Mistaken Match: Marrying the Enigmatic CEO by Ruby Fennimore

Chapter 182 Zeke's nostrils flared as his eyes moved from Alden to Luisa. "Oh, so you're back together with this idiot who two-timed you with another woman?" he scoffed in disbelief. "Great. Just great." Without another word, he stepped past them and walked out of the office. Tension hang in the air seconds after his departure.

"Well, at least he didn't try to punch the hell out of me," Alden joked to lighten the mood.

No one else laughed, but the tension eased slightly.

"Hey, are you ready to go, or should I leave without you?" Alden asked Kris.

"No, I'll go with you. I'm sure Lassa has a lot of work to do," Kris responded.

It still felt surreal to call her "Lassa" without her telling him it was reserved only for her loved ones. Did that mean he was part of her loved ones now? Smiling to himself, he moved to stand in front of Thalassa. "I'll go now. See you at your house this evening?" "Sure," she whispered.

Leaning down, Kris placed a gently kiss on her lips, and when he pulled back, he couldn't help the words that cout of his mouth, "I love you." His breath caught as he gazed into her eyes, waiting for a response.

"I know," she said simply.

Kris felt a sharp sting in his chest, but he reminded himself that just a week ago, she had told him he meant nothing to her. The fact that he had made progress was enough for now. He didn't mind waiting until she was ready to say those words back to him. 000000000 "I can't believe it. Linda Miller is really hosting a party at her mansion like you said," Luisa remarked later that night after they had returned from work. "How did you know she would?" Thalassa shrugged. "Because she's predictable in a lot of ways. Social status means everything to her. She used to host this party every year, inviting elites and a few reporters to capture the moment. She used to be almost worshiped by many women in social circle, but she hasn't done it in the past two years because of her company's crises." "So, she's desperate to regain her status, even if it means wasting money she can't afford to waste on another party?" "Yes. And she's going to invite me," Thalassa said.

Luisa stared at her. "How can you be so sure?" "Because she's not stupid. She knows that while her company has recovered a little, I still have the power to disrupt all of that with another press statement. On the other hand, she also knows that if we're seen in the spicture together and the public thinks we're on good terms, it'll significantly boost her sales. What she doesn't realize is that's when I'm going to strike." Just then, the doorbell rang, and Luisa went to answer it.

"Hello!" Alden greeted cheerfully, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her off her feet, twirling her around. "Alden, putdown!" Luisa protested, even as she burst into giggles.

Thalassa smiled, happy to see her friend so happy, but she couldn't help the wistful feeling that settled in her chest. Years ago, she and Kris had been just like that.

"Can you get out of my way?" Kris hissed in annoyance as he stepped through the door.

Alden finally set Luisa down, scoffing. "Jealousy isn't a good look on you, my friend." Kris rolled his eyes as he sidestepped them, making his way toward Thalassa. Her heart began to race, as it always did whenever he was near. When he got closer, noticed the tension on his face.

"Hey, what's wrong?" she asked, cupping his face between her hands.

Kris smiled slightly. "Is it that obvious?" "Yeah, it is. What's bothering you?" "It's my mother... she's throwing a party tomorrow night even though she doesn't have the money to spare. And..." he trailed off.

"And?" Thalassa prompted.

"And she askedto invite you. Obviously, I said no because—" "Why would you say no?" Thalassa interrupted, her voice sharper than she intended.

Kris raised a brow at her reaction. "Because I thought you wouldn't want to go." Thalassa pursed her lips. "Kris, I told you I want to move past old grudges, I'm not looking to be.

friends with your mother, but we can at least be civil towards eachother." "So, you want to accept her invitation?" "Yes." Kris took a moment to process her response, staring at her in wonder. "Okay. I'll let my mother know you've accepted. I'll pick you up tomorrow, and we'll go together." Thalassa tensed up. If Kris was with her, it would be hard for her to slip away and get the evidence she needed on his mother without being noticed.

