare people with his words?”
Jonathan scoffed, thinking Emmanuel was just trying to mock him and make
him embarra*s himself in front of Tia.
“Unfortunately, the Verkade family also deals in the herbal medicine
business, and I have medical skills. Even if I get poisoned, I can cure myself!
Don’t play tricks on-
Before he could finish saying “me,” his expression changed drastically.
What’s going on?
His stomach suddenly churned violently.
Thud.
Jonathan clutched his belly and sat down heavily.
Witnessing this scene, the people around the restaurant began freaking out.
he restaurant?!
*
Chapter 714
In just thirty seconds, Jonathan’s face gradually turned purplish-blue, his
body started convulsing violently, his teeth chattered loudly, and his whole
body was drenched in a cold sweat. It was evident he was enduring
immense pain.
Emmanuel’s brows furrowed as he tried to figure out what was happening.
He had noticed the trailing earlier in the day; he should have shaken them
off. Could this poisoning be aimed at me?
“Ah! Someone really did poison us!” Screams started to erupt from the crowd.
Marianne and Tia looked at Emmanuel in horror. He predicted the poisoning
before anyone else! How could he have such capability?!
“Save me… Please save me!” Jonathan gazed pleadingly at Emmanuel, whom
he believed had a cure to this poisoning since he predicted it.
“Sorry? Save you?” Emmanuel feigned surprise. “Mr. Verkade, didn’t you just
say a moment ago that you could self-cure even if poisoned? Well then,
please start your performance!”
Jonathan felt like he was on the verge of death! He was in such excruciating
pain that it felt like his organs were being twisted. How could he possibly
self-cure?!
He regretted being so arrogant earlier.
Indeed, those who act overly proud often end up in misfortune.
At this point, more and more people began collapsing, and in just a few
minutes, seven or eight people in the restaurant clutched their bellies and fell
in agony.
Meanwhile, those who weren’t affected by the poison were trembling in fear,
feeling utterly helpless.
“What’s going on?” The commotion in the restaurant quickly alerted Eleanor.
As the head manager, she immediately rushed over with her staff to a*sess
the situation, but even she had never experienced such a bizarre and
horrifying scene before.
Still, Eleanor drew from her work experience and quickly organized her staff.
“Call an ambulance!” she ordered. “And you! Go to Suite 888 and find Dr.
Gomez!”
With that, A waiter immediately ran toward Suite 888.
Eleanor tried her best to remain calm, but deep down, she was also
panicking. She couldn’t understand how some of her customers had been
affected while others seemed perfectly fine.
Can it be that only those who ate a certain dish or drank a specific drink were
poisoned?
With this thought in mind, she quickly ordered, “You guys, gather all the water
and food on the tables!”
“Yes, Ms. Eleanor!” Several staff members immediately took action.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel went over to Tia and her mother to inquire about what
they had eaten and drunk earlier.
Amidst the chaos, he was the only one silently analyzing the situation.
Soon, Juan hurriedly entered the restaurant lobby.
Eleanor quickly approached him, saying, “Dr. Gomez, it seems that these
people are suffering from food poisoning.”
“I don’t think so!” Juan immediately denied her guess.
Eleanor was taken aback. Juan hadn’t even started diagnosing, and he had
already denied her speculation!
Many people around had heard of Juan from Beacon Hospital. Learning that
he was a renowned physician and fortunate enough to have him present in
the restaurant, everyone felt relieved.
“Can Dr. Gomez diagnose a patient’s condition with just a glance?”
“If that’s the case, he’s truly amazing!”
“He really lives up to his reputation as the legendary physician of Yeringham!”
People marveled and whispered to each other.
However, Juan paid no attention to these comments. He quickly approached
the nearest person who had been poisoned, only for Emmanuel to warn him
with a frown. “Don’t touch him, or you’ll be poisoned too!”
What?!
Everyone was shocked beyond words. Emmanuel’s statement further
intensified the panic among the crowd.
