Celena, too, was in disbelief at what had happened. When Qemal said that, the color drained from her face. She stepped forward and grabbed hold of Liam's arm, then stuttered, "Liam, stop! He… he's my brother! Besides, it's Grandpa's birthday today, and I…" Liam frowned when he saw Celena crying over Qemal. "Celena, you treat him like a brother, but he has never once respected you as a brother should! He insulted you just now. Why are you begging for mercy on his behalf?" Celena glanced at Qemal, slumped on the ground, then at the crowd gathered around them, watching curiously. She wiped the tears from her face and said, "Just let him go! We're here for Grandpa's birthday. After all, if he…" Her voice was getting softer and softer with every word, but she gave Liam a pleading look laced with exhaustion. Liam stared at her for a few moments, frowning, then finally turned to Qemal. He stared at him momentarily before finally letting him go. Qemal clutched his broken wrist and st
The woman following Qemal was none other than Sherah, his mother and Yafe's second wife. She was a little over forty years old but still in great shape and looked about ten years younger. She was wearing a beautiful dress, which brought out her elegance. Sherah stormed over to Celena and barked at her, "How dare you show your face here, Celena? You've been picking on Qemal for as long as I can remember. I know you hate me for marrying your father, but why are you taking it out on poor Qemal? It's your own fault you humiliated your family and got yourself banished, not Qemal's! How dare you show up here and order your lackey to beat him up for no reason? You're disgusting!" Sherah was so infuriated that her entire body was shaking with rage. She grabbed hold of Celena's arm and pulled her out of her chair. "How dare you sit there as though nothing happened while your brother suffers in agony? You come here and apologize to Qemal!" Celena had always been frightened of Sherah. With
In that heated moment, Yafe stormed over furiously. He raised his hand and slapped Celena across his face. "Leave now! You're not welcome here!"Liam's declaration had the crowd, eagerly watching the spectacle, pause in surprise. Then, as he claimed to be Celena's husband, their gazes turned curious and speculative.Liam!He was the one behind the Stone family's disgrace. He was the one who had shamed Celena at their wedding, causing the Stone family to be a laughingstock and their shot at becoming a top-tier family.However, what the public did not see was the clandestine deal between the Stone and Walker families, a deal that reaped far greater rewards than any promotion could offer.Yafe's slap sent Celena reeling back, a vivid handprint blooming on her cheek, a trickle of blood at her lips. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with sorrow, and whispered, "Dad..."Yafe's face looked stern as he glared at Liam, ignoring Celena completely. "Don't call me Dad. I have only two ch
"You're as disgusting as your mother. Both of you make me sick!" Sherah sneered at Celena with contempt.Qemal could not hide his triumphant grin as he taunted Celena, "What does it matter if you're talented, Celena, or if Grandpa likes you best? Dad's only pleased with me and my sister. You're nothing!"His words hit Celena like thunder, sending a shiver down her spine."Why doesn't anyone want me?" Celena sobbed, collapsing to the ground. "Grandpa, Dad... you've all abandoned me..." Her cries echoed through the room, and her body shook uncontrollably.Jovie, hearing her mother's sobs, wriggled free from Liam's embrace and felt her way toward Celena. "Don't cry, Mom! They're the bad ones, not us. You've got me, Mom!" she cried.Tears streamed down Jovie's cheeks as she tenderly wiped away her mother's tears and patted her back in an attempt to comfort her.Overwhelmed by her daughter's empathy, Celena pulled Jovie into a tight embrace, as they cried together.Liam watched on, h
Qemal kept taunting, "You broke my arm, and all I'm asking is for you to lose one of yours! Better do it before I change my mind, and fast! Or else, it'll be more than an arm you'll be losing!"Liam snapped his head up, his face stormy as he locked eyes with Qemal. The murderous intent was plain to see, and it felt like the air itself grew heavier with his fury."Don't try to take advantage of me!" Liam's voice was icy as he glared, his eyes practically shooting daggers.That single look sent Qemal stumbling back in fear! It was downright chilling.Locking eyes with Liam was like staring down the grim reaper himself, and Qemal thought he was a goner. Could Liam really be a nobody? How could someone dismissed as a nobody have such a fearsome look and such an intense presence?Yafe realized that Liam was no ordinary man. It would be foolish to make a move without knowing what Liam was capable of. Liam, who had been missing for seven years, had come back transformed, his former timid
The room fell into a stunned silence at his introduction."The young master of the Abbott family himself! Cheryl's luck is unbelievable!""Indeed! The Abbotts are a leading family among Drunham City's elite, and their corporation is a powerhouse with wealth to match!""Watch Cheryl strut now. She's just been snubbed by the Hughes family, and now she's rubbing shoulders with the Abbotts!"Wasyl stood with an air of superiority, casting a dismissive glance at the lesser families gathered in the hall. Their mere presence seemed like an unwelcome reminder of the social ladder he stood atop.Cheryl basked in the attention and envious stares from the crowd, her vanity swelling with pride."Hahaha, thank you!"Reginald chuckled as he accepted the ornate box. Upon opening it, he found an expensive multivitamin inside, eliciting gasps of amazement from the onlookers.Cheryl seized the moment to introduce, "Grandpa, this is an expensive multivitamin from a renowned wellness center that M
Fear gripped her. She dreaded that tonight's event might turn into a repeat of the ordeal from seven years ago, with the same vicious gossip and judgment. She was scared that Liam might once again make her the Stone family's scapegoat.Those thoughts alone sent her heart into a frenzy.Just then, a comforting, strong hand gently enveloped her frigid, trembling one.Celena's head snapped up, looking at Liam. Liam's striking features and his bright, steadfast gaze were brimming with affection as he looked at her. "Celena, don't be scared. I'm right here," Liam whispered.It shattered the walls around Celena's heart. The chaos within was suddenly wrapped in a comforting warmth, and tears streamed down her cheeks as her small hand clung to Liam's with all her might.That's right, he was with her. She was not facing the world alone anymore, and a newfound strength blossomed in Celena's heart.At that moment, a piercing female voice cut through the hall, making the atmosphere even more
Celena's cheek stung badly, and a vivid handprint blazed across her once pale and lovely face. The Stone family's insults echoed in her ears, and tears welled up in her eyes. Cheryl's slap had shattered her resolve, and the jeers from the Stone family snapped her back to a harsh reality. The Stone family was no longer her refuge. There was no place for her and Jovie within the Stone family's walls. "Liam, let's get out of here and never look back. The Stone family isn't my home anymore. They won't accept me..." Celena said as she turned and tugged at Liam's arm. However, Liam stood rooted to the spot. He could not believe Cheryl had slapped Celena right in front of him, causing her cheek to swell before his eyes. Rage ignited within him. The usually calm Liam was suddenly a storm of fury, his presence dominating the banquet hall. He pulled Celena back from leaving and fixed Cheryl with an icy glare. He roared, "Apologize to her. Now!" His demand was met with sneers and eye ro
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