She shook her head. "No, Kris. We can't go together. You and I can't be seen together." Kris's face fell. "You don't want to be seen with me? I don't understand. Why?" "Because your divorce from KarenChapter 2204 The Plan Started Three Years Ago! 56% Finished "No way!" Quintus' jaw dropped in shock. But the more he thought about it, the more something clicked in his mind.

"Why not? You just don't understand your father.” Laura couldn't hold back anymore. "Your dad's vision has always been beyond what you two could comprehend. That's why he was always so quiet at home-because the things weighing on his mind weren't things he could share with you." "Are you saying you know something, Aunt Laura?” Claudette asked, unable to suppress her curiosity. Everyone turned their eyes to Laura, their anticipation obvious. Emmanuel and Mackenzie, in particular, looked like they wouldn't rest until they got to the bottom of this.

"Sigh... At this point, there's no point in keeping it to myself." Laura exhaled deeply, resigning herself to the situation. "The general... He started laying the groundwork for something big... about three years ago.

"He never outright told me, but I overheard him on the phone many nights. Almost every conversation revolved around the presidential election...” At that, everyone's interest only deepened.

Quintus and Claudette couldn't help but gape at each other in shock. As their father's children, they had no idea he had been orchestrating something this massive all along.

With the tension in the air, Laura spoke even more fervently, recalling every detail as she continued, "The general has always been part of the pro-war faction. Back then, he kept saying the ones in power were too weak, letting foreign forces walk all over us...

"He also said that this year's election had to bring a hardliner into office. Only then could Chanaea reclaim its lost territories..." At that, Emmanuel and Mackenzie exchanged glances. Does this mean Catherine Zelinsky is also part of the pro- war faction? If she wins, will she wage a war? Laura went on, "Three years ago, he was already planning for this. He said this election had no room for error. If there was even the slightest chance of failure, he wouldn't hesitate to stage a military coup to secure the outcome..." Everyone gasped in shock.

"Did he really say that?" Emmanuel asked grimly.

This wasn't just spolitical maneuvering-this concerned the country's stability and the safety of Chanaea's people. It was no laughing matter.

"It wasn't the general exactly. I overheard the person on the other end of the call say it... So, this year's election might cwith an unexpected military coup." Laura's expression turned grave.

At that, everyone stared at each other in uneasy silence.

Faced with such dire news, Emmanuel knew he had to discuss it with Santiago immediately. If they got caught off guard and Zovince was taken over in a sudden coup, they might not be able to recover from it.

"Quintus!" Emmanuel suddenly called out, his tone severe.

1/3 14:49 Sat, 15 Feb Chapter 2204 The Plan Started Three Years Ago! ☐☐☐☐ 56%= Finished "Sir!" Quintus instinctively straightened, snapping into a salute. He could tell from Emmanuel's expression that this was going to be a major mission.

Sure enough, Emmanuel wasted no tissuing orders. "To ensure the stability of the election, I need you to lead a team to escort the West End representatives to Zovince. Nothing must go wrong." "What? I have to leave again?" Quintus frowned, reluctant. He had barely been in Zovince for a day! "I'm counting on you." Emmanuel patted him on the shoulder. "This is the final stretch. Both sides have suffered heavy losses. You're one of the people Mackenzie and I trust the most, which is why you're the best choice for this mission." Laura and Claudette exchanged knowing looks, suppressing their amusement. Emmanuel clearly knew exactly how to handle Quintus.

"I'll go, no problem. But... is Mackenzie coming with me?" Quintus asked immediately. "I'm the new Holy Guardian. I can't leave her side!" The rest of the room collectively thought, What an idiot! Mackenzie had finally reunited with Emmanuel in Zovince after so long. Why on earth would she run off to the Wes End with Quintus? Not to mention, she was a candidate for chairman of the Chamber of Commerce-going back and forth between Zovince and the West End would only create an opportunity for Teddy to swoop in! "You're important, Quintus." She didn't immediately answer Quintus but instead focused on calming him down first. Immediately, he instinctively straightened his back, standing at attention.