Chapter 715
“Who’s that man?”
At this point, many people began speculating about Emmanuel’s identity.
He was the first one to suggest someone had poisoned the food, but how did
he know that before anyone had shown symptoms?
Suspicious!
However, Emmanuel ignored the surrounding gazes and addressed Juan,
“Because you just drank the tap water from the restaurant as well. You
absolutely cannot touch the source of the infection!”
“What is this guy talking about?”
The surrounding diners started discussing fervently.
“If drinking tap water can cause poisoning, I’ve drunk it too!”
“Right, according to him, food poisoning can be contagious. Ridiculous!”
“Could this be a virus?”
Amidst the discussions, someone finally stood up and loudly questioned
Emmanuel, “Hey, who are you? Why are you obstructing Dr. Gomez from
saving people? Could you be the one who poisoned them?”
All eyes were focused on Emmanuel, like cold arrows directed at him.
“Shut up!” Juan rebuked them angrily. “Don’t spread baseless rumors! He’s a
prodigious doctor whose medical skills far surpa*s mine!”
“What?!” Everyone was shocked once again!
Juan had a great reputation in Yeringham, yet he now publicly claimed that
someone else’s medical skills were far superior to his!
Was he just being modest?
Then again, judging from his expression, he seemed to be serious about it.
Just then, Edith exclaimed in panic. “Oh no, Rhea just touched one of the
patients!”
What?! It was Emmanuel’s turn to be shocked.
Just a moment ago, they had been dining in the same private room, and he
knew that Rhea had also drunk the tap water from the restaurant. However,
the young woman hadn’t heard Emmanuel’s warning, as because of the
urgency of the situation, she, as a medical professional, rushed out and
immediately checked on the condition of the poisoned person’s eyes to
a*sess the situation.
And now, her delicate body was trembling, her fair face turning
purplish-black in an instant. She collapsed to the ground with a thud. Her
situation was even worse than that of the previous victim.
“Rhea!” Emmanuel quickly ran over and shouted at Juan, “Those who have
drunk the tap water must not touch the poisoned individuals! This is a
combination of unusual toxins! It can be transmitted through skin contact!
“People who have drunk the tap water will store a certain toxin in their bodies.
This toxin won’t act on its own, but as long as it comes into contact with
another source of poison, the person will be poisoned. Moreover, the poison
will mutate rapidly upon transmission, becoming more intense!”
Once again, after hearing his words, everyone fell into extréme panic.
This unusual poison was no modern virus but an ancient poison. Emmanuel
had happened to come across related case details in the ‘Divine Valley
Medical Records. However, he had never dreamed that he would encounter
it in his life so soon!
Currently, the other poisoned individuals could still hold on. Although they
were suffering, they were not in immediate danger. Rhea’s condition was the
most severe, and she had lost consciousness in an instant.
Eleanor hurriedly followed Emmanuel to Rhea’s side.
He pressed Rhea’s acupuncture points, and she miraculously managed to
regurgitate the tap water she had just drunk!
Eleanor was astounded.
Having witnessed Emmanuel’s miraculous skills on various occasions, she
was now convinced that this man wasn’t just a prodigious physician; he was
a true deity!
Emmanuel paid no attention to her gaze and instead instructed her, “Ms.
Eleanor, this female patient won’t be able to hold on until we get her to the
hospital. Please quickly prepare silver needles and alcohol for me! Also, open
all the doors and windows of the restaurant to ensure ventilation!”
“Huh? Yes, right away!” Eleanor-snapped back to her senses and quickly
nodded in response.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Emmanuel first treated the first batch
of poisoned individuals. He extended two fingers and applied precise
pressure on their acupuncture points.
After a few consecutive moves, the poisoned individuals started vomiting out
the contents of their stomachs, and their complexions instantly cleared up.
“Wow, that’s amazing!”
Chapter 716
“Is that guy a martial arts master from another era? Are there really such
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