Audrey feigned surprise, covering her mouth in mock shock. “Oh, Miss Susanza, so you’re not originally from Li City? You grew up in the countryside…” She trailed off, as though catching herself mid-sentence. With a flustered expression, she quickly turned to Gavin and apologized. “I’m so sorry, Master Gu. I didn’t mean to suggest that Miss Susanzais lacking. I was just… surprised to learn about her background so suddenly.” For the first time since entering, Gavin’s gaze shifted toward Audrey, locking onto her with an unreadable intensity. Seeing this, Audrey’s cheeks flushed lightly, and she assumed her words had finally captured his attention. In her mind, she had succeeded in planting seeds of dissatisfaction in Gavin’s heart toward Liza. After all, how could a man like Gavin—a powerful, sophisticated leader—possibly accept someone with Liza’s background? Rumors claimed that their marriage happened because Liza forced him into it, using trickery at the Civil Affairs Bureau. Now that he was reminded of her humble origins, wouldn’t he begin to resent her? Gavin’s calm voice broke the silence. “You’re right. My wife did spend her childhood in the countryside.” Liza turned her head toward him, her expression unreadable. Audrey’s heart leaped with excitement. She softened her gaze and turned to Liza with a seemingly apologetic smile. Her tone was gentle, almost pitying. “Oh, I see. So those rumors were true after all…” Gavin shifted his attention back to Audrey. “I heard that you grew up in Li City, raised as a young mistress in an upper-class family?” Audrey blinked, caught off guard for a moment, but quickly recovered. She nodded eagerly, thinking Gavin was showing an interest in her. “Yes, the Torres Family always prioritized their children’s education. I’ve been held to high standards my entire life, and I’ve always done my best to live up to them.” She straightened slightly, exuding confidence. Compared to Liza’s humble beginnings, her upbringing as a refined young lady clearly placed her miles ahead. Gavin’s lips curled into a faint smile, but it lacked any warmth. His voice, though even, carried a sharp edge. “Is that so? You’ve been raised with such strict family values, yet you failed to meet even the minimum qualifications to work as an assistant at Stone Corporation.” He paused, his tone tinged with icy disdain. “It makes me wonder if perhaps your family’s ‘education’ was wasted on you—or if, perhaps, your brain simply doesn’t function as it should.” Audrey’s expression faltered, the smugness draining from her face. Gavin’s gaze hardened as he continued, his voice steady but cutting. “Of course, there are differences in people’s capabilities. Some are naturally brilliant, while others are... less so. Take my wife, for example. Yes, she grew up in the countryside, but through sheer talent and determination, she rose to become an internationally renowned designer. She’s broken records in her field, and countless people look up to her with admiration and pride.” “My wife is a capable and intelligent woman,” Gavin remarked coldly. “Meanwhile, you, Miss Audrey, claim to have been raised with strict education and values, yet you can't even meet the basic qualifications to be an assistant. It’s pitiful. Instead of improving yourself, your mind is consumed with schemes to climb into a man’s bed. You’ve brought this upon yourself.” His words were blunt and cutting, leaving no room for argument. Liza, standing beside him, felt a wave of satisfaction. Though Gavin’s demeanor was typically reserved, his sharp rebuke of Audrey was unexpectedly gratifying. As a woman, Liza found Audrey’s behavior distasteful. She despised women who relied on superficial beauty and underhanded tactics to get ahead. She had even prepared herself to respond to Audrey, unwilling to let anyone belittle her. Yet, Gavin had beaten her to it, and his words left little else to be said. Tears streamed down Audrey’s face, her composure unraveling as she stood there trembling. Gavin’s harsh critique had struck her deeply, leaving her visibly shaken. “Brother Gavin…” she choked out weakly, but her plea fell on deaf ears. Without sparing her another glance, Gavin turned to Liza. “Don’t waste your time talking to people like her. Ignorance is contagious. Let’s go see Grandma,” he said calmly, extending his hand to her. Liza placed her hand in his, her lips curving into a small smile. As they turned to leave, she glanced back at Audrey, delivering her parting words with mock sympathy. “I’m sorry, Miss Audrey. My husband has advised me not to engage too much with people lacking basic sense. So, we’ll be on our way now.” Audrey clutched her chest, tears streaming down her face as she gasped for air. “Brother Gavin… I… I’m not…” she stammered, her voice breaking. Before she could finish, her knees gave way, and she collapsed to the ground. Madam Thelma rushed forward, panic written all over her face. “Audrey! Audrey, wake up! Don’t scare me!” She held Audrey tightly, her voice trembling with alarm. When Audrey’s tear-streaked face betrayed nothing but heartbreak, Madam Thelma turned her fury toward Gavin.“Gavin! How could you be so cruel?” she yelled, her voice cracking with emotion. “Have you forgotten the promise you made when you were young?!” Her words caught Liza’s attention, her eyebrows arching in curiosity. A promise from his youth? Madam Thelma, her voice rising in desperation, continued, “Gavin, you vowed to take care of Audrey for the rest of your life when you were just a boy! Now that you have a new lover, you’ve forgotten all about her! Poor Audrey has turned down countless suitors for you. She’s devoted herself to you completely. When she found out about your marriage, she cried until she fainted from heartbreak. Even now, all she wants is to stay by your side. Yet you humiliate her like this. Gavin, do you even have a heart?!” Her impassioned pleas echoed through the room, but Gavin didn’t falter. Without even a backward glance, he continued walking, his hand firmly holding Liza’s. No matter how loudly Madam Thelma shouted or how bitterly she cried, Gavin remained unmoved. His resolve was unshakable, leaving Madam Thelma and Audrey behind, their desperate cries fading into the background as he walked away with Liza at his side.