Serena felt her composure slipping as frustration bubbled within her. How could this woman be so insincere? Liza’s words rang in her ears, each one carrying thinly veiled mockery. She couldn’t believe the audacity. Did she think I wouldn’t notice the sarcasm in every sentence? Her face twisted with anger as she glared at Liza, ready to lash out. “You—!” “Serena!” Brandon’s sharp tone cut through her outburst, silencing her immediately. He was tense, fully aware of the disastrous impression they were leaving on the Stone Family. Things were already bad, and if Serena said anything else to offend Mrs. Stone further, the consequences could be irreparable. Without hesitation, he grabbed Serena’s wrist, his grip firm. “Master, Madam, please forgive Serena. She’s not thinking clearly today, and her words are uncharacteristic of her. I’ll take her to see a doctor immediately. We’ll leave now to avoid causing any more trouble.” Ignoring Serena’s futile attempts to free herself, he dragged her out of the room without waiting for a response. Liza, watching the scene unfold, crossed her arms and tilted her head, a hint of amusement glimmering in her eyes. Clicking her tongue, she remarked, “Well, that was quick thinking on Brandon’s part. He managed to shut her up just in time. Leaving now doesn’t solve everything, but at least it spares him from making things worse.” Gavin let out a cold laugh, clearly unimpressed. “You think that’s smart? He calls this a solution?” He glanced toward the door where Brandon had disappeared, his expression one of disdain. “Only a fool would value Serena so highly while discarding someone like you, Liza. It’s laughable. But I suppose his foolishness worked in my favor. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have had the chance to marry you.”At his words, Liza raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a playful smile. “Oh? Is that your way of complimenting me, Brother Gavin? If you’re so impressed, how about giving me a reward for my performance today? I’ve worked so hard to act the part of Mrs. Stone, haven’t I?” Her tone was light, but she was only half-joking. A kiss, perhaps? Maybe a lavish dinner? She wasn’t expecting much, considering how aloof Gavin usually was. But to her surprise, Gavin’s expression softened slightly as he nodded. “Alright.” Liza froze, blinking at him in disbelief. “What?” She glanced toward the window as if to check if the sun had risen from the west. Did he just agree? Brandon shoved Serena into the car, his face clouded with frustration. Serena, tears streaming down her cheeks, wiped them away with trembling hands. Her pitiful expression only served to deepen his irritation, though he tried to keep his tone steady.“Stop crying,” he said sharply, barely concealing his annoyance. “That’s Mrs. Stone. She’s not someone we can afford to offend.” He sighed heavily, recalling their earlier conversation. He had specifically warned her to tread carefully before entering the villa. Instead of listening, Serena had recklessly spoken out and gone so far as to provoke Mrs. Stone. For the first time, he found her impulsive and thoughtless behavior truly grating. Sensing his displeasure, Serena’s tears slowed. She sniffled delicately, attempting to regain his favor. “Brandon, why does Mrs. Stone hate me so much? I only spoke up with good intentions. I wanted to help, but she treated me so unfairly…” Brandon replayed the events in his mind. From a certain perspective, it seemed like Serena had acted innocently. She claimed to have stepped in out of kindness, urging Mrs. Stone to leave without realizing her true identity. After all, no one had informed them of the head of the family’s marriage. But doubt lingered. Something about Mrs. Stone’s demeanor hinted at deeper knowledge. When the conversation shifted toward his fiancée, Brandon couldn’t help but connect the dots. Could Mrs. Stone be acquainted with Liza? Could this entire confrontation have been a calculated attempt to belittle Serena in favor of her sister? He shook his head at the thought. Liza? A woman as conniving and inconsequential as her could never cross paths with someone like Mrs. Stone. She had no allies in Li City, and he had never seen her socialize with anyone influential. Interrupting his thoughts, Serena tugged lightly on his sleeve, her voice soft and pleading. “Brandon, do you think Mrs. Stone knows my sister? She kept bringing her up, comparing the two of us…” Her words were measured, but the frustration in her eyes betrayed her. Despite the humiliation, she masked her anger with a feigned vulnerability, hoping to elicit sympathy. Brandon pondered the question before shaking his head. “I doubt it. There’s no way Liza would have any connection to Mrs. Stone. They’re in completely different worlds.” Serena nodded in agreement, relief flickering across her face. “You’re right. My sister doesn’t have what it takes to be associated with someone like Mrs. Stone.” But the bitterness in her heart didn’t dissipate. She lowered her gaze, letting her emotions shift the conversation. “Brandon,” she whispered, her voice trembling, “Mrs. Stone called me an illegitimate daughter. She even labeled my mother a mistress. But that’s not true! My parents loved each other deeply. How can true love be so wrong? Why should we be called such cruel names?” Her voice broke as fresh tears welled in her eyes. Brandon’s expression softened. The stigma surrounding illegitimacy was deeply entrenched, especially in noble families like Mrs. Stone’s. Women like her, raised in privilege, would naturally look down on those from less conventional backgrounds. But Serena’s words resonated with him. If love is genuine, why must it be condemned? He reached over, patting her hand gently. “You’re right, Serena. Your parents’ love was real, and that’s what matters. People like Mrs. Stone may never understand that. Don’t let her words get to you.” Serena nodded, leaning into his reassurance. But deep down, her thoughts churned. One day, they’ll all see. True love can triumph over anything—even the disdain of people like Mrs. Stone.