Before Serena could make sense of the situation, a soft tapping sound drew everyone’s attention. Liza’s fair fingers drummed lightly on the coffee table, her lips curving into a faint smile. Her voice, calm but tinged with mockery, broke the silence. “So, this is the gentle and kind fiancée you were bragging about, Brandon? She doesn’t seem all that remarkable. A bit... hypocritical, don’t you think?” Serena felt a surge of anger rise within her. How dare this woman speak so boldly? What did she mean by "doesn’t seem all that remarkable"? And calling her "a bit hypocritical"? Who gave her the right to judge?! Brandon’s expression darkened as he instinctively pulled Serena closer to him. His voice was stern, laced with frustration. “Miss, Serena was only trying to help you out of kindness. Even if you don’t appreciate her good intentions, there’s no need to insult her.” Liza met his gaze with an enigmatic smile, her expression calm yet filled with quiet defiance. Before she could respond, a deep, cold voice cut through the tension. “You lecture my people on my property, yet you call it goodwill?” Gavin’s tone was icy, his gaze sharp and unyielding. “Since when did either of you gain the right to meddle in my affairs? Brandon, have you forgotten the principles of the Stone Family?” Brandon stiffened at the reprimand, his face pale. He stuttered, scrambling for words. “I-I didn’t mean to… Serena… She only wanted to remind this woman because she knows you don’t like women approaching you. That’s all…” Gavin let out a low, humorless chuckle. “Don’t like women? Even if that were true, do you think that would apply to my wife? And yet, your guest had the audacity to decide she could kick my wife out of her own home. Remarkable.” His words landed like a hammer, each syllable resonating with cold authority. Gavin’s eyes narrowed as he gave his final command. “Butler, show our guests out.”The room seemed to freeze as the gravity of his statement settled over them. Brandon and Serena stood frozen in shock. “Wife?” Brandon whispered, his mind racing to process the revelation. That woman—the one he and Serena had tried to dismiss—was Gavin’s wife? Mrs. Stone? The sheer improbability of it struck him like a thunderbolt. How could it be true? There had been no announcements, no whispers of a marriage within the powerful Stone Family. But logic quickly silenced his doubts. Gavin’s authority was absolute. If he chose to marry without informing anyone, who would dare question him? A woman living in Longwan Residential, acknowledged by Gavin himself, held a status far beyond anything someone like Brandon, from a branch family, could hope to challenge. Serena, however, lacked such composure. Her pale face betrayed her disbelief as she blurted out, “That’s impossible! How can she be Mrs. Stone?!” Liza tilted her head slightly, her calm gaze meeting Serena’s. “And why not?” “Because…” Serena began, her voice rising with indignation. She wanted to declare that someone like Liza could never capture Gavin’s attention. If anyone deserved to stand beside him, it was someone like her! But before the words could escape, Brandon’s grip tightened painfully around her wrist. Liza clicked her tongue softly, resting her chin on her palm as a lazy smile played on her lips. “Miss Serena, you’re quite fascinating,” she said with an air of amusement. “Gavin has already clarified that I’m Mrs. Stone, yet you insist it’s impossible. I can’t help but wonder—what exactly is going through your mind? The moment you walked in, you acted like you owned the place, even going as far as to suggest I leave. Are you perhaps eyeing my position as the lady of the house?” Serena’s body stiffened, and beads of cold sweat rolled down her forehead. Each word from Liza pierced through her like a dagger, stripping away her facade. It was as if this woman could see straight into her soul, exposing the desires she dared not voice. The realization sent a chill down Serena’s spine. This woman was terrifying. But she refused to believe someone like Liza was fit for Gavin. Only I deserve to stand beside him! Sensing the rising tension, Brandon quickly stepped in, fearing that Gavin’s temper might erupt. He offered a hasty explanation, his voice trembling slightly. “Mrs. Stone, please don’t misunderstand. Serena didn’t mean any harm. She’s always been kind-hearted. She only wanted to help you and prevent you from being punished by the master of the house.” “Help me?” Liza let out a soft, mocking laugh as if she’d just heard the most absurd thing in the world. Her laughter grew louder until she wiped at the corners of her eyes, feigning tears. When she spoke again, her voice carried a sharp edge. “Do you two even understand your place? Gavin was generous enough to invite you here, yet you’ve behaved as if you’re entitled to more. And as for you, Miss Serena, your ambition was clear from the moment you walked in. It’s written all over your face—you want my position, don’t you? Quite bold of you.” Serena’s expression flickered between anger and disbelief. How could this woman read her so easily? But she refused to back down. Was it so wrong to want more? Wasn’t it only natural for people to strive for greater things? So what if I desire Gavin after meeting him? she thought bitterly. If I could steal Brandon from Liza before, there’s no reason I can’t take Gavin from this woman too! Determined, Serena bit her lip to suppress her frustration, though her mind raced with plans. Meanwhile, Gavin’s patience had worn thin. He exhaled slowly, his irritation evident as he sank into the sofa beside Liza. Draping an arm casually over the backrest behind her, he leaned slightly closer, his posture exuding ownership and calm authority. “Why waste your time talking to them?” His voice was low and deliberate, each word laced with impatience. “If you don’t want them here, have the butler throw them out.”