Liam stood up and made his way to the bedroom door, easing it open with a gentle nudge. Darkness enveloped the room, but it was no match for Liam's keen eyes. He spotted Celena and Jovie, deep in slumber on the bed, and let out a relieved exhale before softly closing the door.As the door clicked shut, a wave of icy dread that Liam had been holding back surged forth, his gaze piercing the darkness as a sinister smile played on his lips.He returned to the couch and settled in; his ears tuned to the faintest rustle in the small courtyard, a fierce glint of malice in his eyes.Outside, the intruder, thinking himself undetected, crept to the door. With practiced ease, he drew his dagger and slipped it through the door's crack, deftly unlatching the old-fashioned bolt—a relic in the sprawling, antique-styled Stone family estate with its maze of courtyards.The intruder worked swiftly, and within moments, the door swung open, spilling a weak glow from a lantern tucked away in the courty
The sound of footsteps echoed in the dark living room, each sending a jolt through Woden's heart.He had his head bowed as he trembled uncontrollably, consumed by dread.A shadowy figure emerged from the darkness. The house was pitch-black inside, and only a faint glow from the courtyard's light reached the bottom half of the doorway.With each slow step he took, the Woden kept his gaze on the ground, spotting only a pair of cozy, fluffy slippers. He did not dare look up, his body rigid with tension.Suddenly, a stern, deep voice boomed from above, "Keep it down. If you disturb my wife and kid's sleep..."Woden's voice dropped to a whisper, his reply tinged with fear, "Absolutely, I get it..."He stayed hunched over, too scared to even glance at the person in the slippers, his mind racing with questions about the identity of this daunting figure.Yankel had called him earlier that evening with a job: to snatch Celena from the Stone family. However, none of the intel had hinted a
To Woden, the voice was like the tolling of a bell signifying his doom, sending a wave of terror and chilling dread through him. He was so scared that he lost all composure, bowing deeply in fright."Please, have mercy, sir! I'm begging you, you're known for being forgiving, please spare me... I had no idea you were here. Please have mercy, spare my life. If you let me live, I swear I'll be eternally loyal to you... Please, I'm begging for your mercy!"Terror was etched on Woden's face as he begged and profusely apologized. His pleas echoed eerily in the still of the night.Liam, realizing how loud he was, glanced at the bedroom door to make sure it was shut tight. Satisfied, he turned back, his intent to kill even stronger as he hissed, "Quiet down! I told you my wife and kids are asleep. Wake them up, and I'll have no problem ending you right here."The Woden clammed up at once, and that was when it hit him—the man before him was Liam himself!He remembered Liam mentioning his f
Liam let out a soft laugh when he heard Woden's eager promise."Here's the deal, I need you to tail a guy with a spooky mask. Dig all you can on him. However, be warned, he's no pushover, so if you make it back in one piece, I'll keep you on as my right-hand man."The words hit the Woden like a jolt of electricity. After the night's close call with death, he knew all too well the weight of Liam's power and the prestige that came with it.To work for Liam was a golden ticket, way better than slumming it with Yankel, the spoiled brat with more money than sense.Visions of a dazzling future lit Woden's eyes. He leaned back to show his gratitude to Liam, "Absolutely! Thanks a ton, Mr. Cole! I won't let you down!"Liam acknowledged with a nonchalant grunt, "Dismissed."After a few more grateful bows, Woden left the courtyard, his heart racing with excitement.He did not stop until he was out of sight, in a secluded alley by the Stone family's place. There, he finally caught his breat
"Just wait, Liam. I'll violate that bitch Celena right in front of you! I'll show you what you'll get for offending me! Mr. Miller, you like rescuing a damsel in distress, don't you? I'll take advantage of that bitch Celena, and let you rescue her, then."Yankel's bellows echoed through the entire mansion. He wrecked the whole living room, which was not enough to soothe his rage.…In the morning the following day, Liam brought Jovie out to get breakfast like usual. As soon as they returned after getting breakfast, they saw Sherah and Qemal sitting on the couch.Liam could not help but frown upon seeing the two uninvited guests. Then, he felt worried and looked at Celena, who was also on the couch.Sure enough, Celena's head was hung, and she looked rather upset.Seeing that, Liam gave Jovie a signal with his eyes, which Jovie immediately understood. With the milk they bought in hand, she ran toward Celena and presented it to her like it was a treasure."Mom, look! I got you mil
Sherah was upset to see Celena hanging her head, but she did not forget the purpose of her visit.She continued, "Celena, trust me, I won't harm you. Mr. Miller's gaze was filled with love when he was looking at you. You have to believe me. I've experienced it myself."Also, think about it. If he isn't fond of you, would he step up and save you from the awkward situation? "Listen to me. You weren't paying attention then, but I saw it as clear as day. He was wearing a mask, but the way he looked at the others was different from how he looked at you. Not only was his gaze gentle, but it was filled with affection."Celena, just do as I say and divorce Liam. You didn't have a wedding anyway. Both of you just got married at the town hall. Not many people would know about your divorce. You don't have to worry about other people gossiping about you."Don't worry. As long as you divorce Liam, I'll pull some strings and help you set up an appointment with Mr. Miller. He'll meet you. As lo
It was then Liam returned with Jovie after they got breakfast. That was what happened earlier.…After Liam placed the breakfast on the table, he returned to the living room and looked at Sherah and Qemal with a sullen expression. In a frosty tone, he asked, "Why are both of you doing here?"Sherah came to Celena early in the morning and spent a long time persuading her, yet Celena did not budge at all. That already made Sherah feel pissed off. Hearing Liam's words at that moment made her blow her lid.Glaring at Liam in rage, Sherah bellowed, "Who the hell do you think you are? This is Stone Mansion. I can come whenever I want to. Do I have to ask for your permission?"Liam's expression turned sour as soon as she said that. A frigid gaze instantly filled his eyes and the air around him became frosty.Sherah was so infuriated at that moment that she did not notice the change in Liam. She continued, shouting at the top of her lungs, "Enough! Liam, I'm not going to beat around the
Liam sneered and asked Sherah and Qemal to leave. In a frosty tone, he said, "This is the last time I'm telling you—I won't leave Celena nor will I divorce her. If you have anything else to say, please get out. It's time for the three of us to have our breakfast."His tone was so cold. He was implying that he did not prepare breakfast for the two of them, so they should just get the hell out of there. His attitude was extremely terrible.Sure enough, Sherah's face turned sullen as soon as he said that. Her eyes were burning with rage as she glared at Liam.Qemal stood up from the cough and glared at Liam as well.Celena quickly put Jovie down and tugged at Liam's arms as she whispered, "Liam, she's my mother, after all. You should be a little more polite when talking to her. Otherwise, it won't look good on you as well if other people find out."Liam turned back and saw Celena looking troubled, so he had no choice but to nod, saying nothing else.However, Sherah did not plan to l