What?! Alan's arm was broken?
Alton froze, eyes fixed on the severed limb on the floor. The shock on his face quickly transformed into awe—and then excitement.
There was no doubt about it now.
John had done this.
He alone had defeated Alan and all his bodyguards.
In that instant, Alton finally understood just how powerful John truly was. And his mind raced to one conclusion:
John must become his son-in-law.
If he could bring a man like John into the Wood family, it would be the smartest decision of his life.
With rising ambition, Alton turned to Emily and said in a low voice, "Emily, I have an important task for you. It concerns the future of our family."
Emily blinked. "Daddy? What kind of task?"
She grew nervous at his serious tone.
Alton looked her in the eye and asked plainly, "Do you like John? I want you to pursue him—become his girlfriend and marry him within half a year. Can you do that?"
Emily's jaw dropped. "Dad! What are you saying?!"
Her cheeks turned bright red. She'd thought her father was about to share some family secret—not ask her to marry someone on command!
But Alton's expression didn't budge.
"This isn't a joke," he said, voice stern. "This is your father's direct order—and our family's top priority!"
Emily pouted, lips pursed. "Okay, okay… I'll do my best."
She snuck a glance at John—and her heart skipped a beat when their eyes met.
Her cheeks burned.
She had liked him for a while now. But John was always surrounded by other beautiful girls. Could she really win his heart?
She didn't know. But she was willing to try.
Just as she gathered her courage, her expression froze.
Queenie was sprinting toward John.
"John!" Queenie cried out in relief, flinging herself into his arms. "I was so scared! I thought something happened to you!"
Tears welled in her eyes.
John smiled and patted her head. "Silly girl. I'm fine. Don't cry."
"I'm not crying!" Queenie sniffled, breaking away from him. "But if you ever scare me like that again—I'll tear your ear off!"
She grabbed his ear playfully.
"Ow! Queenie—take it easy! Everyone's watching!"
The affection between them was obvious. Emily looked away, feeling a pang of jealousy.
It was clear now: John already had a girlfriend.
Standing beside her, Alton frowned slightly, sensing the shift in Emily's mood. But he said nothing.
Just then, Marcia cleared her throat.
"Queenie," she said, forcing a smile, "Now that you see John's fine, it's time to go home—like you promised."
Queenie's face fell.
She didn't want to leave. But John gently reassured her, "It's okay. Stay with your family for now. I'll take care of everything with the Queenie Group—and I'll have a big surprise waiting when you come back."
He didn't need to ask. He already knew what Marcia was plotting.
As expected, Marcia's eyes lit up at his words.
"Oh, I'm so glad you're alive," she said with feigned sweetness. "I just hope you behave from now on and don't cause any more trouble."
John didn't even bother responding.
Marcia's face twitched with irritation—but she quickly decided to drop it and pull Queenie away.
After all, Queenie had promised to go home with her.
Alton, watching this unfold, raised an eyebrow.
So… the Yeats family still doesn't know what kind of man John really is?
He chuckled inwardly. That just meant the Wood family had the perfect opportunity to make a move.
Just then, Marcia turned to Alton.
"You really care about your daughter, don't you?" she said, eyes narrowing as she glanced at Emily.
In her mind, it was clear: Alton must have stepped in to save John's life—for the sake of his daughter's crush.
Of course, Alton didn't correct her. He simply snorted.
Marcia continued, voice suspicious, "Everyone knows how petty Alan is. He wouldn't let that boy off so easily. Don't tell me you didn't pull some strings."
"It's none of your business," Alton said coldly.
"Hmph. Who cares?"
Marcia crossed her arms and gave Emily a mocking look. "You really have terrible taste, girl. John?"
Emily shot back immediately, "So what if I like him? Your daughter has the same taste—"
But before she could finish, Alton shot her a warning glance. Emily instantly fell silent.
Marcia raised an eyebrow, confused by their exchange.
Then Alton casually added, "I'm just trying to find a son-in-law to inherit my family's business. Since Emily likes John, I think he's a great candidate."
Marcia looked at him with disbelief. "Oh? Aren't you worried your son might have a problem with that?"
Alton scoffed. "My son? That useless brat? He doesn't deserve anything."
Marcia smirked. "Well, in that case, I'll be blunt. If your son doesn't deserve it, then John doesn't either."
"This is my family's business," Alton snapped. "Why don't you worry about your own house instead? Unless… you've taken a fancy to John too?"
Marcia turned red with rage. "Are you out of your mind? I'm not that desperate!"
Alton grinned, satisfied.
That's one less competitor.