Chapter 2029
ė、ཌཱ 53%•
“Alright, since everyone has nominated me to lead, I’ll take charge and form
this anti–bandit alliance!” Mackenzie had anticipated this outcome from that
night’s banquet, so she didn’t hesitate, showcasing her leadership skills. “Our
alliance’s slogan will be: Eradicate the bandits, clear the trade routes, boost
West End’s economy, benefit the people!”
As soon as she finished speaking, the crowd erupted like a military assembly,
echoing the slogan.
“Eradicate the bandits, clear the trade routes!”
“Eradicate the bandits, clear the trade routes!”
Quintus and Rhett had been at the banquet the entire time, keeping an eye
on Mackenzie for her protection. Quintus, seeing this display of support,
couldn’t help but smile, his eyes filled with admiration. “Heh, as expected from
the woman I love. She’s so captivating! Wherever she goes, she’s the center
of attention. I must say, my taste is impeccable!”
1/9
19:34 Sat, Dec
9x
53
Chapter 2029 Maxwell Zelinsky
Rhett, usually quiet, couldn’t resist chiming in with a playful remark. “Yep,
looks like everyone here has good taste!”
Quintus immediately got defensive, retorting, “I clearly have the best taste! I
liked Mackenzie before anyone else, even Emmanuel!”
“Too bad emotions and love don’t follow a first–come, first–served rule…” Rhett
responded with a philosophical remark before quickly walking away, not
wanting to get dragged into a duel over this.
Mackenzie, however, had no time to pay attention to their banter. Being
appointed the leader of West End’s anti–bandit alliance was a huge
responsibility, and she felt its weight. But the benefits were obvious–several
influential business representatives had already pledged their support
tonight. With the Chamber of Commerce elections only a little over a month.
away, she needed to ensure everything stayed on track and that she
emerged victorious.
The next morning, at exactly 8 a.m., Emmanuel called his wife via video chat.
His reasons were threefold: to see his wife, to check in on their son, and to
5536
19:34 Sat, Dec 7 DE
Chapter 2029 Maxwell Zelinsky
01
synchronize information to make sure both their plans were progressing
smoothly.
When Emmanuel learned that Mackenzie was planning to lead a campaign
against the bandits, he wasn’t surprised, but he still felt the need to warn her.
“Mackenzie, just take on the role of commander in name only. Don’t lead the
charge personally, and whatever you do, don’t put yourself at risk by entering
the Five Poison Sect’s territory.”
Mackenzie smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.” She understood Emmanuel’s
concerns and had no intention of taking unnecessary risks. She wasn’t
someone who enjoyed taking the spotlight on the battlefield, especially since
she wasn’t skilled in martial arts.
“On the other hand, don’t get too distracted by West End’s situation,”
Mackenzie reminded him. “I heard that Ethan Hale is going to have a public
debate in Zovince soon with Catherine Adams and Mason Morgan. You
should keep an eye on that!”
Emmanuel chuckled. “These public debates are highly secure, so there’s not
3/0
19.34 Sat, Dec 7
10
53%
Chapter 2029 Maxwell Zelinsky
much for me to worry about. Besides, I can’t really help Ethan win votes–it’s
all up to him now!”
Mackenzie knew that, too; she was just expressing her concern.
After ending the video call, Emmanuel prepared to head to Capitol Hall in
Zovince for that day’s public debate. But just as he was leaving, he
unexpectedly ran into his sister, Julian, and Ashton.
“Manny! I spent all day and night writing down the entire Dragon Tome. Here,
take a look!” Roselynn eagerly handed Emmanuel a handwritten manuscript,
She had deliberately made it look plain and had not written the title “Dragon
Tome” on it, ensuring that if it were seen by others, they wouldn’t know what it
was.
“Thanks, I’ll take a look when I have time. But right now, I’m off to the Capitol
Hall and can’t chat. See you later!” Emmanuel said hurriedly, jumping into his
car and driving off, pressed for time.
Roselynn and Julian didn’t think much of it, but Ashton Summerton was
4/9
19:34 Sat, Dec 7
Chapter 2029 Maxwell Zelinsky
རེ་ 53%
irritated. Emmanuel, you jerk! Even if we’re not a couple, even if you’re in a
hurry, you could at least say hi! Men–none of them are any good! When they
need you, you’re a treasure, but when they don’t, you’re nothing!
