Chapter 307

chapter307

The masked adversary was completely unsettled. Emmanuel’s defensive capabilities and precision had far exceeded his expectations.

Who is this man? There are only a handful of people with such discipline in the world. What is someone like him doing here?

Taking advantage of the opponent's brief distraction, Emmanuel seized the initiative. With a swift, decisive maneuver, he countered the threat. The force of the movement and the speed of his strike brought the confrontation to a sudden, inevitable conclusion. The adversary collapsed, the struggle over as quickly as it had begun.

The entire exchange had lasted barely ten seconds, yet to those watching, it felt like an eternity.

Even Mackenzie, who prided herself on her composure in high-stakes business environments, was momentarily speechless. Beside her, Claudette, who had arrived just in time to witness the end, was reeling in disbelief. Dr. Lowe’s capabilities are far beyond anything I imagined, she thought, her heart racing.

“Don’t let him escape!” Mackenzie called out, regaining her voice as the adrenaline began to fade.

Emmanuel knew the importance of securing the perimeter, but he was also feeling the sting of a shallow wound on his arm. Despite his efforts to pursue, the darkness of the surrounding area allowed the intruder to retreat into the shadows.

“Stop, Emmanuel! Don’t chase him into the dark!” Claudette ran forward, her voice filled with genuine concern. She feared that a reckless pursuit might lead to a more dangerous ambush.

Emmanuel hesitated, slowing his pace.

“He can't be allowed to get away!” Mackenzie countered. While she was also worried about Emmanuel’s safety, she found herself bristling at his willingness to listen to Claudette’s direction. I am his wife. He should be taking his lead from me, she thought, her competitive nature flaring up.

“Chase after him!” Mackenzie ordered firmly.

“It’s too dangerous!” Claudette insisted.

The two women stood at odds, their eyes meeting in a silent clash of wills. Emmanuel found himself in an impossible predicament. Realizing that the window of opportunity to catch the intruder had already closed, he remained in place, choosing to focus on de-escalating the tension between the two women.

“Are you alright? You’re injured!” Claudette dropped the argument and rushed to Emmanuel’s side, reaching out to examine the cut on his arm. She spoke with a soft, calculated tone. “In the future, you should surround yourself with people who prioritize your well-being over results, Emmanuel. Empathy is a vital trait.”

Mackenzie’s temper flared. She had always known Claudette was charming, but she was now seeing a more strategic side to the woman’s personality. Though their marriage wasn't public knowledge, Mackenzie was certain Claudette had picked up on the hints they had dropped over the months.

Without a word, Mackenzie stepped between them, taking out a silk handkerchief. She brushed Claudette’s hand aside and began to expertly bandage Emmanuel’s arm herself. “You should be careful, Emmanuel,” she said, her voice cool but her actions surprisingly tender. “Don’t be swayed by sweet talk. Actions always speak louder than words.”

“You!” Claudette bit her lip, her frustration evident.

Emmanuel offered an awkward, silent smile. He was still trying to navigate Mackenzie’s shifting moods. Just yesterday morning, she had been distant and cold, yet here she was, personally tending to his wounds. Women are truly a mystery, he mused.

“Why did you come out here, Mackenzie?” Emmanuel asked, hoping to steer the conversation back to safety.

“I... I was just out for the evening air, of course!” Mackenzie retorted, her face flushing slightly. She certainly wasn't going to admit that the moment she realized he might be in danger, she had mobilized a search team and rushed out herself out of pure worry. Her pride as a Quillen wouldn't allow it.

Claudette, observing the interaction, narrowed her eyes. She knew Mackenzie well enough to recognize the signs. It seems Ms. Quillen’s feelings for him are much deeper than she’s willing to admit.

“I see,” Emmanuel said, his expression skeptical but gentle. “But I could have sworn I heard you calling my name earlier.”

Emmanuel might be straightforward, but he was far from unobservant. He had heard her voice clearly through the trees.

Mackenzie’s flush deepened. Emmanuel, you idiot! Why must you be so literal? She turned her head away, finishing the knot on the bandage with a bit more force than necessary, leaving the air between the three of them thick with unspoken emotions.