Chapter 500

chapter500

Emmanuel soon arrived at the Quillen family estate. Although he had visited the Lenoir family’s imposing villa before, he was still struck by the sheer scale of the Quillen residence. The courtyard alone was a masterclass in landscape architecture, far surpassing anything he had previously seen. The elegance of the stonework and the meticulously kept gardens made the place feel less like a home and more like a private sanctuary.

Even now, he found it hard to believe that a man of his humble background had married the eldest daughter of such an influential family. It felt like a scene from a story he wasn't supposed to be part of. Lost in thought, he followed Mackenzie into the main hall, feeling as though he were navigating a grand, intricate labyrinth.

In the center of the hall stood a long dining table, laden with an array of gourmet dishes. A formal dinner was clearly prepared, though the only family member present so far was Sarah.

“Hi, Mackenzie! Hi, Manuel!” Sarah greeted them with a bright, welcoming smile. While Mackenzie remained characteristically reserved, Emmanuel offered a friendly nod. “Nice to see you again, Sarah.”

“Dinner will be served shortly,” Sarah continued, her tone light. “But Mom asked me to bring Manuel to see her as soon as you arrived. Manuel, would you mind coming with me for a moment?”

“No,” Mackenzie interjected instantly, her voice cold.

The invitation had come from Felicity, who had used the justifiable excuse that Emmanuel, as a new member of the family, should pay his respects to his mother-in-law. It was a request that even Terence, the family patriarch, had approved of—he was eager for the couple to provide him with great-grandchildren. However, Mackenzie was well aware of her mother’s hidden agendas. She knew that any private meeting between Felicity and the earnest Emmanuel was likely a setup for complication.

“Well...” Sarah looked between the two, appearing caught in the middle of their silent standoff.

Emmanuel, sensing the rising tension, turned to Mackenzie. “Mackenzie, it might look disrespectful if I refuse her first invitation since we arrived. I don’t want to cause any friction with your family on my first formal visit. If things start on the wrong foot, how can I come back a second time?”

Mackenzie pursed her lips. She hated the rigid social expectations and moral customs that came with her status, but she realized that since she had committed to this marriage, she had to navigate these waters carefully.

“Fine,” she conceded. “Go with her. But remember: no matter what my mother says to you, do not make any sudden promises or decisions. Come back and consult with me first. Do you understand?”

Emmanuel smiled, touched by her uncharacteristic protective streak. “I understand, Mackenzie.”

Mackenzie didn't stop there. She looked at Sarah, her gaze sharp. “Hurry back. Don’t keep Grandpa and me waiting, or we’ll come looking for you.” She knew Sarah would relay the underlying warning to Felicity—that Mackenzie was watching closely.

“This way, Manuel,” Sarah said, leading him out of the hall.

As they walked through the ornate corridors, Emmanuel noted Sarah’s attire. She was dressed in a sophisticated white off-the-shoulder gown that highlighted her graceful stature. A sparkling diamond necklace caught the light, and a designer sash cinched her waist, adding a touch of modern fashion to the traditional setting. The dress flared out in a classic silhouette, giving her an air of youthful elegance. While she didn't possess Mackenzie’s icy, commanding presence, Sarah had a charm all her own, defined by her approachable demeanor and polished style.

“You look very formal and elegant today, Sarah,” Emmanuel remarked politely, acknowledging the effort she had put into her appearance for the family gathering.

“Haha! Is that so?” Sarah glanced back, offering a playful smile. “Thank you for the compliment, Manuel. But compared to Mackenzie’s natural star power, I’m just the supporting cast, don’t you think?”