Chapter_69
Chapter 69
Before the young man could finish his sentence, Emmeline swiftly delivered a punch to each of his eyes.
Once his vision went dark, he felt a sharp pain in his lower body and doubled over.
“How dare you try to drug me, you scoundrel!”
“Please, Ms. Louise, have mercy!” The young man was stunned. He never expected Emmeline to be unaffected by the drug. He knew he had made a grave mistake.
“It’s too late for mercy now!”
Emmeline lifted her gown and spun, sending the man flying with a powerful kick.
The man crashed into a nearby bush, groaning as he fell unconscious under her sharp heel.
“You’re pathetic,” Emmeline muttered, stepping away. “You thought you could take me down with such a cheap trick?”
Her adrenaline surged after the physical exertion, and she felt a wave of frustration wash over her.
She quickly sat down on a nearby bench to collect herself, taking deep breaths to regain her composure.
Meanwhile, Abel was looking around for her. He had lost sight of Emmeline in the crowd.
He approached the three boys and asked, “Where did your mommy go?”
“Mommy said it was getting too warm inside, so she went outside for some fresh air,” Sun answered.
“Alright,” Abel replied, patting their heads. “Stay here, boys. I’ll go find her.”
“Thank you, Mr. Ryker,” the boys said in unison.
“Mr. Ryker?” Abel raised an eyebrow. “Shouldn’t you be calling me Daddy?”
“But you’re not our daddy,” Sun said sadly.
“You’re the most qualified to be our father, but we have no say in the matter,” Moon added.
“Yeah, it’s just how fate works. We have to call you ‘Mr. Ryker’,” Star finished.
Abel chuckled softly but felt a pang of disappointment. “I suppose ‘Mr. Ryker’ is fine for now, then.”
He turned and headed into the garden.
The air was cool, and he wandered down the path, calling her name, “Emmeline? Emma? Where are you?”
Suddenly, he nearly tripped over something. Looking down, he saw the unconscious man on the ground.
“What happened here?” Abel crouched beside him and checked for signs of life. The man was breathing but unconscious.
“Where is Emmeline?” he muttered, growing more anxious.
“Emma?” He called out again.
A moment later, he felt something soft land in his arms, and before he could react, Emmeline clung to him, her body trembling.
“Emme?” Abel’s voice softened, but he froze as she suddenly kissed him, her lips urgent and desperate.
His heart raced in response, but he immediately realized something was wrong.
“Emmeline, no!” Abel pulled away and held her shoulders gently but firmly. “You’ve been drugged!”
Her face flushed as she whispered, “I want you, Abel…” Her words were slurred, and her eyes glazed over.
The drug’s effect was clear, and Abel’s concern grew.
“Emme, you need to wake up. This isn’t you!” He shook her, but she continued to struggle weakly in his arms, her movements erratic.
He could feel her desperation, but the situation was out of control.
“Emmeline, please!” He gripped her arms firmly. “You’re not thinking clearly. This is not you!”
But it was too late—the drug had taken its full effect.
“Abel…” She murmured, trying to pull away from him.
Abel’s heart clenched in frustration. He couldn’t let her continue like this.
“Stay with me, Emma,” he said softly. With a quick movement, he tapped the back of her neck, putting her into a gentle but effective slumber.
It was the only way to prevent her from further embarrassing herself, especially if someone was watching.
As he gently laid her down, he felt a deep sense of protectiveness toward her.
Back in the banquet hall, Alana whispered to her sister, “It’s almost time, Auntie. Shall we go see what happens next?”
“Let’s go,” Alondra replied with a wicked smile.