Roselynn was unaware of Ashton’s thoughts, but for safety’s sake, she chose
not to follow Emmanuel to his destination. Emmanuel had assigned Anna as
her bodyguard, and she didn’t want to wander around, fearing Gwain might
track her down. Julian handled any public appearances she had to make.
As for Ashton, her family and friends had left Onza, and she’d quit her job and
moved to Zovince, effectively leaving her with nothing to do. Emmanuel had
no time for her, but she still wanted to follow him to Capitol Hall. Part of her
wanted to know what kept him so busy, and part of her was genuinely
interested in the national elections. However, just as she arrived at the venue
and was about to go in, a familiar voice stopped her in her tracks.
“Ashton, long time no see!” The voice was deep, magnetic, and full of the
charm of a mature man.
There was a time when Ashton had loved hearing that voice. But now, upon
19:34 Sat, Dec /
Chapter 2029 Maxwell Zelinsky
53%
ii
hearing it, her brows furrowed, and she resisted the urge to turn around and
look at him.
“You still haven’t forgotten me, have you?” The man seemed to sense her
hesitation and, before she could walk away, deliberately teased her.
“Don’t flatter yourself. Who’d waste a thought on a sc*mbag like you?” Ashton
turned sharply, glaring at him with disdain. The man, however, wasn’t
offended. Instead, a satisfied smirk spread across his face.
“Ashton, you’ve grown. You’re even more beautiful than before,” Maxwell said
smoothly, his tone calm and self–assured.
“Save your sweet talk, Zelinsky!
I won’t fall for it again,” Ashton snapped, raising her chin defiantly. Yet, his
composed demeanor only made her anger stand out more. In front of him,
she felt like the naive girl she once was. But Maxwell had changed–he was
more mature now, sporting a light stubble that only added to his rugged
charm.
19:34 Sat, Dec 7 0
ti
Chapter 2029 Maxwell Zelinsky
࿄ ས ཱཿ 53%2
“Ashton, I know you well. If you really had forgotten about me, you wouldn’t
have tried to avoid me just now,” Maxwell said, his voice soft but cutting.
Behind him stood only a single bodyguard, who, seeing Maxwell engage in
this conversation, had wisely slipped away. It appeared that Maxwell was
here alone.
“Maxwell Zelinsky, your arrogance is disgusting! Why would you think I haven’t
moved on from you? I’ve already found someone a hundred times better!”
Ashton spat, not sure why she was lying, but as soon as the words left her
mouth, the man who came to mind was Emmanuel. How ridiculous, she
thought. He’s not even my man.
Maxwell saw through her lie but didn’t call her out on it. Instead, he smiled
with genuine warmth. “Well, congratulations then. I’ve always been worried
you’d never move past what I put you through.”
“Shut up!” Ashton cut him off, her voice sharp. “I don’t have time to dwell on
the past. I’m too busy moving forward.”
7/9
19:34 Sat, Dec /
P
53%
Chapter 2029 Maxwell Zelinsky
“Haha, fair enough!” Maxwell chuckled, his voice rich with ease. “Since you’re
so focused on looking ahead, how about joining me for a hunt.this afternoon?
It used to be your favorite activity. And if you like, I’d love to meet the man
who’s supposedly a hundred times better than me.”
Ashton sneered, “He’s too busy to waste time on pointless activities and
definitely too busy to meet someone like you!”
She turned, ready to walk away, not wanting any further entanglements with
this man. But Maxwell’s next words stopped her cold. “The man you’re talking
about… is his name Emmanuel, Lowe?”
Ashton froze in place.
“Ashton, stop fooling yourself,” Maxwell said softly, his voice suddenly filled
with emotion. “He’s not like me. He doesn’t love you.”
Furious, Ashton whirled around, grabbing Maxwell by the collar. Her voice
dripped with sarcasm. “Maxwell Zelinsky, don’t think your smooth talk can win
me over again. Save it for Chiara Lannister, your wife. She’s the one who can
Q
Chapter 2029 Maxwell Zelinsky
bring you wealth and status, not me. So stop trying to disgust me!”
19:34 Sat, Dec /
يد
53
