Cheryl was beside herself with rage, stamping her foot and pointing after Celena. "Dad, can you believe her? Celena's got some nerve, treating us with such disdain!"Yafe's face was a storm of emotions, his skin shifting from pale to red in his anger. He glared at Celena's back, his eyes burning with fury. After a moment of thought, he spoke with an icy edge, "That's enough! Remember, we're in public, and everything we do reflects on the Stone family. Let's focus on meeting with Mr. Black about the partnership. The rest can wait."As for Celena, let her try her luck. I'm curious to see who would risk partnering with a newbie, with a company that's barely off the ground, like some tiny backyard operation. She'll learn the hard way that it's not as easy as she thinks."Yafe's fist tightened as he spoke, his eyes narrowing into slits as he watched Celena's back with a malicious gaze. "I can't wait to see her fall flat on her face. She'll come crawling back to me eventually."Cheryl ca
Ever since Celena came back to the Stone family, she threw herself into the family business, tirelessly working her fingers to the bone. She always put the Stone family first, often at the expense of her relationship with Liam.Celena felt the sting of the Stone family's cold treatment, especially with Yafe and Cheryl's biting words still echoing in her ears, sparking a fire of anger within her. However, she knew better than to let her temper show, that would only egg them on. The best way to handle their kind was to simply ignore them.Seeing Cindy stand up for her, though, warmed Celena's heart. She could not help but smile at Cindy's feisty demeanor. "Let it go," Celena advised gently. "We're here to see Mr. Black about a potential partnership, not to get into a spat that could spoil his impression of us."Cindy's fury cooled a bit with Celena's words, and her eyes shone with even greater respect. She gazed at Celena with the wide-eyed admiration of a true fan. "Wow, Ms. Stone, y
With those words, Yafe and his entourage strutted past, slicing through the crowd like they owned the place, and handed their golden tickets to the bouncers.The bouncers barely glanced at the invites before stepping aside, ushering Yafe and the others through.The onlookers could not hide their envy as they watched the select few disappear inside.Cheryl soaked up the attention, standing at the doorway with her nose in the air, as regal and proud as any showy peacock.When grumbles rose from the crowd, questioning their right to enter, Cheryl did not miss a beat. "Why do we get to go in? Simple. We've got the golden invites, and you don't. Better luck next time," she taunted.With a final, defiant look at Celena, Cheryl spun on her heel and vanished into the hotel's embrace.Her words stung the crowd, leaving them simmering with resentment as they watched helplessly.Then Cheryl and Yafe were inside, living it up, while the rest could not even get past the front door.Cindy, f
"Honey?"Celena was taken aback to see Liam there, her face a picture of astonishment. "What brings you here?"Liam grinned. "Just looking out for you. Didn't want some rabid dog to take a bite.""Who are you calling rabid?"Cheryl's face went red with rage, her glare scorching as she raised her voice at Liam.Unruffled, Liam replied calmly, "If the shoe fits what was that you said? My wife can't get through the hotel doors?"Cheryl let out a derisive snort, her gaze dripping with scorn as she sneered at Celena. "Seriously? Do you think you can rub shoulders with Mr. Black just because Celena's got a little start-up? You think that puts you in Drunham City's high society?"She laughed mockingly. "You're a joke! Without the Stone family, you're less than nothing. What makes you think you can come here and shout at me?"Liam's face was a mask of calm as he retorted, "We'll see about that. If you're so sure, let's bet on whether my wife can walk into that hotel and walk out with M
The man in black surveyed the crowd, obviously on the lookout for someone. In a thick accent, he called out, "Excuse me, is Miss Celena around? Could you step out for a second, thanks!"Celena was so taken aback she froze, but Cindy was quick on the draw, waving her hand high. "Over here! You're looking for Ms. Stone, right? She's with us!"The man in black beelined to them, all apologies on his face. "Ms. Stone, so sorry for the hold-up, got tied up and ran a bit late."Celena, still reeling, just bobbed her head and managed a flustered, "Uh? Oh, no worries at all."With a warm smile, the attendant nodded and gestured for her to enter. "Ms. Stone, right this way, please. Our CEO has been eagerly awaiting your arrival."The room went silent for a heartbeat, then a collective gasp rippled through the crowd as they stared at Celena and the foreign staff member in utter astonishment.Among the onlookers were the patriarchs of Drunham City's elite families and top business moguls, al
The staff member gave a firm nod and said, "Yes, Ms. Stone, you're the one. Our CEO is upstairs waiting for you. I'll escort you to him now."Celena was still reeling, turning to Liam with wide eyes, "Honey, what's happening?"Liam just smiled, gave a reassuring nod, and took the crumpled water bottle from Celena's grasp, nudging her gently forward.Cindy was beside herself with excitement, giving Celena's arm a quick tug. "Come on, Ms. Stone, let's not keep Mr. Black waiting. He's up there waiting just for you."As she spoke, Cindy cast a smug look over at Cheryl and Yafe, a clear echo of Cheryl's earlier show-offy taunts.Her eyes all but spelled it out: 'You might have waltzed in with an invite, but my boss? She's got the VIP treatment with a personal summons.'Cindy's jab hit a nerve, leaving Cheryl and Yafe seething, their faces contorting with anger.Cheryl was practically grinding her teeth, her face turning a sickly shade of green as she watched Celena stride into the ho
