Liza arched an eyebrow at Gavin, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “Well? How do I look today? Stunning, right?” Gavin’s brows furrowed slightly as he replied with an unimpressed tone, “Speak normally, and stop trying to force your voice like that. You sound like a hoarse duck. It’s terrible.” Liza’s mouth fell open in disbelief. What?! Her mind raced with indignation. I deliberately lowered my voice to sound alluring, and this is what I get? This man was hopeless—a block of wood without a romantic bone in his body. Here she stood, an undeniable vision of beauty, and yet he barely spared her a second glance. There must be something wrong with him! Gavin’s gaze flicked over her momentarily before his lips curved into an enigmatic smile. He offered no further comment and returned to his work, leaving Liza to fume silently.That afternoon, Serena stood before her full-length mirror, meticulously selecting her outfit. She wanted to look perfect—graceful and captivating enough to catch Gavin’s eye. After settling on a carefully chosen ensemble that radiated sophistication, she adjusted her makeup one last time and stepped out to the waiting car, carefully lifting the hem of her dress as she climbed in. Back at the Sinclair family’s villa, preparations for the visit had started early. Both the Sinclair and Brandon families were eager to make a good impression, treating this opportunity to meet Gavin with utmost seriousness. Parents exchanged anxious conversations, their concerns evident in their furrowed brows. Brandon’s mother, an experienced and shrewd woman, addressed the gathering with an air of authority. “Gavin may be known for being difficult to approach, but the fact that he agreed to meet you shows he doesn’t dislike you outright. Remember, as long as you avoid upsetting him, things will go smoothly. This is a rare chance to gain his favor, and it’s crucial you seize it. If he’s pleased, there’s nothing beyond your reach.” Serena nodded earnestly, her expression one of innocent compliance. “I understand, Auntie.” Dressed sharply in a tailored suit, Brandon stepped forward. “Mom, we should leave now. You don’t need to worry about us. Everything will be fine.” As they prepared to leave, Serena let out a delicate sigh. “I wanted my sister to come with us. It feels incomplete without her. But… well, maybe next time. Once we’re married, there’ll be more opportunities to bring her along to meet the family.” Her mother, Victoria, narrowed her eyes slightly, her tone firm but cloaked in maternal concern. “Serena, you’re too softhearted. You consider Liza your sister, but does she see you the same way? Today’s meeting is crucial. If you bring her and she causes any problems, it won’t just affect our Sinclair family—it could jeopardize Brandon’s family as well. You need to learn to prioritize. Being kind is good, but there’s a time and place for it.” Though Victoriai’s words seemed to be spoken with affection, there was an unmistakable edge to them. Serena bit her lip, a flicker of dissatisfaction flashing in her eyes before she quickly masked it with a polite smile. Victoriai quickly realized that her words might have come across as too harsh. Softening her tone, she added, “Serena, don’t take it the wrong way. I’m not trying to be cruel, but you need to understand that Liza doesn’t deserve your kindness. Think about it—she stole your fiancé, tarnished your reputation, and even left the Sinclair Corporation in turmoil. Keeping your distance from her is for your own good. If you continue to indulge her, you’ll only invite trouble.” Serena’s expression became more composed as she nodded gently. “I understand, Mom. It’s just that… people often criticize my sister, saying she’s shameless and doesn’t know her place. I admit she has her flaws, but she’s still my sister. If I don’t help her, who will? After all, family should be about forgiveness and support.” Her words struck a balance of sympathy and moral high ground, earning an approving nod from Brandon. Initially, he had been slightly put off by Victoriai’s bluntness, but Serena’s response reassured him. She understood the value of family, even with its imperfections, and her willingness to stand by her sister reflected her inherently kind nature. To him, Serena’s kindness was one of her most admirable qualities. As the car rolled into Longwan Residential, Serena’s gaze swept across the serene surroundings. Despite being located in the bustling city, the area exuded tranquility, with its lush greenery and picturesque woods giving it an almost ethereal quality. It felt like stepping into a hidden paradise. She stared out the window, marveling at the sight, and gained a deeper appreciation for Gavin’s wealth and influence. This was her first visit to Longwan Residential, and the reality far surpassed the stories she had heard. Gavin’s estate wasn’t just luxurious—it was an embodiment of absolute power and sophistication. Compared to Gavin’s grandeur, even the affluent Brandon’s family seemed modest. Serena had always been content with their lifestyle, but now the disparity was glaringly obvious, like comparing a flickering candle to the brilliance of the sun. A thought crept into her mind, unbidden but tantalizing: What if Gavin took an interest in me? She imagined herself as the mistress of this estate, commanding respect and admiration. Her heart raced at the possibilities. Of course, the idea made her feel a pang of guilt toward Brandon. But she reasoned that if she ever won Gavin’s favor, she would ensure that Brandon and his family benefited as well. Perhaps then, the guilt would be easier to bear.