Mistaken Match: Marrying the Enigmatic CEO
Chapter 2100 Withdrawal!
In the West End, after successfully recovering vital supplies, Mackenzie led her forces to halt at Riverhaven. As per the plan, the mission would be officially deemed complete once the anti-bandit team reached the westernmost city. Had this been merely a bureaucratic formality, this would have been the end of it. The authorities would have issued a statement all declaring victory over the bandits, fooling the naive public into thinking all had been resolved. But she was not the type to engage in such self-deception.
Today, once more, Mr. Willy and Mr. Quail, along with a few others, made their way to the hotel where she was staying, seeking a discussion on the next few steps!
“Ms. Quillen,” Anthony began, forcing a polite smile, “we’ve spent almost two weeks on this, and we’ve eliminated a good number of bandit hideouts. We’ve already made a significant impact for the people of the West End. Perhaps it’s time to call it a wrap?”
Mackenzie could easily see through his intentions. He was simply overseeing the relief operations, and now that the supplies had been successfully delivered and his reputation had been bolstered, he was eager to step away!
“Mr. Willy, what do you think about this?” she inquired, directing the question to the chairman of the West End Chamber of Commerce, a man of equal status to herself.
“You should decide, Ms. Quillen,” Mr. Willy replied smoothly, his words carefully chosen. “But with so many influential people following your lead, we should aim for something monumental. Otherwise, we’ll be the subject of ridicule!” In a masterful move, he deflected the responsibility right back to her.
Truthfully, Mackenzie was growing increasingly frustrated with the two men! You guys had been the ones who initially pledged to deal with the bandits, but now, after barely making a dent in their mission, you guys were eager to call it quits. It seemed you were quick to accept accolades but just as swift to shift the blame when things got tough.
Though she was fully aware of their tactives, she held her frustration in check. Instead, she simply replied, “You can head back now. I’ll let you know later today whether we’ll continue our efforts or pull back.” Mr. Willy responded, his tone as composed as ever, “Understood, Ms. Quillen. We’ll await your decision, confident in your wisdom.
Once they had departed, Mackenzie couldn’t hold it in any longer. She turned to the Zelinsky siblings, who had quietly approached from behind, and vented her frustration. “This is absurd! These people from the West End treat me like some high-end laborer. It’s as if I’m just working for their glory, and I don’t even get paid for it!”
Hattie reassured her, reaching out to offer some warmth. “Mackenzie, don’t let it get to you! You must have expected something like this, right?”
Mackenzie sighed heavily before grimacing. She had indeed braced herself for it when she agreed to lead this mismatched group. After all, I had aimed to win the favor of West End’s various factions to secure their backing and become the chairman of the Chamber of commerce.
“People can be so exhausted once they start chasing their desires,” she lamented, letting her frustrations flow freely to her closest friend.
Hattie grinned, her tone playful. “Don’t worry! With Magnus by our side, we won’t have to shoulder the burden. Let him take care of the heavy lifting!” Magnus could only stand there, speechless.
Mackenzie chuckled, “True, having Magnus around does make life easier! But now, I’m curious if he has anything to suggest for me?”
Hattie urged, nudging him, “Come on, Magnus, what’s your take?”
Magnus could only sigh internally. This sister of mine is truly spoiled! But after more than two decades of indulging her, he was at least used to it by now, “Since everyone’s lost their enthusiasm and no longer have the drive to keep hunting down bandits, it’s probably best to call it a day and pull back,” he stated.
His unexpected reply caught both women off guard. Mackenzie raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “Magnus, when you say pull back, do you mean for real, or is this just a show?”
Without missing a beat, he replied with conviction, “It’s a genuine one. We need to make it clear to the other side that we are pulling back with complete honesty.” In an instant, her face lit up with understanding.
“Got it. I’ll send out the orders right away to disband and have everyone head back to Silvergate,” she spoke swiftly, eager to put the plan in motion.
Magnus couldn’t help but grin, appreciating how effortless it was to converse with sharp minds. Not only was Mackenzie quick on the uptake, but Hattie was no slouch either.
She chimed in, “Magnus, are you trying to draw the bandits back in with this tactic?” He declared with unwavering confidence, “Exactly! A thief’s nature doesn’t change-just like a dog can’t resist filth, or a rat can’t stop scavenging. They may hold back for a while, but eventually, their instincts will get the better of them.”
Her eyes gleamed with excitement as she eagerly added, “In that case, I’ll go lay out some bait and draw those rats out!”
He raised a hand to halt her. “Not yet. Let’s hold off for a couple of days.” Leaning back, he spoke more calmly, “Rats are crafty. If they sense danger or see the trap set too early, they won’t fall for it. Plus, I’ve got a few other matters to handle in the meantime. Let’s give the West End a short break and regroup!”
When Magnus mentioned having something crucial to handle, Hattie’s expression turned serious. “So, is the day finally here to finish off the one who’s made our lives hell since we were kids?” He nodded with a steely resolve.
“Back when we were tied to the Zelinsky family, I had to tread carefully. But now that we’re out of that shadow, I can finally act without restraint. I’ll make sure he’s finished for good!”
Hearing that, a fierce gleam of anticipation lit up Hattie’s eyes!
Meanwhile, back in Zovince, Emmanuel had just heard from Mackenzie through a video call of the sudden decision to dissolve the anti-bandit forces where they stood. He nodded approvingly at the tactic. Battling bandits requires agility and unpredictability, not the heavy-handed force of a military invasion.
Making a loud declaration of war only warns them to hide. Only fools would sit still, waiting for such an onslaught. Because Magnus had been such a valuable ally to Mackenzie, Emmanuel knew it was his turn to honor his commitment-to take down Maxwell!
That very evening, Emmanuel arranged to meet with Nathan for dinner at a prestigious club in Zovince. The club wasn’t just for dining; it was an all-encompassing venue, providing a blend of fine cuisine, drinks, and entertainment under one roof.
“Master, are we really moving against Maxwell is week?” Nathan asked the moment he settled into the private lounge, flanked by Emmanuel, Sage, and Ashton.
Emmanuel gave a slight nod, but it was Ashton’s reaction-a subtle shiver-that drew attention. After all, Maxwell wasn’t just any name to her; he was her ex!
Just as Emmanuel was about to reply, Nathan shot a mischievous look at Ashton, his voice dripping with mock innocence. “Oh? Don’t tell me you’re still pining for that dirt bag when you’re supposed to be into me now?”
She shot back, giving him a pointed look, “Ha! If anyone’s a dirt bag it’s you! Maxwell might be low, but he’s not even in your league.” He burst into laughter, thoroughly amused.
“Imagine that! Despite knowing all about my little black book, someone had the gall to confess her undying admiration at my wedding! Isn’t that just hilarious?”
“You-” she fumed, heat rising in her cheeks. Looking back, she could hardly believe herself. Had I really been under some kind of spell, or was it my fate to be drawn to dirt bags? How was it that, time after time, I ended up falling for men with egos bigger than their hearts?
The moment she looked ready to throw a punch, Nathan braced himself instinctively. Right there, at the dinner table, they actually began sparring in earnest. Nathan, hardly taking a break between swings, managed to flash a proud grin in Emmanuel’s direction.
“See, Master? My skills are leveling up, aren’t they?” His smugness only fueled Ashton’s determination, and her punches become sharper, her intent unmistakable-she wasn’t holding back this time!
Emmanuel could only shake his head, bemused, watching their antics like a pair of quarreling companions who happened to enjoy a good tussle. For all their clashes, they seemed perfectly suited to this kind of bickering banter!