Boom!The news hit like a bombshell, sending shockwaves through the crowd.Eyes wide with shock, everyone stared at the contract in Celena's hands, unable to believe what they were seeing. Yafe and Cheryl were particularly stunned, their disbelief written all over their faces as they exclaimed, "That's ridiculous! How on earth did you land this deal?"Cheryl's face turned an ugly shade as she pointed at Celena, her voice rising in anger, "You're lying, Celena, you have to be lying."With a grin, Celena waved the contract at her and said, "I haven't said a word, Cheryl. I really did it, this is the contract I've just signed with Mr. Black!"Celena's face was alight with excitement, and even she could not quite believe that was all happening.Liam chuckled and affectionately ruffled Celena's hair, "Well, of course. My wife is incredible, snagging this deal is just par for the course."Tears welled up in Celena's eyes as she listened to Liam, her heart swelling with emotion. With
Cheryl froze at the suggestion, her response automatic and skeptical, "That's absurd! Liam's not the big shot at Pendragon anymore. He's not even a blip on the official radar, definitely rubbing some VIPs the wrong way. How could he possibly-"The more Cheryl mulled it over, the less sense it made. She pressed on, "Dad, remember, Mr. Black's an international player with the Wendell Family's muscle behind him. Liam's just Joe Average now. Even if he still called the shots at Pendragon, there's no way they'd just hand Celena the deal!"Cheryl's gaze swept over Drunham City's elite entrepreneurs fawning over Celena, and it nearly sent her through the roof!Those admiring glances should have been hers. What gave Celena the right to snatch what was hers?After her outburst, Cheryl awaited Yafe's response, but silence hung in the air. Turning to him, she caught Yafe's icy stare locked on Celena, soon melting into a smile that hinted at deeper schemes.Cheryl's face twisted in annoyance
However, Andy was a smooth talker, so the eldest member of the Drayton family liked him. Because of that, the head of the family tolerated him. That was why Andy, who was just a member of the branch family, dared to be so cocky.Andy saw Howard standing at the side from the corner of his eye as he spoke. He thought of what Howard said earlier, and that made his blood boil.He pointed at Howard and bellowed, "Uncle Derrick, this Howard is trash as well. You have no idea. I told him I was a member of the Drayton family, yet he did not take our family seriously at all."Not only did he have his men capture me, but he said cockily that he wanted to lock me up forever, and nobody could stop him."Weren't you very cocky before this, Mr. Mosier? Go on. Continue acting cocky in front of my uncle now. Detain me and lock me up forever."Andy took a couple of steps closer to Howard as he said that. He extended his hands arrogantly and said, "Come on. I have my hands stretched out for you. Hu
Soon, Andy and the thugs from the nightclub yesterday were released.Andy saw Derrick standing at the entrance of the police headquarters at a glance. He got so excited that he shouted, "Uncle Derrick! Uncle Derrick!"Fletcher's subordinates were incredibly excited to see Derrick as well. All of them shouted, "Mr. Derrick Drayton!"One of the subordinates was in Drunham City because Derrick arranged for him to be there. After he was brought to Derrick's side, he smiled apologetically and said, "Thank you for saving me, sir. Don't worry. Fletcher's faction and properties are all here. I'll be able to rebuild the faction here very soon."In other words, even if Fletcher was out of the picture, he would be able to thrive in Drunham City and replace Fletcher.However, Derrick shot an icy glare at him and sneered. "Hmph! How shameless of you to say that? There are so many of you, yet you can't deal with a small loser who only married into the Stone family."If it wasn't because this w
Howard did not expect that the Drayton family would have a connection with the Carter family. They could even produce a token from the Carter family."Mr. Derrick Drayton, I didn't expect that your family and the Carters go way back. You even got the Carter family's token out," said Howard.Derrick sneered and said, "Enough with the nonsense. Howard, my family did the Carter family a favor back then, that's why the general of the Carter family gave this token to us. He promised us that we could take out this token if we were ever in a bind in the future, and they would help us!"I'm taking out this token today to tell you that I'm going to bail Andy out of here. I'd like to see who in Drunham City has the guts to stop me!"Howard was stunned, and then he fell silent.He did not think that Derrick would take out a token from the Carter family.The Carter family was the top family in Mirstone. Nobody in Mirstone would dare to go against the Carter family. Derrick became even more
