Chapter 76

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