Chapter 318

chapter318

“What?!” The news left Terence reeling in disbelief. A disciplined, principled man like Emmanuel would turn his back on his marriage? Does he even have it in him to be so reckless?

Mackenzie started to walk away, but Terence quickly stopped her. “Mackenzie, your father left us far too early, and you’ve always had to find your own way. As your grandfather, I need you to listen to me now.”

Mackenzie remained silent, though her impatience was visible. She prided herself on her analytical mind, believing she had already calculated the value and the risks of her relationship with Emmanuel.

“Mackenzie,” Terence sighed, his voice softening. “I don’t know the details of your disagreement, but don't let a moment of anger lead to a lifetime of regret. This marriage is worth more than a single misunderstanding.”

Mackenzie gave a sharp huff of derision. “Regret? I’m a Quillen. I don't look back, and I certainly don't let a single man dictate my future.”

“Do you really not see it? You’ve fallen for him,” Terence said, tapping his walking stick against the floor for emphasis. “Life isn't a corporate merger, Mackenzie. You can always find a new business deal, but a genuine connection with someone who truly knows you is rare. Once it’s gone, you might never find it again.”

He was deeply concerned that if Mackenzie pushed Emmanuel away, he might eventually find solace elsewhere—perhaps with someone as attentive as Claudette.

But Mackenzie remained obstinate. “I only married him because you insisted! There’s nothing more to it than that.”

“You’re my most brilliant granddaughter, but you’re being blind to your own heart,” Terence countered. “You act differently whenever he’s involved. You won't admit it now, but go ahead—end it if you must. Just don't expect me to help you win him back later.”

Mackenzie offered no further argument and retreated to her room. Despite her words, being back at the family estate made her realize how much she had grown accustomed to the life she shared with Emmanuel at Yociam Residence.

Terence watched her go, sighing heavily. Mackenzie was quick to master any academic subject, but matters of the heart required a vulnerability she wasn't yet comfortable with. Her father had spent years in a state of quiet melancholy after a series of personal losses and family pressures; Terence was determined to ensure Mackenzie didn't follow a similar path of emotional isolation.

“I need to talk to that young man myself,” Terence muttered. He felt he had to reach out to Emmanuel directly to prevent this misunderstanding from becoming a permanent rift.

Meanwhile, after Mackenzie’s departure, Emmanuel didn't linger. Despite Claudette’s invitation to stay, he chose to leave Flower Mountain alone and return to the city. His mind was a whirlwind of confusion as he debated whether to head back to their shared apartment or give her more space.

His internal debate was cut short by a call from his mother.

He hesitated, worried that Alessandra had heard about his conflict with Mackenzie. However, as soon as he answered, her voice was frantic. “Manny, you need to get to the hospital immediately! Ryder’s had a terrible accident!”

“What happened?” Emmanuel’s heart hammered against his ribs. He feared the worst given the recent tensions in Ryder’s household.

“It happened three days ago—a hit-and-run—but we weren't notified until this morning!” Alessandra cried, her voice trembling with anxiety.

“Mom, take a deep breath. I’m on my way. How is he?”

Emmanuel knew his mother looked at Ryder as if he were her own son. He was terrified she might collapse from the stress of the news.

“He’s... he’s in a coma, Manny. The doctors say he might not wake up!”

“A coma?” The news hit Emmanuel like a physical blow. The thought of his friend lying incapacitated while his family was in turmoil was almost too much to bear. He didn't ask any more questions; he simply accelerated his scooter, weaving through traffic as he raced toward the hospital.