Meanwhile, Derrick and his men were already at the entrance of the police headquarters.Derrick's eyes were burning with rage as he looked at the door that was shut tightly. A sneer appeared on his lips as he said, "Hmph. Looks like they already know I'm coming, so they are deliberately trying to assert dominance."Then, he asked his driver next to him, "Where are our men? Have they all arrived?"The driver nodded and said, "They're here, Mr. Derrick. They are all waiting at the side. We'll tear down the main door to the police headquarters once you give the command."Derrick nodded with satisfaction. Then, he shouted at the police headquarters, "Howard! You're just the chief of the police headquarters! How dare you lock me outside?""I'd like to see how powerful you are today, Howard! Come on, guys. Take it down!"At his command, a group of burly men rushed out of the black van next to him. They were all holding thick bats, and they rushed up to the door ferociously.Right at t
At first, Yafe and the rest of the Stone family were stunned after they heard what Liam said. Then, they all burst out laughing.Yafe looked at Liam with a mocking gaze and said, "Are you kidding me, Liam? You're going to get the Draytons to come and apologize in person? Come on, that's the Drayton family we're talking about! Do you think they are just some nobody?"Right now, I don't want to waste my breath anymore. As long as you're able to stop the Drayton family from targeting us, I'm more than grateful. Don't you forget that you're the one who wanted to leave the Stone family? So, stop dragging us into your mess."Liam shot the crowd with an icy glare and brought Celena out of the Stone Mansion.Celena was still in a slight daze after they got into the car. Liam put on her safety belt for her and asked, "What's the matter, dear? Are you still worried about the Draytons?"Celena nodded and replied, "Yes. After all, all these were caused by the conflict between Andy and us. Jus
Liam wanted to ask what the family heirloom was, but he had no choice but to let it be after he heard what Yonatan said.However, Liam heard Yonatan's voice again, saying, "I've never seen that thing, but I heard from the Drayton family members that it was from a big shot in the military."The military?Liam's eyebrows furrowed once he heard it had something to do with the military. Then, he kicked Yonatan away, making him land next to the thugs.Yonatan passed out because of that kick.Once the thugs saw their leader was out cold, they took a couple of steps back in fear.However, Liam did not care about them at all. He looked at Yafe and the others instead.Once the Stone family members saw that they were out of the woods, they became cocky again.Yafe and Sherah, in particular, were so cocky that they ran up to Liam and condemned him, "Look what you've done! You're bad luck! What else can you do other than cause us trouble? Do you know who that is? He is from the Drayton fam
Yonatan was infuriated and bellowed, "So this is how you're going to play! Alright! I'm not going to stop until I kill you today!"Yonatan was radiating an intense desire to battle. That was the air exuded by a fighter of Fourth Order War King caliber.The Stone family was so frightened by the air he exuded that their faces turned pale. All of them took more than ten steps back in fear, afraid they would be injured by mistake.Yonatan clenched his fist and charged at Liam like a ferocious beast. His fist was packing so much power that it created a sonic boom, cutting through the air and going for Liam's face.The punch was so powerful that it could kill a bull right away.The Stone family thought Liam was going to die. Nobody would be able to survive a punch like that.Yonatan thought the same. He was very confident in his ability. He looked into Liam and knew he used to be a soldier, as well as a good fighter. However, so what?No matter how skilled Liam was in combat, could he
The moment Liam stepped into view, the Stone family members lit up as if they had spotted their guardian angel. They pointed at him, their voices rising in a chorus of relief and accusation. "Mr. Yonatan, look over here! It's Liam! I said they weren't with us!""Exactly! Mr. Yonatan, see for yourself, Liam's not part of our family!""Mr. Yonatan, now that Liam's here, if you're looking to pin the blame on someone, he's your man!""Liam, you actually showed up. If you hadn't crossed the Drayton family, would we, the Stones, have ever been dragged into this mess?""Liam, Celena, you two are nothing but trouble. You've left the family, so why keep stirring the pot for us?"...The air crackled with the Stone family's collective outrage, their faces twisted in anger as if they were ready to rip Liam and Celena to shreds.Celena and Liam's arrival was pure happenstance. They were just in the neighborhood to check in on an old friend when they overheard Yonatan's boastful taunts.Lia
Yonatan did not even bother to look at him. He checked his watch with a chilling laugh and said, "You've got ten minutes for Liam to show up. Don't say I didn't warn you."The words sent a wave of shock through Yafe and the rest of the Stone family, who stared at Yonatan, panic-stricken.Yafe was a mess, desperate to explain, but the sight of Yonatan's henchmen, eager and ready for a fight, stopped him dead in his tracks."Mr. Yonatan, I swear it's the truth. Liam has nothing to do with the Stone family anymore. You've made a mistake!"Yafe's face was flushed with urgency as he tried to convince the unmoved man."It's true, Mr. Yonatan! Liam and Celena were kicked out of the Stone family ages ago.""That's right! He's got nothing to do with us anymore. If you're after Liam, go to the villa at Emerald Lake. He's there, not here with us.""Mr. Yonatan, if you head over to Drunham City and ask anyone, they'll tell you the same thing: Liam and Celena have no ties to us Stones anymor