Mistaken Match: Marrying the Enigmatic CEO
Beatrix’s voice quivered with anguish as she cried out, “The police have yet to uncover the true culprit behind this atrocity. They’ve only discovered that these three factions are likely involved, each linked to the chaos.”
Emmanuel and Mackenzie were gripped by a wave of frustration and despair. With Sage absent from the force, the path to solving the case seemed shrouded in darkness. They understood all too well that the forces orchestrating this calamity were deeply entrenched, rendering the investigation a formidable challenge. Even if the truth emerged, it was not guaranteed to be revealed in a way that would bring clarity.
Mackenzie, her concern momentarily set aside, turned her focus to her family. She asked softly, “How is everyone?” Her heart ached with the fear of loss, but she found solace in knowing that, as long as her loved ones were safe, the destruction of the Quillen residence was a secondary worry.
Beatrix’s tears flowed more freely, her voice breaking as she choked out, “Almost every member of the family was attacked on the same day. Aunt Stephanie and Aunt Sofia are dead. Aunt Samantha remains unconscious, and only Aunt Sophie survives after being resuscitated. She is under constant police guard, but she is still consumed by terror… sob, sob…”
Mackenzie’s heart seemed to shatter upon hearing this. It was as though she had been struck by a lightning bolt of grief and shock. Emmanuel’s steady presence was the only thing keeping her upright; without him, she might have crumpled to the ground.
“Mackenzie, I… I can’t bear to say more… You must stay strong for the little one growing inside you,” Beatrix implored, her body trembling uncontrollably as her sobs intensified.
Mackenzie bit her lip, forcing herself to remain steadfast. “I’m fine, continue,” she urged, though Beatrix’s tears made it impossible for her to continue speaking.
Seeing Beatrix’s struggle, Mackenzie turned to Lexi. Lexi, who had been a steadfast companion through countless trials, was remarkably composed. She took a deep breath and said, “Ms. Beatrix took Frederick and Shane to Nuthana for negotiations that day, so they managed to escape the disaster.
For the past few days, they’ve been under the protection of Sage and the Wolf Warrior Society. They have remained in hiding, and it was only upon hearing of your return that we dared to come.”
“The primary target of the attack was undoubtedly Old Mr. Quillen. He and Alfred had just returned to the estate when the assault commenced, indicating it was meticulously planned!”
Mackenzie’s voice wavered with fear as she grasped Lexi’s hand tightly. “What about my grandfather?”
Lexi glanced at Emmanuel before responding, “Old Mr. Quillen’s whereabouts are unknown. We don’t know if he was reduced to ashes. Alfred and your mother…”
“What about them?!” Emmanuel’s entire body tensed, his voice trembling with dread.
“The police have confirmed that they are all dead.” Lexi’s words emerged through clenched teeth, the weight of the truth nearly unbearable.
A thunderous roar seemed to erupt within Emmanuel’s mind, nearly causing him to lose consciousness, Behind him, Rhett sighed deeply in sorrow, sharing in the collective grief.
Emmanuel’s fists tightened into white–knuckled, trembling balls. The overwhelming sadness in his heart spread like wildfire, consuming every ounce of his strength. He stood, staring vacantly at the heavens, struggling to stem the tide of tears that threatened to overwhelm him.
“Emmanuel, you must stay strong! We have to endure, to seek justice for those we’ve lost!” Mackenzie’s voice was a beacon of resolve amidst the chaos. Her heart ached with profound grief, especially for Alessandra, who had always shown her unparalleled kindness.
Emmanuel nodded, his grip on Mackenzie’s hand unwavering. In that moment, they drew strength from each other, their solidarity providing fragile yet crucial support.
“Let’s go inside and survey the damage Mackenzie said, mustering the courage to confront the aftermath of the devastation. The once–grand Quillen residence lay in ruin, a somber testament to the fire’s wrath. What was once a symbol of opulence was now a landscape of broken walls and charred remains. The flames had turned everything to ash, leaving behind a haunting vista of blackened desolation.
Their hearts were heavy as they walked through the wreckage in silence. Mackenzie’s steps faltered as she reached the burnt villa, where she picked up a half–charred doll, its features barely discernible through the soot. The sight of the once–cherished toy, now a relic of innocence consumed by flames, was a poignant reminder of the calamity that had befallen them.
“Mackenzie, I heard that Felicity was in the villa with Emmanuel’s mother just before the attack on the estate. She managed to escape with the bodyguards‘ protection!” Beatrix informed her.
Mackenzie nodded slightly, feeling a faint sense of relief, but then she added, “But Sarah is dead.”
“What?” Beatrix blinked in surprise, not showing any sorrow. She had never had a good relationship with Sarah, who had even tried to steal the Quillen family’s Heart of the Sun. If she was dead, so be it.
But she noticed that Mackenzie and Emmanuel were both filled with sadness, and she couldn’t help but wonder what had transpired between them and Sarah.
Outside the villa, Rhett didn’t follow the Saintess inside. Instead, he crossed his arms, closed his eyes, and stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly, his ears twitched, and his eyes snapped open, sensing a powerful presence. He frowned and began to walk deeper into the estate’s pathways.
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