Chapter 254

chapter254

Could this Ms. Quillen be his wife?

Unfortunately, by the time Abellyn and Chloe managed to weave through the dispersing crowd, Mackenzie had already entered the building. Abellyn caught only a fleeting glimpse of a distant figure from behind.

“Wait a minute... that figure looked remarkably familiar!” Abellyn exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise.

“What are you talking about? Do you actually know Ms. Quillen?” Chloe asked, skeptical.

Abellyn had never seriously considered the possibility. In her mind, Ryder’s cousin and a high-profile figure like Ms. Quillen lived in completely different universes. “Chloe, I’m telling you, her silhouette looks exactly like Mackenzie’s! Could Emmanuel’s wife actually be her?”

“How is that possible?” Chloe laughed, dismissing the idea immediately. “How could a man like Emmanuel, who lives such a modest life, be married to someone of that status? Stories like that only happen in movies. Besides, if she were the head of the Terence Group, would she be living in an ordinary upscale apartment? She’d be in a massive estate with a fleet of staff!”

“I suppose you’re right...” Abellyn admitted. The logic was sound, yet she couldn't shake the feeling that the two women shared the exact same presence.

“Enough overthinking. Emmanuel’s wife is undoubtedly beautiful, and many elegant women carry themselves in a similar way,” Chloe scoffed, smoothing her own dress.

“You’re right!” Abellyn accepted the explanation, pushing the thought to the back of her mind.

At that moment, Zane approached them and invited Abellyn to join the private party. Due to the exclusivity of the event, he could only bring in one guest. Chloe didn't mind; she exchanged a knowing glance with her sister before they parted ways. Abellyn nodded, linking her arm with Zane’s as they entered the venue.

Inside the party, Mackenzie navigated the social requirements of the evening, sharing polite conversation and a few drinks with various business associates. However, she was still feeling the physical toll of the previous night’s stress and didn't wish to stay long. She managed to politely distance herself from the persistent Quintus, seeking a quiet room to rest.

When she finally found a moment of solitude, her thoughts drifted back to Emmanuel. She wondered where he was and if he was waiting for her to reach out. If we don't find a way to talk soon, is this really the end for us?

She reached for the handle of a nearby VIP suite, hoping to find a quiet place to sit. But as the door clicked open, she realized the room wasn't as empty as she had expected. She was about to apologize and turn away when she caught sight of two figures in a hushed, intimate conversation near the window.

Wait... is that Abellyn and Zane?

Mackenzie instinctively retreated into the shadow of the hallway, but she stayed close enough to overhear their low-toned exchange.

“Zane, you’re getting ahead of yourself,” Abellyn’s voice drifted out, sounding uncharacteristically playful.

“Can you blame me? You’ve been keeping me at arm’s length all night,” Zane replied, his tone thick with impatience. He was clearly captivated by her, his focus entirely on the woman standing before him.

“I’ve had a difficult life, Zane. I’ve dealt with people who weren't sincere before, so I need to know if you’re actually interested in a future with me,” Abellyn said, carefully following the plan her sister had laid out to secure her own interests.

“Of course I am! Why would you doubt that?” Zane said, willing to say whatever was necessary in the heat of the moment to keep her attention focused on him.

“In that case... I need a place to stay. I’m planning to finalize my divorce, and I need someone I can rely on for more than just talk. If you really care about me, you’ll help me secure my future.”

Abellyn leaned in, using her charm to press her advantage. She believed that as long as Zane was infatuated with her, he would agree to any terms she set, unaware that Mackenzie was listening to every word of her calculated betrayal.