Celena's expression softened a touch at his words.Seizing the moment, Kendrick urged, "You know the kind of doors that can open when you're in with the corporate heirs and the high rollers, right? This opportunity is staring you in the face. Are you sure you want to pass it up?"Celena hesitated. She was not one for those social shindigs, but Kendrick had a point.Making those connections could really give her work and the family business a leg up.Kendrick noticed the spark in Celena's eyes and seized the moment to persuade her further. "Celena, I get that these gatherings aren't your thing, but now that you're part of the company, networking is part of the job. Don't stress about it. I'll be there tonight to make sure nobody gives you a hard time."Since their last blow-up, Kendrick had written Liam off completely.The restaurant run-in with Mr. Rhodes only cemented Kendrick's disdain for Liam.Then, with Liam right there, Kendrick did not bother to hide his contempt. He shot
"Truth be told, Liam was not upset. He had simply been pondering the real reason Kendrick had thrown out that party invite for tonight.He had not missed the way Kendrick's grin widened, a smug smirk playing at the corners of his eyes after they had agreed to meet up. However, Liam had zoned out for just a second, and that was enough for Celena to get the wrong idea.Seeing Celena pout in that adorable, clueless way of hers, Liam could not help but crack up.He smiled gently, took her hand, and playfully tousled her hair. "Hey, no more wild guesses. I was just wrapped up in my thoughts for a moment, and you got it all wrong," he reassured her."Why would I ever be mad at you? I know you said yes to that event for the company and for work so we can have a better life down the line. I get it, so don't sweat it."Celena's worries melted away at his words, and a soft smile lit up her face. She hugged him tight. "You're the best, you know that?"Soon, it was time to head out. Celena h
In the meantime, a fleet of sports cars had zoomed in, parking in a neat line along the dock like a high-end car show, leaving onlookers in awe. A gaggle of young heirs and heiresses, the very picture of wealth and luxury, stepped out, their every move exuding an elegance that set them apart from the average Joe. They huddled in pairs and small groups, their laughter and chatter contributing to the lively vibe. Kendrick emerged from his ride and, after exchanging pleasantries with the elite crowd, made his way over to where Celena and Liam stood. Drawing closer, Kendrick's gaze landed on Liam's laid-back getup and the modest electric scooter beside them. His brow creased, and his eyes betrayed a flicker of scorn. "Celena, you're here? How did you get here? I was about to call and offer you a lift!" Celena, unfazed, flashed a smile of impeccable courtesy. "Yeah, we've just arrived. Thanks for thinking of us, but Liam and I scooted over on this little gem." The dockside breez
Liam responded with an easy grin, "Sure thing."Kendrick's smile locked up for a split second, his face clouding over, a flicker of annoyance in his eyes before he smoothed his expression back to normal.The crowd, witnessing Celena's choice of her modest husband over the dashing, wealthy Kendrick, could not hide their astonishment.As Celena and Liam shared a moment of tender rapport, Kendrick, ever the gracious host, broke in with a chuckle, "Well, if Celena insists, I won't push. Come on, let me introduce you to everyone."He turned on his heel, escorting Celena and Liam to a circle of the elite, the heirs and heiresses of fortunes.With a cough to capture their attention, Kendrick beamed at the assembly, "Folks, meet Celena and Liam, the couple I've told you all about."At his words, the group cast curious glances at the pair, their reactions a mixed bag, some even murmuring among themselves, clearly intrigued.Celena felt a wave of eyes sweep over her, leaving a trail of di
Especially annoying was the sight of Celena looking sheepishly grateful as she accepted business cards from the eager young men, it made them seethe. They had been the belles of the ball until that newcomer swooped in and stole the spotlight. When they realized Celena was not even wearing top-brand fashion, their faces twisted with open scorn.One of the women, decked out in the latest designer gear and clutching a pricey crocodile skin bag, strutted over in her stilettos. "Kendrick, don't tell me these are the 'new friends' you've been hyping up," she said with a sneer."Look at them, dressed in rags and looking so plain. Where on earth did you find these friends?" The woman was fairly attractive, but her face had an artificial, almost high-tech sheen to it. Her figure was decent enough, with all the right curves in all the right places, especially when set off by her designer bling. She looked okay. Then another chicly dressed woman stepped forward, eyeing Celena with a sneer and
The room erupted in laughter from the heiresses at the young woman's words.The young heirs, meanwhile, stared at Liam in shock, their gazes laced with resentment and envy.They could not believe that Celena, so youthful in appearance, was off the market—and to such an underachiever!A wave of discontent washed over them."Ms. Stone, you're actually off the market?" they echoed in disbelief."No way! This guy is actually your husband, Ms. Stone?""Ms. Stone, with all you've got going for you, how did you end up with him?""Seriously! Ms. Stone, just dump the loser and marry me!""Ms. Stone, I'd marry you in a heartbeat. Trust me, if you were with me, I'd treat you like a queen!""Count me in, Ms. Stone. I'd be happy to marry you too!"The heirs of fortune at the party completely dismissed Liam, loudly urging Celena to get a divorce.To them, Liam was nothing more than a broke nobody.Celena's expression turned to ice as she heard their taunts. She gave them a frosty stare a
With Kendrick's smooth talk, Celena did not feel like pressing the issue. She glanced at Liam, waiting for his take on the situation.Liam gave a small nod, his expression unreadable. "Sure, let's head up. We're here now, might as well."However, deep down, he was itching to figure out what Kendrick was really up to.Kendrick waved to the group and led Celena, Liam, and the assembly of rich kids to the swanky yacht they had rented.Once everyone was settled on the yacht, Kendrick's gaze lingered on Liam, his smile quickly turning into a chilling smirk when out of sight.He excused himself from Celena and slipped away to a quiet corner of the yacht, whipping out his phone to make a call."We're all aboard. Time to kick off the plan we talked about," he said into the phone.A sketchy chuckle crackled through the speaker. "Don't you worry, Mr. Hyde. We've got it covered. Once you hit open water, we'll make our move just like we planned."And then, Mr. Hyde, get ready for your big
With that, Kendrick was off in a rush.Liam watched him go, the unease in Kendrick's hurried exit etching a frown onto his face. After a moment's thought, Liam pulled out his phone and shot a text to Joseph, sharing his GPS coordinates.Kendrick had been oddly eager to get him and Celena on that yacht tonight, obviously up to something, though Liam was not one to be easily concerned. Still, to avoid blowing his cover and inviting trouble, it seemed wiser to let Joseph handle any surprises.Message sent, Liam followed in Kendrick's footsteps, making his way up to the deck.The yacht had been cruising toward open waters for a good ten minutes before it came to a halt. As it did, everyone aboard was captivated by the surrounding sea, murmuring their awe.The waters here were pristine, shimmering in the moonlight with a breathtaking azure glow.The sea breeze, laced with the ocean's essence, swept over their faces, a welcome reprieve for souls too long confined to the city.Celena,