Gavin turned his piercing gaze toward Audrey and began questioning her in a tone that left no room for evasion. "Have you ever participated in the International Real-Time Translation Competition? What were your results? What about your academic performance? Were any of your university projects nominated for awards?" Audrey's face turned ashen, and her body visibly trembled. Gavin continued relentlessly, "What was the original fashion concept proposed by the Stone Corporation? Did you take part in the Paris Design Competition last year? Do you believe your skills are sufficient to compete at that level—or even win?" Each pointed question seemed to strip away another layer of her composure. Audrey stood frozen, unable to respond. She had no idea what Gavin was even referring to. Her university years had been devoid of any meaningful achievements; she had barely even earned her diploma, and that too through questionable means. Her only significant "skill" had been in cultivating relationships, not building a career. Seeing Audrey falter, a well-dressed woman standing nearby, presumably one of the noble guests, tried to intervene. "Gavin, why are you putting her on the spot? After all, she’s only meant to be your personal assistant. Isn’t it unnecessary for her to meet such high standards? All she needs to do is take care of your personal matters, right? She doesn’t have to be proficient in everything you’re asking about." The insinuation in her words was clear—Audrey wasn’t being presented as a professional assistant but as a decorative companion. Someone attractive and obedient, sent with the implicit suggestion that she could also fulfill Gavin’s personal desires. Gavin’s expression hardened, and his voice turned icy. "Handle my personal matters? Do I look like someone who can’t handle basic tasks myself? Do I seem so pathetic that I’d need her help? Let me make this clear—she isn’t worthy of being my assistant, much less dealing with anything remotely personal." His sharp words struck like a hammer, and Audrey flinched. The noblewoman’s face darkened, but Gavin pressed on, his disdain unhidden. "Every assistant at the Stone Corporation is highly accomplished. They’ve graduated from prestigious universities and built impeccable résumés with major achievements and awards. They are the best of the best. So tell me, why would I accept someone like Miss Audrey—who brings neither talent nor substance—into my professional or personal circle? Don’t insult me by suggesting otherwise." Liza, who had been standing quietly nearby, struggled to keep a straight face as she listened. The sharp edge in Gavin’s words wasn’t lost on her, and she found herself silently cheering him on. His cutting remarks were unapologetically direct, but she couldn’t deny how satisfying it was to see Audrey and the noblewoman exposed for their schemes. Gavin shifted his focus back to Audrey, delivering a final blow. "Miss Audrey, instead of trying to attach yourself to others, perhaps you should focus on improving yourself. Without good looks or abilities to rely on, people like you will find themselves left behind by society soon enough. This conversation is over."Turning to Liza, he added, "Let’s go." Snapping out of her daze, Liza quickly followed his lead, her expression no longer betraying her amusement. Gavin's decisive actions left no room for rebuttal or argument. But the schemers weren’t ready to give up so easily. They had invested far too much effort into orchestrating this meeting to let Gavin walk away without achieving their goal. Determined to salvage the situation, they refused to let Audrey’s chance slip through their fingers. If she didn’t find a way to gain Gavin’s favor tonight, everything they had worked toward would be for nothing. The noblewoman, Madam Thelma, stepped forward hastily, casting aside all pretense of composure. "Gavin, please wait! Perhaps you misunderstood what I meant earlier. While Audrey might not meet your standards for an assistant, she excels in other ways. She’s refined, well-mannered, and knows how to take care of a man. If you agree, I can arrange for her to accompany you to your residence. If it’s inconvenient for you now, you’re welcome to stay at the old residence instead." She smiled, trying to sound persuasive. "Think it over carefully, Gavin. Audrey is incomparable to certain others. She’s thousands of times more suited to you than the person you married. She’ll obey you in everything, never challenging or disobeying you…” The room fell into an uncomfortable silence. Liza narrowed her eyes, her expression calm yet dangerous. Offering women to Gavin was one thing; anyone could try their luck. But doing so while belittling her, his wife, in front of her? That was crossing a line. Gavin stopped in his tracks, his gaze sharp and unyielding. His voice was cold as ice. "Madam Thelma, are you insulting my wife?" His eyes briefly flicked toward Audrey, filled with undisguised contempt. "Are you seriously comparing her to my wife? Tell me, is she even worthy?" The cutting words sent a shiver through the room. Madam Thelma, the fourth sister of Gavin’s father, had married into the influential Carter Family and had since gained the title of mistress of their household. While the Carter Family couldn’t rival the Stone Family’s power, their status was still significant enough to earn Madam Thelma respect within the Stone Family. When she visited, she was addressed as “Fourth Madam,” a subtle acknowledgment of her connection to the Stone Family. But now, Gavin's deliberate use of "Madam Thelma" was a pointed rejection of that connection. It marked a clear boundary, separating her from the family’s inner circle. Yet Madam Thelma, accustomed to flattery and deference, remained oblivious to the simmering fury in Gavin’s voice. With an air of smug confidence, she pressed on. "Gavin, you’ve misunderstood me. I wasn’t trying to insult Miss Susanza. It’s just that Audrey was raised as a refined young lady, a product of elite education and upbringing. Unlike some others who grew up in the countryside, she knows how to carry herself. Gavin, while I respect your position as head of the Stone Family, I must speak frankly. Your choice of a wife reflects not just on you but on the entire Stone Family."Her tone grew increasingly patronizing. "The mistress of the Stone Family should be someone noble and dignified, like Audrey—a woman who is gentle, virtuous, and properly bred. Marrying someone without the appropriate background, a country girl who lacks refinement, isn’t just irresponsible to yourself; it’s a disservice to the family’s reputation." Her words hung in the air, dripping with disdain, as though Liza wasn’t even present. The condescension was palpable, her intent clear. She wasn’t just promoting Audrey but using this moment to belittle Liza and question her worthiness as Gavin’s wife. But the tension in the room hinted that Madam Thelma’s arrogance was about to meet an immovable force.