Chapter 201

chapter201

It’s a shame you’re already married, Emmanuel! If you were single, I would have introduced you to my sisters. You could have been the son-in-law of the Lenoir family. We would have been brothers!” Quintus exclaimed, his voice booming with festive energy.

Emmanuel quickly waved him off with a modest smile. “I appreciate the thought, but I don't think I’d fit in with heiresses. I’m quite content with my life as it is.”

“Hahaha! You’re too humble. But tonight, we’re equals at this table. Come on, another drink for my friend!”

“Alright!” Emmanuel wasn’t one to ruin the mood. Having already called a cab beforehand, he allowed himself to join Quintus in a few rounds of drinks.

After a while, Emmanuel stepped out to find the restroom. His head felt a bit heavy from the alcohol, and he momentarily lost his bearings in the hotel’s long, winding corridors. As he turned a corner, he caught sight of two figures—a man and a woman—entering a room together.

The man’s posture was overly familiar, his arm wrapped tightly around the woman’s waist as they disappeared inside. In that split second, the haze of alcohol cleared from Emmanuel’s mind. He could have sworn the woman was Abellyn! And the man looked suspiciously like Zane, one of Quintus’ subordinates.

A surge of fury rushed through him. Abellyn was married to Ryder and had a six-year-old child. Seeing her here, in this context, felt like a direct betrayal of his friend.

Without thinking, Emmanuel marched up to the door and pounded on it with his fists. “Come out! Open this door right now!”

The noise immediately drew attention. The hotel manager, accompanied by several security guards, rushed over. Seeing Emmanuel in his relatively simple attire, the manager’s tone was dismissive and sharp. “Sir, what is the meaning of this? Stop making a scene at once, or you will be held liable for any damages!”

Just then, Quintus arrived on the scene. He stepped forward, his presence immediately silencing the manager. “What are you implying? This man is my guest. Are you suggesting he can't handle himself?”

“Mr. Lenoir! I—I’m terribly sorry. I didn’t realize he was with you!” The manager’s attitude shifted instantly to one of groveling apology.

Quintus, remaining reasonable, placed a steadying hand on Emmanuel’s shoulder. “Easy there, Emmanuel. You must be a lighter drinker than I thought. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m not drunk, Quintus. I saw someone I know enter that room,” Emmanuel said, his voice low and tense.

“Someone you know? Surely you don't mean your own wife?” Quintus joked, trying to lighten the mood.

Emmanuel hesitated. His mind was racing. While he was enraged by Abellyn’s apparent betrayal, he was still rational enough to think of Ryder. If he made a public scene and revealed the truth now, Ryder’s reputation would be shattered. He didn't want his friend to become the subject of town gossip or have his family life destroyed in such a public and humiliating way.

Clenching his jaw, Emmanuel decided to keep the details vague for a moment. “The woman isn't my wife. But that man... isn't he your subordinate, Zane?”

“Zane? He’s a bachelor. If he’s meeting someone, that’s his business,” Quintus said dismissively, attempting to lead Emmanuel back to the lounge. “Let it go. Let’s finish our evening.”

Emmanuel gritted his teeth, his frustration boiling over as the crowd and the manager began to disperse. He couldn't let it go—not when Ryder’s happiness was at stake.

Bang!

In a sudden, explosive movement, Emmanuel broke free from Quintus’ grip and delivered a powerful kick to the door. The sound echoed like a gunshot through the hallway. Quintus stared in shock; the door was solid oak, yet it had groaned and given way under the sheer force of Emmanuel’s strike. It was a level of strength that even Quintus, with all his experience, hadn't expected to see.