Tucker's eyes darted through the crowd, searching for Celena. He scanned the room, but she was nowhere to be seen. His face tensed with concern, and he bypassed the customary handshake with Reginald, asking directly, "Is Celena here?"
At Tucker's words, Reginald's smile froze, and a ripple of tension passed through the onlooking Stones, some barely concealing their glee at the brewing drama. What would Celena do then?
He had barely set foot inside and was already on the hunt for Celena, ready to confront her.
Clearly, Celena had crossed a line, for Tucker would not have brought his daughter along if it were not serious.
Caught off guard, Reginald's hand hung awkwardly in the air before he withdrew it, his face darkening. He called out with an intense fury, "Celena, step forward now!"
Always one to blend into the background, Celena lingered at the back of the crowd. Her slight frame was hidden behind the others, explaining why Tucker had missed her. However, before she could make a move, Cheryl's voice, dripping with scorn, cut through the air, followed by the jeers of the other Stones.
"Celena, you think you can just hide back there and avoid this? Get up here now, or do we need to send a personal invitation from Grandpa and Mr. Fabish?
"Look, even Mr. Tucker Fabish himself has come knocking for an apology. You better get ready to say you're sorry!
"She's nothing but trouble, a walking disaster..."
Celena's face was a mask of tension as she listened to the murmurs around her. Her heart was pounding like a drum, and her legs shook as she stepped forward to face the music.
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