My Invincible Husband Has Returned

Chapter 142

Liam could only shake his head at their retreat. Turning around, he caught Celena's intense gaze, so straightforward it made him self-conscious.

"Is there something on my face?" he asked, touching his cheek.

Celena giggled behind her hand, her voice soft as she said, "Thank you, Liam."

His wife's gratitude brought a smile to his face. "You're my wife. It's my job to protect you, to keep the bullies at bay," Liam said.

He quickly added, "And I won't let anyone bully you ever again."

Celena blushed, her head bowed, her heart skipping like a deer in the woods.

That's when Jovie popped up, leaning in the doorway, a big grin on his face. "Hahaha, Dad, look! Mom's blushing! She's blushing!"

Celena, feigning indignation, chased after Jovie, "Oh, Jovie, you little fibber, you're going to get it now!" All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

Truth be told, Jovie wasn't the least bit frightened. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she launched herself into Liam's arms, giggling, "Oh no, Daddy, Mom's gonna get me!"

As she nestled into her father's protective hug, Jovie cheekily stuck out her tongue at Celena and teased, "Can't catch me now, Mom!"

Celena shot Liam a look of mock exasperation. "You're such an enabler! She's going to be so spoiled!"

Liam just chuckled and shrugged, joining Jovie in making silly faces at Celena. "And what's so bad about that? She's my little girl. I'll spoil her all I want!"

On the other side of the fence, Qemal and Sherah stomped away from the courtyard, fuming.

In a fit of anger, Qemal slammed the gift boxes to the ground, venting, "Can you believe that Liam? Acting all high and mighty, as if he owns the place. This is the Stone family's turf!"

Sherah's face was a mask of ice as she snapped, "Just drop it. If it weren't for the business deal and Celena. Do you think I'd waste my time in that tiny yard? Keep an eye on her for the next few days. I want to know every move she makes. Let's see if Celena has what it takes to outshine Cheryl."

Qemal nodded, his voice chilly, "Got it. However, sis could've given me a heads-up, and let me in on the action. Doesn't she remember I'm her brother?"

Sherah's irritation simmered beneath the surface, but she soothed him, "Look, it's not up to her. She's in, and that's good for us. In the end, we're all family. Why sweat the small stuff?"

"Yeah, yeah, I get it," Qemal muttered, though his true feelings remained his secret.

Time flew, and before they knew it, four days slipped by.

In the sleek conference room of The Stone Group, two partnership proposals lay on the table, awaiting the decisive votes.

The authors of the proposals remained a mystery, over thirty managers, general managers, and board members were present, and not a single one knew the minds behind the plans.

Liam, an outsider to the Stone family, was barred from the room and left to sit in the hall, a bundle of nerves.

Cheryl and Celena sat side by side, the moment of truth hanging over them. Cheryl lounged with a smug tilt to her chin, arms folded, leg propped up, the picture of self-assured victory. Celena, on the other hand, was a knot of worry, her face painted with anxiety as she twisted her clothing between fidgeting fingers.