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
Cheryl lost it, never imagining Liam would have the guts to strike her in front of an audience. She furiously stamped her foot and yelled, "Wasyl, look what he did! I've been hit. Look at what he did to my face!"Wasyl snapped into action, rushing over with rage written all over his face. He pointed at Liam and bellowed, "You had the nerve to hit my girlfriend? Who do you think you are? I can make one call, and you'll be run out of Drunham City! Apologize to her now, or else, none of you will get out of here alive!"With that, Wasyl turned to Celena and Jovie, his sneer turning into a lewd smile. "Celena sure looks nice, even tastier than before..."Boom!In the next instant, Liam kicked Wasyl with contempt, sending him sprawling at his feet. His eyes blazed with a killer's intent, like a grim reaper straight from hell. He sternly said, "Anyone who talks to me better show some respect!"Celena and Jovie were Liam's treasures, and badmouthing them was a surefire way to seal their f
When the crowd got a good look at Celena's gift, the room erupted with laughter and sneers."What the hell was that? It's so dark and smells weird!""Is that some kind of ointment? Cheryl gives a tea set worth several hundred thousand dollars, handcrafted by a renowned artist, and Celena brings out a jar of ointment? How embarrassing!""Seriously, it's just pitiful! You can tell who's more thoughtful. No wonder Reginald kicked Celena out in favor of Cheryl!"Celena, seeing her gift discarded, dashed over, ignoring the insults thrown at her. She picked up the jar of ointment from the floor. With tears streaming down her face, she pleaded with Reginald, "Grandpa, your legs ache! I know you're always in pain, so I got this especially for you! Grandpa, I do care... oh, Grandpa..."The scornful murmurs of the Stone family surrounded her. Their piercing stares cut deep, leaving Celena no choice but to crouch down on the floor, sobbing as she wiped away her tears.She had convinced hers
The Stone family and their guests were initially taken aback by Liam's answer. However, it soon turned to sneers as they eagerly anticipated the spectacle that was sure to follow.He was a man, a penniless ex-soldier, brazenly making promises. They were all curious to see how he would pull that off. His bold claim had set the stage, but could he deliver?The Walker family's lucrative deals were not low-hanging fruit. In Drunham City, every major family business had their eyes on the prize, yet none had sealed the deal. What chance did a down-and-out nobody from a disgraced family have?If Liam succeeded, it would be a slap in the face to the high and mighty who had failed.Reginald watched Liam's confident response with a sneer. "Remember, you said it yourself! Celena mentioned you've just come back from service. Anyone who returns at your age probably couldn't cut it. So what makes you think you can land a deal that's had all of Drunham's elite families at each other's throats?" h
Celena caught the impatience and hatred in Reginald's eyes. Her heart, already in pieces, shattered further. Tears streamed down her face. Liam stepped in."Celena, no more tears! Don't fret. Believe in me. This is nothing. I'll get that project.""However, you..." Worry and urgency painted Celena's face, leaving her at a loss for words."Nothing? You're delusional! I'm eager to see how a broken and beaten nobody like you will pull this off!" Qemal folded his arms, looking at Liam with venom and mockery.His arm was excruciatingly painful, and his hatred for Liam deepened.He made a vow to himself that one day, he would make Liam pay with his life. If he did not, he would not be Qemal.Wasyl shared the same burning hatred for Liam. Though the Abbott's were no top-tier family in the sprawling Drunham City, they were still a big deal, and people sought their favor! Normally, Wasyl, just like Qemal, basked in the adulation of others. However, after Liam had humiliated him in front o
The man did not answer Reginald. He just shot Liam a look and then rushed out of the hall with his entourage."I'm the one who sent this gift for Celena!"Liam broke through the murmur, causing all eyes to turn to him."You sent this?" Reginald's voice was laced with disbelief.His face quickly soured, and he glared at Liam. "Let's be real! A gift like this comes from someone with deep pockets or a fancy title! We all know who you are. Stop pretending this lavish present is from you."The rest of the Stone family chimed in with their own jeers, "He has the nerve to say he sent this gift!""Ha ha ha, right! Just wait. He'll be red-faced in ten days!""Poor Celena, saddled with such a dud!"Then, a woman in her forties called out to Celena with fake concern, "Listen, Celena! I'm not trying to be harsh, but we introduced you to so many great guys, and you turned them down! Now, you're with this. What were you thinking?"Celena, hearing the mockery and insults, tugged at Liam's ar
She watched Liam's face intently as she spoke, knowing all too well that once upon a time, Liam's love for Clora was the talk of Drunham City.Liam was busy tidying Jovie's windswept hair at the entrance. Celena's question did not seem to faze him, and his gentle smile remained as he looked down at Jovie's face with affection."It's not much of a connection. I just dug up some dirt on the Walkers and handed it over to the police station. They've been itching to clamp down on the Walkers for ages! The raid was just them dealing with years of the family's shady dealings."With that, Liam playfully poked Celena's nose. "Forget about Clora. She's gone, and that's that. The important thing is you and Jovie are safe. Let's head inside, away from this chilly wind. You need to rest and get better."Blushing, Celena followed Liam back into the warmth of the villa.Once he had settled Celena and Jovie in their room, Liam turned to Calum with a new task. "Get Malcolm over here. I need to see