Wasyl, basking in the glow of everyone's praise, remained composed, even throwing in a humble brag here and there. However, behind his aw-shucks demeanor, he was practically bursting with pride.Celena, perched quietly on the sidelines, watched Cheryl soak up all that envy-worthy attention. A twinge of jealousy hit, sure, but she was too thankful for Liam's gesture, a do-over wedding to make up for lost time, to make a fuss.Liam, right by Celena's side, could not help but chuckle at Wasyl and Cheryl's antics. Shameless was one thing, but that? They were really pushing it. Did they ever stop to think about the epic face-plant waiting for them if their charade came crashing down in front of the whole city?As the compliments started to die down, Wasyl geared up for a toast with Reginald.Liam, who had been quiet the whole time, suddenly broke the silence, "Wasyl, are you claiming Mr. Gibson came to Drunham City to design a wedding dress at your invitation?"His words cast a chill o
Cheryl's face twisted with displeasure, those words dragging her back to that unpleasant scene in the airport's underground parking lot."Poor Celena, I actually pity you. Once shamed by this man, cast out of the Stone family with an illegitimate child, and now, making grandiose claims because you can't measure up!"I was at the airport with my husband today for a pickup. If he didn't invite Mr. Gibson to Drunham City, who did? Surely not that loser Liam?"If I were you, I'd keep a tight rein on that mouth. Brag all you want, but at least have the chops to back it up, or you're the one who'll end up looking foolish!"Cheryl's biting words sent a wave of laughter rolling through the crowd.The people closest to Celena joined in with their own biting comments. "Seriously, Celena, out of all the guys out there, why pick a deadbeat like that?""And he's got such a big ego too!""It's a total disgrace, Mr. Stone. Don't let that loser come to our family dinners anymore!""Exactly. Th
Liam's words instantly made the atmosphere unbearably awkward!Reginald, in particular, was livid. His grip on his cane tightened until his knuckles turned white, and he trembled with rage as he pointed a finger at Liam and roared, "You... you... you've crossed the line!! This is the Stone household. Do you have no respect for our rules?"Celena, who had been quietly crying, jerked her head up, her eyes brimming with tears, one still hanging on like it did not want to fall.She reached under the table and gave Liam's arm a desperate, gentle tug, whispering, "Liam, let's just drop it, okay? Let's finish dinner and head home, please?"Liam looked at her, torn between anger and concern, but for Celena's sake, he let out a resigned sigh and gave a small nod.Seeing that, Celena's lips curled into a weak smile.However, not everyone was ready to move on.Wasyl stood up abruptly, a sneer plastered on his face as he turned to Liam and said, "So, Liam, you're telling us you brought Mr.
With Cheryl's interests at heart, Sherah was not in the mood to tease Celena and Liam. She smiled warmly and said, "Dad, I agree with them. Mr. Gibson came all the way to Drunham City just to design Cheryl's wedding gown. We, as her family, ought to invite Mr. Gibson to dinner, given his prestigious reputation."Reginald had been quiet. He had considered inviting Spencer since he arrived in Drunham City, but he knew the Stone family's standing hardly warranted such an opportunity, let alone a meeting.However, the situation had changed. It was Wasyl who had brought Spencer to town to create Cheryl's bridal dress."You're right. We should extend an invitation to Mr. Gibson," Reginald finally conceded. Reginald mulled it over, then gave a nod and flashed a warm smile at Wasyl. "Mr. Abbott, as part of Cheryl's kin, we really ought to do the honors. Could you see if you might invite Mr. Gibson on our behalf?"Wasyl's reaction was pure shock. His grip on the wine glass slipped, splash
Cheryl's vanity got the better of her after she heard the disappointment in the crowd's tone.She turned her head, tugged at Wasyl's arm, and whispered, "Darling, look how much they are looking forward to it. Is there anything else you can do? I know you're not an ordinary person. You must be able to think of a way. Isn't that right?"Wasyl glanced at the crowd's expression and saw that Cheryl was looking at him with anticipation as well. He suddenly got carried away and blurted, "Well, it's not like there's no way at all. I can give it a try."Sure enough, Cheryl's eyes were filled with adoration as she looked at Wasyl upon hearing his response. It was as if she was seeing her hero. Holding her hands together in front of her chest, she said in excitement, "Wow, darling, I knew you must have a way. You're so amazing!"Reginald and the other Stone family members seemed to have gone through an emotional roller coaster. The initial look of disappointment on their faces was instantly r
Hearing Reginald's words, Cheryl stood up with a smile. She walked up to him with a bottle of wine and filled his glass, glancing at Celena and taunting her.It was after Cheryl saw Celena looking hurt that she sneered smugly. With a big grin on her face, she said to Reginald in an adorable voice, "Whatever makes you happy, Grandpa.""Mr. Abbott," said Liam suddenly. He was calm as he looked at Wasyl, making it hard for the others to figure out what was on his mind.Wasyl looked at him with confusion and asked with a frown, "What is it? What do you want?""Why don't we make a bet?" Liam asked.At this point, not only Wasyl but the entire crowd were looking at Liam with confusion. They had no idea what he was trying to pull at all.Wasyl put down his glass with slight annoyance and said, "A bet? On what?"Liam put on a faint smile and said, "Don't be nervous, Mr. Abbott. It's nothing major. I just want to bet with you and see who'll be the person who can successfully invite Mr. G
Liam would never have tolerated these strange bunch of Stone family members after they provoked him over and over again if Celena did not care about them still.Liam's words infuriated Reginald. He looked at both Liam and Celena and said in a frigid voice, "We're your elders. Are we not allowed to discipline you? Are you going to beat me to death if I discipline Celena?"Reginald's words were harsh. He looked incensed. The disgust he had toward Liam and Celena was not concealed at all."Grandpa!" Celena looked up at Reginald and explained with tears in her eyes, "No, Grandpa, we don't mean that."Reginald ignored her, turning his face to the side without taking a proper look at her.Yafe's expression darkened. Glaring at Liam and Celena, he pointed his finger at the main door and bellowed, "Since you don't wish to attend this dinner, take Liam with you and get the hell out of here! You don't have to attend any of the family dinners in the future as well!"Reginald's and the crowd
The mood in the dining room got more and more harmonious ever since Liam and Celena left. Cheerful laughs could be heard from time to time.The mood outside Stone Mansion, however, could have been better.Celena suddenly stopped in her tracks not long after Liam held her hand and led her out of the mansion. She hung her head and pulled her hand out of Liam's.Liam quickly stopped. Looking at her nervously, he asked with concern, "What's the matter, Celena?"Celena's head was still hanging. However, the sound of her sobbing while holding her tears back sounded after Liam asked the question."Celena!" Liam panicked once he heard her weeping, and he frantically wanted to wipe her tears for her.However, before Liam's hand could even reach Celena, she took half a step back, dodging him.Celena looked up at Liam with her face covered in tears. Her eyes were filled with grievances and a hint of disappointment.She took a deep breath before finally being able to hold back her sobs and