Walter's laughter rang out as Celena confirmed the news. He spun around to face Yafe, his smile vanishing into a scowl. "Yafe, I've got to say, I'm not on board with your earlier words. You're Celena's dad, for heaven's sake. How could you get it so wrong? You were way out of line, and even I can't just stand by. It's time I said something in her defense."And this nonsense about Celena making the old man sick with worry? Let's get one thing straight. Dad sent you and Cheryl to broker a deal with Mr. Black, and you botched it. Couldn't even get a meeting. You slunk back to the Stone family, and that's what got him worked up!"Teresa rarely ever made a scene, but today she broke her silence, stepping up with fire in her eyes. She glared at Cheryl and backed up the accusation, "Absolutely! It seems to me you're the ones who couldn't cut it, couldn't land the deal, and you've worked the old man into sickness. Now you're trying to pin it all on Celena, aren't you? Yafe, Cheryl, you've go
Cheryl was so angry her face turned beet red. She confronted those people right there and then, her voice shrill and grating as she scoffed, "Who's saying I'm jealous of Celena for being prettier? Please, that's ridiculous. Celena can't even put on makeup or dress up. Why would I be envious of her? And this nonsense about us being no good, not landing the contract? When it was time to step up, where were you? No use crying over spilled milk now."Yafe backed her up, saying, "Right! If you're so capable, why didn't you head to the hotel, why didn't you meet with Mr. Black? Now you're trying to play innocent and dump the blame on us? Fat chance!"All this brown-nosing Celena, it's just because she snagged the deal, isn't it? Do you think buttering her up will get you somewhere? Let me break it to you: keep dreaming. Celena's the one who got Dad so riled up that he ended up in the hospital. Think she's going to bother with you?"The argument escalated quickly, and it seemed like it mig
Reginald, with a trembling hand, reached out feebly toward Celena and murmured, "Ce- Ce-"Celena hesitated, unsure if the weak call was for her, especially with Cheryl right there. She bit her lip, torn between concern for Reginald and not wanting to overstep.Cheryl did not miss a beat. She swooped to the bedside, shooting Celena a smug look that screamed, "Grandpa doesn't even see you. I'm the one he truly cares about."She clasped Reginald's hand, hovering in the air, and cooed, "Grandpa, it's me, Cheryl, your favorite. Is there something on your mind?"However, Reginald looked desperate, his breaths coming in short gasps. He wrenched his hand from Cheryl's and reached for Celena, his voice barely a whisper, "Ce- Celena! Celena!"Cheryl's face twisted with shock and anger as she pulled back her hand, shooting Celena a venomous glare.Yafe looked equally displeased and snapped at Celena, who was still in shock, "Celena, snap out of it! Didn't you hear him? Do I have to spell it
Yafe looked a bit off, his face betraying his discomfort. Despite being her biological father, Celena took to calling him Mr. Yafe Stone, a formality that did not sit well with him. However, Yafe did not mind, he never truly saw Celena as his daughter anyway.With a forced cheerfulness, Yafe said, "Here's the thing, your grandpa just told you to share some of Mr. Black's deal with the Stone family. When can we sit down and hash out the details?"Celena's face was a mask of indifference as if she were addressing a stranger. "I'll keep my promise to Grandpa, Mr. Yafe Stone. Don't worry. If you're free tomorrow, we can go over the details at my office."At her words, Yafe's smile widened. "Great, that's settled then. I've got other matters to attend to, so I won't take up more of your time."He did not wait for a response, turning on his heel with that same too-bright smile and heading back into the hospital room.Celena and Liam did not stick around either. They turned and made thei
As Sherah's words grew more and more unpleasant, Celena's expression turned increasingly grim. She cut in, "Mom, Qemal, is there anything else you need? If not, we'll be leaving now."Sherah acted quickly, taking Celena's hand with a warm, reassuring smile. "Hold on, Celena, Mom's not done talking. You've just launched your own business, haven't you? There's a ton to do, I bet. And with Cheryl running things over at the Stone family's business, Qemal is pretty much free. Why not have him pitch in at your place? He's your brother, after all. You can't distrust your flesh and blood, right? Just find some kind of management spot for him in your company."Qemal's your brother, and he's got skills. With your company teaming up with the Stone family, you're going to need all the help you can get. It's perfect to have your brother on board, don't you think?"Sherah did not show a hint of embarrassment, as if she was only looking out for Celena's best interest. "We're family, Celena. Family
"Don't worry, Sis, I'll work hard and stay out of your hair. Just give me a shot, please!"Despite Qemal and Sherah's pleas, Celena stood her ground. She shook her head, her voice soft but unwavering, "Mom, Qemal, it's not that I don't want to help, but my company's just getting off the ground. We're not ready for more people yet. We're managing with the team we have for now, so-"Qemal, you should stick with the Stone family business for the time being. Once my company's more established, you can come on board. I promise I'll find the right spot for you then."Before Qemal could respond, Sherah piped up, her tone laced with discontent, "What's this supposed to mean, Celena? Have you gotten too big for your britches, just like the old man said, forgetting all about your Stone family ties?"Qemal chimed in, "Come on, Celena! After all, I'm your real brother. Sure, Mom, Dad, and Cheryl might have been a bit harsh, but that was on them, not me. I've never done you wrong, have I? I gen
Qemal's face was etched with sorrow, his eyes pleading as he looked at Celena. "Sis, I know I was out of line before, saying things that hurt you. I've seen the error of my ways. I want to lend a hand. We're blood, after all. You wouldn't turn your back on your brother, would you?"Celena listened to their tag-team plea, feeling trapped. With their expectant eyes on her, she gave a reluctant nod. "Fine, show up at my office tomorrow. I'll see if there's a spot for you."At her words, Sherah and Qemal's faces lit up with joy, their smiles so wide they nearly split their faces.Qemal was especially grateful, nodding like a bobblehead as he gushed, "Sis, I promise I'll work hard. Thank you, thank you for this chance.""It's getting late. If there's nothing else, we'll head out now."Celena brushed off their words and with a swift wave, flagged down a cab, whisking Liam away with her. Once they were home, she finally exhaled a heavy sigh, collapsing onto the bed, utterly spent. "Do
Celena's eyes lit up with understanding as she took in Liam's advice. She gave him an appreciative look and said, "Babe, you're a genius. You just cut through my problems like butter. Thanks a million."Liam flashed a cheeky grin. "So, you remember I'm your man, huh? However, hey, a simple thanks won't cut it. How about you show me a little love?"His teasing gaze made her blush a deep crimson. She shot back with a playful scowl, "Quit your yapping, will you? It's getting late. Go fetch Jovie from school, and I'll whip us up something tasty.""Yes, my dear!" Liam snapped to attention at her words, giving Celena a mock salute before pulling her into a fierce kiss. She was irresistibly cute with her blushing, bashful look, and he just loved to tease her. After a long moment, he released her, her eyes glazed and breathless, and chuckled, "Okay, love, I'm off to pick up our little girl from school."...The following day.Yafe arrived at Celena's new company bright and early, alo
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