Liza furrowed her brow as her thoughts churned. A memory resurfaced—Gavin had recently mentioned that he wanted her to visit the Stone Family’s old residence and put on a show of being a loving couple in front of his family. Could it be that today was the day? Noticing her expression, Gavin’s lips curled into a faint smile. “It seems Mrs. Liza is quite perceptive,” he teased. Liza stayed silent, feeling a mix of reluctance and unease. Gavin continued, his tone light but firm. “I’ve already checked your schedule. You don’t have any classes today, so there’s no excuse. Please, Mrs. Liza.” He opened the car door with a graceful motion, gesturing for her to get in. Instinctively, Liza wanted to refuse. She felt completely unprepared for such an occasion. How could she possibly face the Stone Family’s old residence under these circumstances? But before she could voice her concerns, Gavin leaned in close, his presence almost overwhelming. His warm breath brushed against her ear as he whispered, “If you perform well this time, I’ll grant you a favor. Maybe even something you desire most…” As he spoke, he tapped his lips with a knowing look. The implication was clear. Liza’s heart skipped a beat. Gavin had a way of making even the simplest gestures appear utterly captivating. He was always so guarded, making it nearly impossible for her to catch him off guard. And then there was the issue of her daily diet—a far cry from anything enjoyable, which often left her questioning her choices in life. Faced with such a tempting offer, she couldn’t bring herself to refuse. She hesitated for a moment before replying, “Alright, but remember, a man should always keep his word. No going back on it. Besides, I promised you before that I’d accompany you to the Stone Family. It’s only right for me to honor that now.” Her words felt like a shield, an attempt to downplay her true motivations. She didn’t want to appear as someone solely fixated on Gavin’s charm. Gavin’s gaze lingered on her, his expression unreadable. For a moment, Liza felt uncertain, unsure if he believed her words. But just as she began to fidget awkwardly, his lips curved into a soft chuckle. “Very well. In that case, Mrs. Liza, shall we?” he said, gesturing toward the car once again. Without further hesitation, Liza climbed in, her resolve solidifying with every step. … The Stone Family's old residence was tucked away in a remote location, exuding an air of grandeur that matched its vast expanse. The sprawling estate was home to a magnificent antique-style mansion steeped in history, its architecture a testament to a bygone era. Rumor had it that this house once belonged to a prominent royal figure. The Stone Family's patriarch had reportedly been captivated by its charm and acquired it for an astronomical sum. Over time, it became the family's ancestral residence, a symbol of both their wealth and cultural heritage. The Stone Family wasn’t merely wealthy; they embodied a lineage that intertwined historical depth with modern influence. For most people, such a majestic home would inspire awe at first sight. But Liza was unfazed. She had grown up alongside her master and seniors in an environment equally, if not more, historic. Compared to those ancient settings, the Stone Family's old residence seemed rather ordinary to her. As they entered the residence, Gavin cast a glance at Liza, who was deliberately keeping her distance from him. With a sigh that carried both amusement and exasperation, he remarked, “Mrs. Liza, is it your idea of a loving couple to keep this much distance between them?” Caught off guard, Liza paused, glancing at the noticeable gap between them. Reluctantly, she shuffled closer. Gavin seemed pleased with her effort, but it wasn’t enough for him. Extending his hand, he said, “Give me your hand.” Liza blinked, puzzled. “My hand?”“Of course,” Gavin replied smoothly. Her brows furrowed. “Is that really necessary? I mean, not every couple holds hands while walking, right?” Gavin didn’t bother arguing. Instead, he reached out and took her hand himself. His firm grip and the unexpected warmth of his touch sent a jolt through her, causing her face to flush. Slightly off balance, she stumbled as he led her toward the living room, his confidence unwavering. The living room was already occupied when they arrived, with around 14 or 15 people seated. However, the atmosphere was far from welcoming. Most faces bore unfriendly expressions, their disapproval obvious. Liza’s gaze instinctively dropped to her intertwined hand with Gavin. Realization dawned—these people were clearly displeased with Gavin’s sudden marriage. Unfazed, Gavin strode into the room with his usual poise, his sharp gaze sweeping across the crowd. Not spotting the one person he sought, he asked in a low voice, “Where’s Grandma?”At the center of the room sat Lady Edna, exuding an aura of authority. She coughed lightly, signaling to a noblewoman seated beside her, who appeared to be in her late forties or early fifties. The woman caught the hint and spoke with a saccharine smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Gavin, you’re back. It’s been ages since your last visit. Shouldn’t you start by greeting everyone?” Her eyes shifted to Liza, scrutinizing her from head to toe. After a long pause, her smile turned to thinly veiled disdain. “So, you’re Gavin’s wife? How on earth did that happen? Gavin is swamped with work, yet you didn’t think to help him manage things? And look at you—you show up here empty-handed, don’t even greet your elders properly. What poor manners! You’re clearly from a small, uncultured family.” Liza was stunned. “???” Did she just become the target of misplaced hostility? It didn’t take long for her to piece it together. These people didn’t dare confront Gavin directly, so they had decided to take their frustrations out on her instead. It seemed she was expected to endure their rudeness simply because she was easier prey.