“I don’t agree,” Abel said curtly. “I would rather the whole city think I’m gay than to lie and say I’m dating Evelyn Murphy.”

“You… You…!! Hgghhh!” Lewis wheezed angrily.

“Father, please calm down,” Abel told Lewis. “It’s no big deal, I’ll handle it.”

“You’ll handle it? Pfft! I’ll watch and see how you handle it!” Lewis slammed the phone down.

“God d*mn it!” Abel cursed. “Who did this to me?”

“Abel…” Emmeline called Abel’s name gently. “This must be Adam’s doing. Ever since you brought me back from his place, he’s held a grudge against you…”

“I thought so too,” Abel agreed with her. “That man is rotten inside and out.”

“Oh, yes! I almost forgot,” Emmeline said as she suddenly recalled her encounter with Alana Lane. “I met a strange woman at Adam’s place too.”

“Strange woman?” Abel cocked an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“The woman was incredibly beautiful, but she only had three fingers on her left hand, and she addressed Adam very formally,” Emmeline said.

“Alana?” Abel reared back in shock “You met Alana?”

“How would I know what her name is? I just heard Adam ask her what level she was at, and she told him Level 2,” Emmeline told Abel.

“What’s this level nonsense?” Abel was confused.

“It sounded like they were talking about assassin training,” Emmeline said. “Adam told her she was not assassin material.”

Abel’s expression turned grave as he took in a deep breath. “So that’s where you’ve been all this while, Alana? Hiding with Adam and becoming his assassin?” Abel said out loud.

“Abel, is this going to trouble you?” Emmeline asked on purpose.

“Yup,” Abel nodded slowly. “Big trouble.”

“So, what will you do?” Emmeline asked.

“I’ll talk it out with Adam soon,” Abel replied. “But I’ll have to deal with the family meeting first.”

“Go ahead,” Emmeline said. “I know you’ll get through this. It’s no big deal for you,” she comforted him.

“Mm,” Abel made an affectionate sound as he stroked her cheek. “Emmett, don’t you worry. I promise I’ll protect you. I won’t let anyone hurt you,” Abel reassured.

“Will you leave me?” Emmeline asked.

“Of course not. Don’t ever think that way,” Abel said gently.

“Then I’m not worried anymore,” Emmeline smiled. “I’m worried for you now. How are you going to stop the rumors?”

“Let them say whatever they want. I know I haven’t done anything wrong, so I have nothing to be afraid of,” Abel’s expression darkened.

“But… if your reputation is damaged, Ryker Group will be affected too. The Rykers will surely bring that up!” Emmeline thought on his behalf.

“Let’s deal with that when it happens,” Abel pinched her jaw lightly. “Don’t worry, no one can hurt me. Just sit here and wait for me to come home, alright? Don’t go anywhere.”

Emmeline felt the heat rush to her body. “I got it, Abel,” she nodded gently.

“That’s my boy,” Abel said before he put on his coat and strode out of the office.

Emmeline thought about the situation for a moment before giving Benjamin a call.

“Ms. Louise,” Benjamin’s voice spoke through the phone. “I’ve seen the news about you and Abel. It’s everywhere! What do you need me to do?”

“Get in contact with the media,” Emma instructed. “I think it’s almost time for my grand appearance.”

“Grand appearance? Isn’t it still a little early?” Benjamin asked.

“I don’t have a choice. I can’t just allow Abel to be ruined like that,” Emmeline sighed.

“Hmm, that’s true,” Benjamin nodded. “The only way to save his reputation now is if your true identity is revealed.”

“There’s also the matter of the four munchkins,” Emmeline added. “Imagine how sad they’d be if they thought their father was gay. They might think that Daddy betrayed Mommy…”

“Makes sense,” Benjamin agreed. “We’ll follow your plan.”

“Once you’ve gotten in touch with the media, get them to go to the Ryker Mansion,” Emmeline said.

“Of course, Ms. Louise,” Benjamin said before hanging up.

Less than an hour later, a few journalists had already gathered together, eagerly awaiting Emmeline’s arrival.