Chapter 441

chapter441

Roselynn and Alessandra were relieved beyond words to learn that Emmanuel had finally returned to Yeringham.

“Manny, you’re finally back! Don’t you ever disappear like that again. If you’re facing problems, you have a family to talk to!” Alessandra’s voice was thick with emotion.

“That’s right,” Roselynn added. “No matter what happens, we’re always on your side.”

Emmanuel felt a pang of guilt. He had headed to the Northern Region to settle his affairs, but he hadn't fully realized the weight of the worry he’d left behind. “Mom, Roselynn, I hear you. I wasn't trying to hide—I even left a letter explaining things.”

Though he said it, both women remained skeptical, assuming he was simply being his usual stoic self. Out of respect for his dignity, they didn't press him further, choosing instead to focus on the present.

“Manny, how are things between you and Mackenzie now?” Alessandra asked, her concern shifting to her son’s marriage—the foundation of his new life.

“Mom, we’re doing great,” Emmanuel answered quickly. “In fact, we were just in the kitchen together earlier, taking care of the dishes.”

“What? Why would you let Mackenzie handle chores like that?” Alessandra chided. Even though she loved her son, she was fiercely protective of her daughter-in-law. “Manny, you need to look after her. Mackenzie does so much for this family and works long hours at the office. When she’s home, she should be resting!”

Mackenzie, who had just finished freshening up, paused near the doorway and overheard the conversation. She felt a surge of genuine warmth. Compared to the often-strained relationship she had with her biological mother, Felicity, Alessandra’s care felt unconditional and sincere.

“I understand, Mom!” Emmanuel assured her, jokingly patting his chest. “I promise, as long as I’m home, Mackenzie won't have to lift a finger for the heavy lifting.”

He couldn't help but smile, feeling—not for the first time—that his mother seemed to favor Mackenzie even more than him.

Roselynn nodded in agreement. “Mom is right, Manny. Mackenzie is a treasure. You need to cherish this relationship and avoid unnecessary arguments. Losing someone like her is a mistake you’d regret forever.”

“I know, Roselynn,” Emmanuel said softly. His gaze drifted to Mackenzie, who was standing by the door in a simple white silk robe. She looked elegant and serene, the usual distance in her eyes replaced by a quiet look of satisfaction. She tilted her head slightly, as if silently reminding him that his family had excellent taste.

However, the lighthearted mood shifted as Roselynn’s expression grew somber. “Manny, you’re so different from the man I married. Jaxton expects me to handle everything at home without a word of thanks. If I take even a moment for myself, he acts as if I’m neglecting my duties. Recently, he’s even been disrespectful toward Mom. I’m starting to wonder if he values our marriage at all.”

She had kept these feelings bottled up for a long time. Alessandra, believing in the sanctity of marriage, had advised her to seek compromise and patience. But now that her brother was back, Roselynn needed a confidant.

Emmanuel’s expression immediately darkened. “What did you just say, Roselynn? Jaxton was disrespectful to Mom? What exactly happened?”

His mother was his greatest priority. She had sacrificed everything to raise them, and he would never tolerate anyone treating her with anything less than absolute respect.

Mackenzie stepped forward, her eyes narrowing. She hadn't heard about this incident either, but it confirmed her suspicions about Jaxton. To her, he had always seemed like a man who used a submissive facade to hide a controlling nature—someone who sought to undermine others to boost his own standing.

“Tell us everything, Roselynn,” Mackenzie said, her voice steady and supportive. “If there’s an issue in this family, we face it together.”