Serenas POV Fear gripped me when I felt the stares directed towards me. When Liza spoke, her voice was calm but carried an air of authority which made dread to gnaw at my heart. This store is owned by Sinclair Corporation. This shop is mine because I own 65% of the shares. That's not possible,I screamed, my face twisting in shock. You're not married yet. The shares can't be transferred until you are married so you can't have the shop! She didn't look bothered. Instead, she fished out a piece of paper from her bag and placed it on the table between us. The deal to transfer equity has been finalized. She looked serious and that meant one thing; this was true. The shares had been transferred. My heart slammed against my chest in panic as my face went pale. My knees almost gave out. There was no point looking at the paper Liza was holding now, but my eyes remained fixed on it. Liza wouldn't lie and come here if that wasn't true. Mr. Peter suddenly pointed a finger at me like I was some sort of criminal. Miss Serena, what's going on here? You first claimed the Eldest Misss shop as your own, and then you told lies about her to hurt her reputation! And now you're questioning her identity? How could someone so young be so sneaky? It wouldn't surprise me if you planned every bad thing said about Eldest Miss! Liza was amused. Apparently, Mr. Peters outburst impressed her. Brandon stood still beside me, in shock. Finally, he muttered with a tone of disbelief. Wait…this shop belongs to Liza?Then he turned to look at me. Serena, what's going on? You said the Sinclair family would hold onto the shares until she got married, right? I clenched my hands into fists with rage flaring up inside of me. I didn't see this coming. I never saw anything Liza did coming. And I was also curious to know what was happening as much as everyone else. I bit my lips and took a deep breath. With a soft voice, I said. Brandon, I have no idea what's going on either. Father never said anything about selling shares. The way my sister acts has changed a lot lately. At times, I don't understand what she's doing. That being said, if she says this shop is hers, it must be, right? My voice was trembling out of fear and concern. I glanced at Liza and Mr. Peter. Well, it's clear she's veering off track and degrading herself again!Brandon said in a loud voice. I turned to see him staring at Liza with a disgusted expression on his face. Completely unfazed and indifferent, Liza didn't say a word. She just kept smiling like she had no care in the world. What do you mean by what you just said, Miss Serena?Mr. Peter snapped at me with annoyance. Be clear about it in front of everyone! What do your claims imply? Are you suggesting that Eldest Miss and I are colluding to deceive you? Speak up?! I jerked upright at his yellings. I…didn't…mean…it that way. I couldn't help but stammer and that ruined my plans because whispers among the crowd grew louder. Why all the fuss?Someone asked. She already said she'd give the shop to Liza. I feel there's something going on between Mr. Peter and Liza,another person commented. Why else would he defend her so fiercely? That's gross. Shameless behavior! Hearing this, Mr. Peters face flushed red with anger. He seemed appalled by the baseless accusations and he spoke up like I expected. That's ridiculous! Utter nonsense! I'm merely doing my job. Liza is the rightful heir of Sinclair Corporation. It's only proper to respect her authority and acknowledge her ownership. This shop is rightfully hers! Liza waved a hand at Mr. Peter. That's enough,she said firmly and turned to the small crowd of people who had supported me. Her voice was steady, carrying undeniable authority as she addressed them. Everyone who spoke out of turn just now will get a slander letter from my lawyer. Another round of gasps filled the air. Mr. Peter gave a strong nod of agreement. Eldest Miss, don't worry. Let me handle this. I'll make sure your good name is recovered. Liza turned to Brandon and asked with feigned interest and a small smile on her face. I heard you came here today because you're interested in a new guitar that just arrived? I expected Brandon to lash at her but he only gave a stiff answer. Yes, that's true. Why? Her smile widened. Oh, not much. You could have sent someone to pick it up from the shop instead. Why bother coming all the way here yourself? Brandon looked thoughtful and I feared he would switch sides. He was stunned by Liza's niceness and I wished I could tell him I knew that meant trouble was coming. He stared at her for a few minutes without a word. Liza on the other hand, was smiling so much that her beauty shone through even when she wasn't wearing anything fancy. I wondered within me if Brandon also noticed. Liza was just wearing a simple sweater but her sharp features and confidence were more attractive than anything else. That's fine. I wanted to come see it for myself but thanks for the thought, Liza. My jaws dropped as I turned to face Brandon. Did Brandon just talk to Liza nicely?