Chapter 89
Luis gave Wasyl a once-over before his gaze landed on the ornate brocade box. His eyes flashed with disdain and anger as he snapped, ” Abbott family, Butler family, Lewis family, do you think Mr. Lynch is someone you can manipulate with your little schemes? Guards, take him away and look into his background!”
Before Wasyl could react, a bodyguard lunged forward, landing a punch that sent him sprawling to the ground. The gift box tumbled out of his hands, coming to rest by Cheryl’s trembling feet.
“Ahh! I didn’t… I was just…” Wasyl tried to scramble up to explain, but another punch slammed him back down, pinning him to the floor.
Wasyl did not dare to fight back. Tears streamed down his face as he begged, “Please, no more! I won’t go in… Just let me go. I won’t ever try something like this again… I’m begging you, have mercy!”
Cheryl stood frozen in shock, her legs shaking so much she barely stand. Yafe and his companions stood frozen, their mi racing. Meanwhile, Luis’s voice boomed across the room, here who came empty-handed? Step up now!”
Liam and Celena were the only ones without gifts. Celena hesitat rooted to the spot, but Liam gave her a reassuring pat on the
shoulder. “Celena, you’ve got this. Go on!”
Despite Liam’s encouragement, Celena felt scared. The guards had roughed up the last ones who went up. She whispered, “Me? Should I really go? After what just happened, I’m scared.”
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Liam simply smiled and nodded, his confidence in her unwavering. After taking a deep breath, Celena mustered her courage and made her way through the crowd. She looked determined, with her fists. clenched at her sides. Her heart pounded in her chest.
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As she emerged, all eyes turned to her. She was the lone figure without a gift, the unexpected center of attention.
Regret washed over those who had sneered at them for being unable
to afford gifts, their earlier mockery turning to envy. They remembered what Liam said, and resentment simmered within them.
It is human nature to harbor jealousy when someone they underestimate achieves what they cannot.
“Hello, what’s your name?” Luis asked with a smile. He had been
briefed by Malcolm and had spotted Liam earlier on. His attention was on Celena.
“I’m Celena,” she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper, her whole body shaking.
“And which company do you represent, Celena?” Luis pressed, his eyes searching hers for an answer.
Celena’s mind went blank at the question. She turned to Liam, her eyes wide with confusion.
Before Liam could get a word in, Yafe pushed his way thr crowd, grinning ear to ear. He cozied up to Luis, saying, it’s a pleasure to meet you. This young lady is with our Sto She is my daughter, in fact!”
Right on his heels, Sawyer and Walter scrambled forward, eagerly fishing out their business cards and presenting them with sycophantic grins plastered on their faces. “This is my niece, and I’m the second in command at the Stone family. Name’s Walter!”
“Mr. Garrie, a pleasure. I’m Sawyer of the Stone family. Here’s my card “They were quick to claim her as their own, desperate to make sure everyone knew.
Yafe and his crew were the picture of unabashed gall! Not a hint of
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shame crossed their faces. Instead, they buzzed with excitement.
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