"Emmanuel and I both trust that you will ensure the West End representative reaches Zovince safely. This is a crucial part of our overall strategy." Mackenzie continued, her tone firm yet reassuring. "Meanwhile, I need to stay in Zovince to handle the company's affairs, meet with Chamber of Commerce representatives, and prepare for the election. This is just as vital to the bigger picture. So, I can't go with you." "I-" Quintus was visibly disappointed, but he wasn't a fool. He let out a heavy sigh. "Fine. Once this is done, I'll stick to you like glue and protect you for life!" "Alright, go now." Mackenzie dismissed him without hesitation.

Claudette watched her brother and couldn't help but admire his courage.

Mackenzie had already married Emmanuel and even had a child with him, yet Quintus had no qualmsm about openly expressing his devotion to her. He was even willing to protect her for the rest of his life. If it were her, she wouldn't have had the strength or audacity to do the same.

"Mackenzie, you should head back and rest. I still have other pressing matters to attend to Emmanuel, urged her to sleep. It was already late into the night. He might be able to forgo rest, but his wife and child needed it. always conside€

"You too. Make sure you rest. Your health is important." Mackenzie, much softer than she used to be, still reminded him despite knowing full well that Emmanuel was likely going to be working through the night again. Even so, as his wife, she had to do her part. Watching them, Claudette felt a strange mix of emotions she couldn't quite place. Pretending she hadn't 212 Sat, Chapter 2204 The Plan Started Three Years Ago! seen anything, she quietly stepped away from the scene.

"Alright, I will." Emmanuel nodded but wasted no more time. He immediately left.

56% Finished There was too much to do. He had to contact Santiago and use the Northern Region's intelligence network to monitor any military movements across Chanaca. If a coup was in the works before the presidential election, they had to be ready.

On top of that, there were still many injured soldiers to tend to-especially Sage and Rhett. Their conditions were critical.

After issuing orders to Albin and Eve, Emmanuel quickly established contact with Santiago before visiting Sage first.

"So... Scarlet died in battle?" Hearing the news from Sage, Emmanuel felt a heavy weight settle in his chest. He was deeply saddened.

Back then, she had vowed to send him off with her fourth whip strike. He never expected this to be the way she fulfilled that promise.

Scarlet's final whip truly had defeated him.

She had died fighting two powerful opponents just to save his son. Even if Emmanuel wanted to repay that debt, he would never have the chance now. He had lost completely-left only with the weight of guilt he would carry for a lifetime.

"Emmanuel, she died at Yorick Dotson's hands. If you defeat him, that will be the best way to honor her sacrifice." Sage understood Emmanuel better than anyone. He knew his leader would feel indebted to Scarlet, so he offered him a way to settle the score. Emmanuel nodded, though his expression remained grave.

Yorick was Santiago's longtrival. If Emmanuel wanted to take him down, he had to consider his master's position first. This wasn't something he could decide on his own. He would have to wait and see how things played out.

Sage's injuries were severe, but at least they weren't life-threatening. After tending to him, Emmanuel moved on to Rhett.

When Mackenzie and the others had arrived in Zovince, they had made sure to bring Rhett along. Everyone knew-if there was anyone who could save him, it was Emmanuel.

isn't final yet she quickly explained. "In everyone's eyes, you're still e married, even if you're separated. I'll be branded a homewrecker if people think we're together. You don't want that, do you?" Kris bit his lip. "No, but..." He trailed off, his eyes narrowing slightly as he scanned her face. Thalassa's heart skipped a beat. Was that suspicion she saw in his gaze? "Is it just because of that or-" Before he could ask any more questions, Thalassa pulled his head down and pressed her lips to his, silencing him as more guilt burned through her. Tomorrow. She couldn't wait for tomorrow to come.