A thin IV line was connected to the back of Audrey’s hand as she lay on the bed, looking frail and weak. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, and she forced a small, reassuring smile. “It’s fine… I’m fine,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. Madam Thelma, the sister-in-law of Lady Edna, stood beside her with a worried expression. Audrey was her husband's niece, but over the years, Madam Thelma had come to treat her like her own child, especially since she had no children of her own. Audrey and Gavin had grown up together, their families always hoping they would grow closer as they matured. Madam Thelma, like Lady Edna, had always showered Audrey with love and affection. Seeing Audrey trying to act strong only deepened their heartache. Madam Thelma’s chest felt heavy, as though every word Audrey spoke was piercing her heart. Tears began to stream down Audrey’s pale cheeks as she bit her lip. “Aunt… Lady Edna… please don’t worry about me. I know my body well enough to understand my limits. This has nothing to do with Miss Susanza…” She paused for a moment, her hands trembling slightly before she spoke again, her voice heavy with emotion. “It’s just… my heart aches for Brother Gavin. He’s so extraordinary, but…” Her voice faltered as she hesitated to finish the thought. Gathering her courage, she continued softly, “Brother Gavin is burdened enough with his work, but now he has to deal with a wife who’s rude and arrogant. I’m afraid she’ll bring him endless trouble. Just thinking about how much more he has to endure… it breaks my heart.” Lady Edna clenched her fists, her anger bubbling to the surface. Audrey’s words felt like a sharp arrow, hitting her in the most vulnerable spot. “You’re absolutely right,” she said, her voice filled with disdain. “Liza is nothing but a meddlesome country girl. How could someone like her ever be worthy of Gavin?” Audrey coughed softly, her weak frame trembling under the effort. “Lady Edna,” she said with a resigned smile, “all I want is for Brother Gavin to be happy. I don’t mind how Miss Susanza treats me. If enduring her hostility makes things easier for him, I’m willing to bear it.” Madam Thelma’s eyes brimmed with tears as she exclaimed, “Oh, my poor child! Why are you so selfless? It’s unfair!” Unable to contain her fury, Lady Edna shot to her feet. Her expression hardened with resolve as she spat, “No! This can’t be overlooked. Liza will apologize to you this instant!” As Lady Edna stormed out of the room, her anger radiating like heat, Audrey let out a soft sigh. “Aunt,” she murmured, “I don’t want to go against Miss Susanza. What strength do I have to compete with her in my condition?” Madam Thelma wrapped an arm around Audrey’s frail shoulders, her heart breaking for the girl. “You’re more than qualified,” she said softly. “No one is more deserving than you.” Meanwhile, across the house, Liza was just wrapping up a phone call with her Albert. She had asked if he might know where the old physician she was searching for could be found. Her teacher’s silver needles were spread out in front of her, and she had been examining them when the sudden sound of a loud crash startled her. The door to her room flew open with a bang, startling Liza. She looked up calmly to find Lady Edna standing in the doorway, her face twisted with fury. Behind her, a group of servants lingered nervously, unsure of what might happen next. Liza’s brow arched as she met Lady Edna’s blazing eyes with a steady gaze. It seemed trouble had come knocking—quite literally. “Liza, how dare you sit there so calmly after what you’ve done? Audrey’s health is fragile, and you almost drove her to her death! Were you trying to provoke her on purpose, knowing how delicate she is? You vile little wretch!” Lady Edna’s voice rang out, laced with both fury and indignation. Her anger seemed to stem less from genuine concern for Audrey and more from the humiliation Gavin had caused her in front of everyone. Unable to control Gavin like she once could, Lady Edna directed all her frustration toward Liza, whom she perceived as an easier target. “Apologize to Audrey this instant! If you refuse, don’t blame the Stone Family for cutting ties with you as our daughter-in-law. Your unreasonable behavior will not be tolerated!” Liza met her glare with a calm expression, her voice steady as she replied, “I’ve done nothing wrong. Why should I apologize?” Lady Edna’s face turned red with rage. “You angered her so much that she fainted! Isn’t that reason enough? Is this the kind of upbringing the Sinclair Family gave you?” Liza’s tone remained unruffled as she explained, “Lady Edna, if you think logically for even a moment, you’d realize that the person who caused Audrey to faint was Gavin, not me. If anyone should apologize, it would be him. But judging by your behavior, it’s clear you don’t dare confront Gavin, so you’re taking it out on me instead, aren’t you?” For a brief moment, Lady Edna’s expression faltered, her anger giving way to uncertainty. But she quickly recovered and began to wail loudly. “What have I done to deserve this?! I waited so long for Gavin to marry, only for him to bring home someone like you! You refuse to admit your faults and have the audacity to blame Gavin! You’ve brought your uncivilized habits from the countryside to disgrace our Stone Family. How could someone like you be worthy of staying here? You’re tarnishing our reputation!” Liza raised an eyebrow, her voice cool and composed. “The countryside, you say? Well, in the countryside, we don’t throw tantrums or create scenes like this—it’s seen as disgraceful. More importantly, people there value fairness and reason. Unlike here, where accusations are made without evidence, and someone is condemned based on nothing but baseless words.” Her casual yet cutting remarks only fueled Lady Edna’s fury. “Servants! Grab her! If she won’t apologize willingly, then force her to bow her head and make amends!” As the servants moved toward her, Liza deftly stepped aside, evading their grasp with ease. Her lips curled into a mocking smile as she faced Lady Edna. “Resorting to force, Lady Edna? Is this what high society has come to? Bullying someone to save face?” “You insolent girl!” Lady Edna was seething, her frustration evident as she barked at the servants. “What are you waiting for? Can’t you handle one woman with all of you? Useless fools!”