Chapter 466

chapter466

“What are you doing? Please maintain a professional distance!” Emmanuel’s voice was sharp with warning as he stepped back from the group of hostesses.

The girls paused, taken aback by his immediate and firm rejection. They were accustomed to guests who appreciated—and even demanded—excessive attention, but Emmanuel’s demeanor was entirely different.

“Mr. Lowe, we were instructed to ensure your stay was exceptional,” Nina said, attempting to salvage the situation. She approached with a practiced, deferential grace, trying to showcase the elite hospitality training that usually made the staff of the Waterspring Club irresistible to the city's wealthy elite. To them, a man of Emmanuel’s standing and character was a rare and valuable connection, and they were desperate to secure his favor.

However, Emmanuel remained entirely unmoved by their attempts at charm. He maintained a respectful but impenetrable distance. “I appreciate the hospitality, but I don't require any personal services. Please leave the room and allow me to wait for Ms. Thompson in peace.”

He spoke with an authority that left no room for negotiation. While the staff were undeniably striking and professional, Emmanuel’s heart and mind were elsewhere. His commitment to Mackenzie was absolute; compared to the bond he shared with his wife, even the most calculated displays of beauty held no interest for him.

The hostesses, however, found it difficult to accept such a blunt refusal. They prided themselves on their ability to read and influence people, and they assumed that consistent, high-pressure hospitality would eventually break his resolve. They began to double their efforts, surrounding him with a level of attentive service that bordered on the intrusive, using every trick of the trade to try and establish a personal rapport.

Finally, Emmanuel’s patience wore thin. His gaze turned cold and stern. “I am a married man, and I take my vows seriously. If you continue to ignore my requests for privacy and professional boundaries, I will be forced to report this lack of discipline to Eve personally.”

The mention of Eve’s name acted like a bucket of cold water. The six girls immediately straightened up, their faces pale with the realization that they had crossed a line. They couldn't believe a man could remain so focused and restrained in the face of such overwhelming attention. To them, his loyalty seemed almost legendary—a stark contrast to many of the prominent figures who frequented the club.

Realizing they had truly overstepped, they gathered their things and prepared to leave, their expressions a mix of confusion and reluctant respect.

“Our apologies, Mr. Lowe. We meant no disrespect. We will leave you to your privacy.”

As the door closed behind them, a heated debate broke out in the hallway. “How can anyone be that devoted?” “Maybe he’s just extremely disciplined because of his background.” “Or perhaps he’s just worried about the professional consequences if Eve walks in.”

Emmanuel, however, was indifferent to their speculation. He exhaled a long sigh of relief once the room was silent. His lack of interest wasn't a matter of ego or pretense; it was a simple reflection of his character. He knew who he was and where his loyalties lay, and no amount of external temptation could change that.

A few moments later, the door opened again. This time, it was Eve. She had clearly noted the staff’s hasty and embarrassed departure. She couldn't help but offer a small, knowing smirk. “Emmanuel, was the service not up to your usual high standards?”

He shot her a look of mild annoyance, which effectively ended her teasing.

“Why are you here to see me, Emmanuel?” Eve’s tone shifted instantly to one of professional gravity. As an undercover operative with deep ties to the Northern Region, she was well aware of his recent meeting with Kolton. She was eager to understand the strategic details of the high-level mission they had discussed—a mission that would likely determine the future of their shared interests in Yeringham.