As soon as Liam finished, Cheryl burst out, "Me, apologize to that tramp, Celena? As if! Why should I? There's no way I'm agreeing to that!"Liam ignored Cheryl's raging tantrum and gave Luis a knowing look. With Celena in tow, they made their way through the crowd and out of there.Cheryl glared after them, seething, then spun to face Luis and demanded, "Why her, Mr. Garrie? Celena's got nothing, no company, no clout! Why pick someone so clueless?"Luis turned to Cheryl with a frosty stare, clearly annoyed, and retorted, "The choice belongs to Max Group and Mr. Lynch. Who are you to question it?"With that, he turned to the onlookers and declared, "The open audition for this partnership is settled. Celena's the one."After finishing his piece, Luis, followed by his bodyguards, spun on his heel and strode away.The elite crowd of tycoons and business moguls at the entrance could only stand by, watching Luis leave, their hands reluctantly clutching the ungiven gifts. As they left,
Liam kept those details from Celena. She did not need to shoulder such burdens.He was determined to restore Celena's confidence, piece by piece."However, what if Grandpa does come to me, pleading? He's not young anymore. It breaks my heart to think of him straining himself at his age. I'm really worried about his health… "That was Celena for him, always too kind for her own good. Even after all the hurt Reginald had caused her, she was still caring for him, fretting over his well-being."However, Celena, do you really want to spend your life under the scornful looks of others? Don't you want to go back to being a Stone? Isn't that what you've dreamed about for the last seven years?" Liam pressed."I do!" Celena's reply came swift and determined, but then her face fell, tangled in doubt. "It's just...""There is no way about it. Trust me, I've got this!" Liam cut in, knowing her tendency to overthink.Celena took a deep breath, calmed herself, and nodded. "Alright, I'll trust
"Grandpa! Liam's got some nerve! He's demanding that our whole Stone family roll out the red carpet, go to Celena, and beg her to return to the Stone family!" Cheryl fumed. She paused, stealing a glance at Reginald. Noticing his face turning stormy, she quickly lowered her voice, saying, "And he wants me... to apologize to Celena and that little kid, and he even said... he even said...""What else? Out with it!" Reginald was fuming, his eyes blazing with anger as he slammed his cane onto the blue floor with a resounding thud!Cheryl jumped, a shiver running down her spine, but a surge of glee bubbled within her. She kept up her outraged facade, whispering, "He said you, Grandpa, should personally go and ask..."Boom!That was the last straw. The Stone family's members in the hall went off like a bomb! They bellowed with fury."Are you kidding me? Our family's elder is supposed to go and ask himself?""Liam stepped out of line, just a washed-up soldier, a nobody. He has the gall t
"However..."Sherah looked hesitant, and she tried to explain further, but the sharp tap of Reginald's cane on the floor cut her off.Reginald's expression turned stormy as he slammed his cane down hard, declaring, "That's enough! The decision is made! Walter is correct. Celena is your daughter, and you two are the right ones to go!"With that, Reginald rose angrily and strode out of the hall.No sooner had Reginald departed than Walter and his family looked on with barely concealed glee. "Yafe, Celena is your girl, and you're her dad. She'll listen to you. If you pull off this deal, you'll be the family's hero, and your place as head of the Stone family will be undisputed."Teresa's smile was bright as she added, "Exactly, Yafe. Dad's got faith in you, and so do we. You're going to clinch that partnership!"Hayden Stone's family could not hide their delight as they added, "Yafe, we'll be here waiting to celebrate your success!"The hall emptied as everyone dispersed to their re
Yafe walked in silence, looking indifferent. The opulent mansion before him did nothing to stir his interest as he made his way to the grand entrance.However, his emotions were a raging storm inside. He could not believe that his daughter, the one he had always dismissed, lived in a place ten times more luxurious than the Stone Mansion. The task given to him by Reginald then seemed daunting.Just then, Calum stepped out from the villa's gate, confronting the trio with a frosty demeanor. "Hold it right there! How did you get in?"Yafe was momentarily stunned by Calum's piercing presence and the deadly intent in his eyes. He stuttered, "I... I'm here for my daughter, Celena! I... came to bring her home!"Calum's eyes narrowed, his imposing demeanor briefly faltering before he doubled down, eyeing Yafe with renewed force. He glanced at Sherah and Qemal, who were peering around behind him, and retorted, "Oh? From the Stone family, are you?"Qemal quickly moved forward, all smiles. "E
Thud!Qemal was sent flying like a ragdoll, hurtling through the air before rolling across the ground and coming to a painful stop."Ah! Ouch! It hurts like hell! Mom, that witch Celena actually let that brute hit me! You have to make her pay!"Qemal's face was beet red as he clutched his stomach, sweat streaming down his face as if caught in a downpour. The kick to his gut had felt like a sledgehammer swinging at him.Sherah, hiding behind Yafe, rushed to her son's side when she saw him take the hit. She helped him up, gently dusting off his clothes where the dirt was barely visible.Her face flushed with fury, she spun to face Calum and bellowed, "You had the nerve to hit my son? Did Celena put you up to this? You think you're tough, acting like a big shot? Just wait, I'm calling the cops on you!"Calum looked at Sherah's clueless rage mockingly and stepped forward. He gave the mother and son duo a frosty look as they leaned on each other. He said icily, "Seems like you don't w
Reginald's heart clenched as he saw Qemal's battered form. He adored his two grandsons to bits, and it pained him to see one hurt. Furious, he exclaimed, "Celena has really crossed the line this time!""Reginald, you can't let this slide! Celena's got it out for our Stone family. She doesn't give a shit about us and even less about you! We didn't even get a foot in the door today before the security threw us out like trash! Reginald, you've got to do something..."Sherah's tears flowed, her face the very picture of sorrow. A woman in her prime, her beauty and style only made her distress more touching.Reginald's face darkened with anger as he turned to the silent Yafe and demanded, "What in the world happened?"Yafe let out a long sigh, a look of defeat in his eyes. "Dad, it went down just like Sherah said. We got to the villa's gate today and got stopped dead in our tracks. We didn't even see anyone, much less set foot inside! I bet they're playing hardball, wanting you to show u
"Wasn't Celena shacking up with Liam? However, Liam had hit rock bottom and broke! How on earth could he afford a palace like this? Has Celena cozied up to some other rich tycoon?"The Stone family, gawking at the grandeur of the manor, could not stop buzzing with gossip. They were gobsmacked. They had come ready to sneer at Celena, thinking she should count her lucky stars for getting back in with the Stones, and there she was, not just talking the talk but walking the walk!Turns out, her digs were leagues above anything the Stones had!Reginald took one look at the sprawling Jade Manor and felt a jolt of shock.Cheryl, who was helping Reginald, and Anna Stone had eyes blazing with jealousy. Cheryl, in particular, was biting her lip so hard it might bleed, muttering, "Celena acting all poor and pitiful, but she's holed up in this fancy estate! The nerve of that witch!"Jealousy gnawed at her insides. Why did Celena get to live in such a grand and beautiful mansion and not her? W
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