Chapter 2223 Mass Poisoning!
“Gautier?!” Emmanuel tensed up the moment he heard the name.
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Mackenzie could tell he was on high alert. Knowing how cautious he was, she reached for the gift to check it herself.
“I’ll do it,” Emmanuel declared firmly, stopping her.
He didn’t trust whatever Gautier had sent, thinking, What if it’s dangerous–like a bomb or something laced with poison? It’s safer if I handle it.
Carefully, he unwrapped the package. Inside was a beautifully carved piece of agarwood. By looking at it, he could tell it was worth a fortune.
Yet, something else caught his attention. Small, delicate words were engraved into the wood.
“In a land of fire and steel, Levi walks the line between honor and fate,” Mackenzie read it softly before pausing.
“Do you know what that means?” Emmanuel asked, watching her expression.
She thought momentarily and replied, “It’s originally just poetic imagery. Hmm… from what I know, Mr. Lestrange’s real name is Levi Lestrange. Plus, the wording here sounds just like something he would say.”
Emmanuel’s brows knitted together. He didn’t respond; he just brought the agarwood close and took a slow inhale.
A deep, rich fragrance filled his senses. It was soothing, almost calming–not something that seemed harmful
“Does it seem safe?” Mackenzie asked, reading his reaction.
“It’s fine for now,” Emmanuel responded, still thoughtful.
With that, she passed the agarwood to Lexi for safekeeping and turned her attention back to the banquet.
Meanwhile, Teddy and Levi slipped out quietly.
On the surface, they looked unfazed, but once outside the banquet hall, Teddy leaned in and muttered, “Did Gautier say anything else?”
Levi shook his head. “No. He just asked me to pass the gift to Mackenzie. That’s it.”
Teddy thought about it for a second before giving a slight nod. He didn’t say another word and walked out of the hotel.
The event tonight had been organized by Gautier. Once Levi saw Teddy off, he went straight home— tomorrow was election day, and he needed rest.
Back inside the banquet hall, a heavy thud suddenly interrupted the lively chatter.
Everyone turned in shock.
Jidrus had collapsed.
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Chapter 2223 Mass Poisoning!
At first, a few people chuckled, assuming he was just drunk. Then, one by one, more guests started collapsing.
Pained groans filled the air.
“My stomach-” someone cried out.
It didn’t take long before panic spread. The fallen guests were turning purple.
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“What’s happening?” Quintus, who had been lounging casually, shot up from his seat, suddenly on edge. He wondered, I ate and drank the same things… so why am I fine?
“They’ve been poisoned!” Emmanuel’s sharp voice cut through the chaos. “Everyone, make yourselves vomit! Get whatever you ate or drank out of your system!”
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” The realization hit the room like a tidal wave.
“No way! That’s impossible–Ahh!” Nathan, the hotel owner, started to argue–then suddenly doubled over in pain, clutching his stomach as a scream tore from his throat.
That was enough to send the rest of the guests into full panic mode.
Shane, in desperation, yanked off Frederick’s shoe and shoved it to his nose. It had made him puke before- maybe it would work now.
Catching on, Frederick did the same to Shane.
The sight of it alone was enough to make Beatrix gag and throw up on the spot.
Even Santiago, who rarely showed concern, was uneasy. Although his advanced cultivation made him highly resistant to poisons, this was unexpected.
Emmanuel’s mind raced. This is a Chapman Family hotel… How did someone manage to pull off a mass poisoning right under our noses?
“Emmanuel… do something. We can’t let this get worse…” Mackenzie gasped, clearly in pain.
“Don’t talk. Just focus on breathing,” he spoke as he steadied her.
Without wasting a second, he pulled out his silver needles. Suddenly, a thought struck him. He turned to Lexi and commanded her to bring out the agarwood.
Lexi blinked in confusion but did as she was told. Then, it suddenly dawned on her. Why am I not affected?
Emmanuel was fine, too. Shoving the thought aside, he focused on treating Mackenzie.
At that moment, the banquet doors swung open, and Veronica stormed in with her team. Her face darkened as she saw guests sprawled on the floor, their faces a sickly shade of purple. “What the hell happened?”
Emmanuel’s tone was sharp. “Ms. Veronica, listen to me. I’ll tell you who needs immediate medical help. If I don’t call your name, stay put.”
At this point, he chose to trust Veronica, believing she had no involvement in the mass poisoning.
“Understood, Mr. Lowe. We have emergency medical equipment on standby. Just tell me what to do.” Veronica adapted quickly, her experience in high–pressure situations kicking in. She knew this was serious
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-and that it was tied to the other parties involved.
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Emmanuel quickly sorted the guests–those with milder symptoms were rushed off for stomach pumping. The critically ill? He had to deal with them personally.
After treating Mackenzie, Quintus arrived. Before he could speak, Emmanuel immediately gave him an order. “Find Levi Lestrange–he’s behind this poisoning!”
“On it!” Quintus didn’t waste a second. He quickly gathered his men and rushed out.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel stayed behind, focusing on stabilizing those in critical condition.
Still slightly dazed but regaining her focus, Mackenzie began piecing things together with Veronica.
Veronica turned to Mackenzie and promised, “Ms. Quillen, I need you to trust me. This had nothing to do with our hotel. We will get to the bottom of this.”
“Ms. Veronica, please check the drinks. I have a strong feeling the alcohol was tampered with,” Mackenzie suddenly spoke up, her voice firm despite her condition.
She had been paying attention–everyone who was poisoned had been drinking. The more they drank, the worse their symptoms.
A few exceptions stood out–Santiago, whose high cultivation made him more resistant; Quintus and Claudette, who had freakish constitutions; and Lexi, who never touched alcohol.
That was too big of a clue to ignore.
Veronica’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll have my team test the drinks immediately.”
“This happened inside the Chapman Family’s hotel. Whoever is responsible–I will find them,” she added, her tone turning cold.
