Love at the 2008

Local officials had sent people to receive Ethan’s delegation, following

standard procedures.

Even though Chester and the local government had provided a security

team to protect Ethan, Emmanuel Lowe remained by his side, refusing to

leave even for a moment, accompanying him to the frontlines of the disaster.

Chester, despite not saying much, treated Emmanuel like a thorn in his side

and refused to engage with him.

Emmanuel understood his frustration, but Ethan was one of the candidates

for the head of state, and his safety was extremely important. He couldn’t

abandon his duty just because of Chester’s hostility.

The day’s inspection went smoothly, but the devastation was severe.

Countless people had lost their homes, and refugees flooded the area. The

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Chapter 2008 The Donation

shortage of food and clothing became the most urgent issue.

OX 65%

Relief supplies, including food and other essentials provided by the state, had

to be transported from all over to Riverhaven, and Silvergate was a

necessary route. Silvergate was also affected by the disaster, so the supplies

might have to be temporarily stored there.

S

Of course, it was Ethan’s job to handle these logistics. Emmanuel’s duty was

solely to protect his safety.

However, Emmanuel had a compassionate heart and couldn’t help but worry

about when the food and supplies would finally reach those in dire need.

By nightfall, a hundred–man team from the Blade Battalion of the Wolf

Warrior Unit finally arrived in Riverhaven. With reinforcements on hand,

Emmanuel had a brief moment to catch his breath and give Mackenzie a

video call.

“Emmanuel, my team is about to reach Silvergate. It’s the gateway to the

West End and one of the most developed cities in the region. Not only is the

18:17 Thu, Nov 28

Chapter 2008 The Donation

shortage of food and clothing became the most urgent issue.

X = 65%

Relief supplies, including food and other essentials provided by the state, had

to be transported from all over to Riverhaven, and Silvergate was a

necessary route. Silvergate was also affected by the disaster, so the supplies

might have to be temporarily stored there.

Of course, it was Ethan’s job to handle these logistics. Emmanuel’s duty was

solely to protect his safety.

However, Emmanuel had a compassionate heart and couldn’t help but worry

about when the food and supplies would finally reach those in dire need.

By nightfall, a hundred–man team from the Blade Battalion of the Wolf

Warrior Unit finally arrived in Riverhaven. With reinforcements on hand,

Emmanuel had a brief moment to catch his breath and give Mackenzie a

video call.

“Emmanuel, my team is about to reach Silvergate. It’s the gateway to the

West End and one of the most developed cities in the region. Not only is the

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18:17 Thu Nov 28 O

Chapter 2008 The Donation

CX 65%

chairman of the West End Chamber of Commerce here, but the place also

hosts the largest number of trade representatives. I’ll need to focus my

efforts there,” Mackenzie explained succinctly.

“I understand.” Emmanuel sighed softly. “I’m in Riverhaven now, not far from

Silvergate, but duty calls. Even with the short distance, I can’t leave my post

to see you and Caden. Please forgive me.”

“You big dummy, what are you talking about?”

It had been a long time since Mackenzie had scolded him like that.

Her words, though harsh, felt like home to Emmanuel. He smiled wryly, but his

heart was warmed by the familiarity.

“We both have important tasks. We must prioritize the bigger picture. I can

stay with the baby, but I know it’s tough on you. You’ve got a mission to take

down Teddy Tanner, avenge your fallen brothers, and help Ethan stabilize the

country.” Mackenzie reminded him once again.

18:17 Thu. Nov 28 €70.

Chapter 2008 The Donation

“I understand, but promise me you’ll prioritize your safety. Let me know

Immediately if anything happens!”

“Got it!”

She gave him a mock glare. “You really don’t trust me to handle things?”

ી અમાસ ને ૨૮ મી

He chuckled. “Of course, I trust you! You’re the top CEO of Yeringham–there’s

nothing you can’t handle. Still, I can’t help but worry.”

“Alright, I know you care, but I’ve got serious work to do. Let’s chat more when

things settle down.”

Despite her reluctance to hang up, Mackenzie swiftly ended the video call-

there was something urgent she had to handle.

To build her reputation, her visit to the West End as the Chairman of Nuthana

Chamber of Commerce was perfect timing to use disaster relief as a

backdrop.

She didn’t come empty handed, swayboygen F

team and a considerable amount of red wine rewar

the Nuthang Charity Association, mow fodban pra word

great expense,

Now, she was determined to deliver these supplies to the Witch dess

relief center overnight,

The center wasn’t exactly a grand building certainly not comparable to the

ones in Yeringham, but it was spacious enough

After all, West End was sparsely populated and one of the least develoces

regions in the country, particularly in terms of commerce

Mackenzie arrived by car at the building’s entrance, only to hear someone

shouting angrily.

She lowered the window, curious about the commotion outside, and saw the

center’s manager–a middle–aged man in a white uniform–leading a group

to disperse the people gathered outside. He turned to greet her, recognizing

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Chapter 2008 The Donation

her immediately as the Chairman of Nuthana Chamber of Commerce.

“Haha, it’s an honor to have you here, Ms. Quillen! Truly a privilege for West

End!”

The middle–aged manager, Anthony Quail, greeted her with flattery as she

stepped out of the car.

His group followed suit, throwing compliments at her appearance.

Even though she hadn’t fully regained her figure after giving birth, her natural

elegance and stunning looks made her impossible to compare with any

other woman.

“Mr. Quail, what’s going on here? Why are there so many people at the relief

center this late?” Mackenzie asked curiously.

“Well…” Anthony hesitated for a moment before explaining, “These people are

refugees, here seeking supplies. They’re unruly and undisciplined, so we’re

sending them away.”

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Chapter 2008 The Donation

With a wave of his hand, a group of staff moved to disperse the shouting

crowd at the entrance,

“You can’t treat people like this!”

“The government will punish you for this

“This is heartless!”

Shouts of protest still echoed from the distance.

Mackenzie, being no fool, sensed something wasn’t right, but she couldn’t put

her finger on it just yet.

‘Ms. Quillen, please, come inside.”

Anthony continued to smile as he led her into the building.

Since this was a disaster–stricken area, she kept a low profile. Other than the

drivers transporting the supplies, she had only brought Lexi and Rhett along

18:17 Thu, Nov 28

Chapter 2000 The Donation

Her trip was under the banner of donations, with millions in cash and supplies

at stake, so Anthony was eager to host her properly.

Meanwhile, Lexi took care of the necessary paperwork for the donations.

Mackenzie knew Anthony was also a representative of the chamber, so she

spent some time exchanging pleasantries with him, trying to win him over to

her side.

Yet, Anthony remained vague, never making any concrete promises.

Once Lexi completed the donation process, Anthony, citing a busy schedule,

politely saw Mackenzie off with a formal smile.

Everything felt routine and bureaucratic, with nothing out of the ordinary.

However, as soon as they exited the relief center, Lexi leaned close and

whispered, “Ms. Quillen, something seems off with the donation process.”

“What’s wrong?” Mackenzie asked, her guard up. She had felt there was

something odd about the night but had no solid evidence to act on.

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9×65

#

“Our donation records only list names and values, but no specific items were

registered,” Lexi said in a low voice. “That leaves room for manipulation.”

Mackenzie’s frown deepened. “This is a government–run center, with

oversight in place. They wouldn’t dare engage in corruption, would they?”

Lexi whispered back, “Corruption can run deep. If the right people are working together, they could easily pocket part of our donation, and who would know?

There are so many donations coming in from all over the country.”