Mr. Sam ’s assistant hesitated before speaking. “Sir, considering your status and influence, there are countless women vying for your attention. Why waste time pursuing a married woman? Especially Liza—she’s the wife of Gavin, the illegitimate son of the Stone Family.” The faint smile on Mr. Sam ’s lips disappeared, replaced by a cold, calculating gaze. His eyes narrowed as he replied, “I don’t just want Liza. I want to take everything Gavin holds dear. I’ll strip him of everything he values.” The assistant nodded in agreement, his tone growing conspiratorial. “Exactly, sir. If you manage to take Liza away and then discard her, it’ll utterly destroy Gavin’s pride and reputation.” But Mr. Sam merely scoffed at the suggestion. “Discard her? That’s not part of my plan,” he said, his voice calm but resolute. “Liza is far too intriguing to treat as disposable. She’s rare, and I find her endlessly fascinating.”Stepping into his car, Mr. Sam ’s expression softened into a smile. “Let’s head to Sinclair Corperation. It’s time I expressed my gratitude to Miss Liza.” In the car, Gavin’s expression was cold, his tone sharp. “Mrs. Liza, you seem rather familiar with Mr. Sam .” Liza straightened, raising a hand to her chest as she spoke with exaggerated earnestness. “Not at all! We’re really not close. I’ve only seen him once, and that was at the Stone Family’s estate.” Gavin’s dark gaze lingered on her for a moment before he gave a small nod. Suddenly, the car accelerated, making Liza’s heart leap. “You’re not to see him again,” Gavin said firmly, his voice leaving no room for negotiation. A shiver ran through her as she instinctively reached for her phone, typing in Mr. Sam ’s name. The results filled her screen: heir to the Smith Family… and Prudence’s nephew. Her thoughts froze. Prudence.Wasn’t she the old chairman’s first wife? The memory of her tragic fate began to surface. Prudence had once held the highest position in the family, only for Mrs. Edna to swoop in and seize control, using Gavin’s presence to cement her status. Prudence, heartbroken and powerless, had passed away not long after. From that day, the Smith and Stone families became bitter enemies. The Smith Family directed their hatred at Gavin, the illegitimate child Mrs. Edna used to rise to power. Liza’s chest tightened as the pieces fell into place. Mr. Sam ’s interest in her wasn’t coincidental—it was a calculated move to humiliate Gavin. If Mr. Sam succeeded in taking her away, Gavin would become the subject of ridicule and scorn. But what truly made her heart ache was the unfairness of it all. Gavin had been just a child back then, innocent of the chaos surrounding him. Yet he bore the weight of everyone’s schemes and anger. Mrs. Edna , the woman who owed everything to Gavin, treated him like a tool rather than a son. Instead of cherishing him, she subjected him to abuse and manipulation, all while shielding her own ambitions. Meanwhile, the Smith Family’s animosity made him a constant target, forcing him to endure their schemes and hatred. Liza’s hands clenched tightly as she whispered, “I won’t see him again.” Gavin’s icy demeanor softened slightly, the tension in his jaw easing as her words reached him. His expression remained stoic, but the subtle change was undeniable. Despite the wrongs committed against the Smith Family, the Stone Family had long demanded that Gavin tolerate their hostility. His own family expected him to endure, never offering support or protection. And now, Mr. Sam ’s attempt to steal her would be yet another battle Gavin would face. But this time, Liza wasn’t going to let it happen. Her resolve hardened as she opened her messaging app and sent a brief note to her Albert.[Albert, I need everything you can find on the Smith Family. Send it to me.] … At Sinclair Corperation, the atmosphere in the meeting room was tense, with frustration and anxiety evident on everyone’s faces. “President Sinclair ,” one of the senior managers began, his voice heavy with concern, “we’ve received word from Stone Corporation. They’ve made it clear—if we don’t expel Miss Serena, they’ll immediately withdraw their investment.” Another veteran employee, his tone cautious but firm, added, “Miss Serena, it might be time to consider stepping down. Keeping you here risks offending the Stone Family, and that could bring disaster upon Sinclair Corperation.” Serena sat stiffly beside Madam Victoria, her expression sour and indignant. Only a few weeks ago, Mr Sinclair had promised to transfer the family company’s shares to Serena and remove Liza entirely. But everything had unraveled after the scandal involving Davis. Evidence had surfaced proving Serena’s involvement in orchestrating the incident, painting her as the instigator. Serena’s reputation as a popular public figure took a massive hit. The internet buzzed with criticism, accusing her of being jealous of Liza’s talents and resorting to petty schemes to undermine her sister. The veteran continued, his voice steady but laced with urgency. “Miss Serena’s actions have directly offended Stone Corporation. Mr Gavin has already shown leniency by not taking harsher measures against our company. If we refuse to act, the consequences from the Stone Family could be severe.” Serena lowered her head, tears streaming down her face as she spoke in a soft, trembling voice. “I never wanted to hurt my sister. I was only trying to help her. I don’t understand why she’s doing this to me. She’s ruining the Sinclair Family!” Madam Victoria, her anger bubbling over, slammed her hand on the table. “This has nothing to do with my daughter!” she shouted, her voice sharp and defensive. “The rest of you are benefiting from the Sinclair Family, yet you’re siding with that wretched Liza? How dare you try to drive my daughter away?” Her glare swept across the room before she continued, her tone dripping with venom. “Stone Corporation’s threats have nothing to do with Serena. There must be another reason for their actions. But instead of investigating, you’ve all turned on us. Have you lost your minds?” The veteran’s patience snapped as he rose abruptly from his chair, his expression dark. “Madam Victoria, Serena!” he said, his voice commanding. “You both know the truth. Liza holds 74% of the company’s shares. You’re in no position to challenge her. Every scheme you’ve tried has backfired spectacularly.” His gaze fixed on Serena, unflinching. “You accused the eldest miss of harming you, but the evidence says otherwise. And as her mother, you’re no better—your manipulations and schemes have only brought shame to this company!” The room fell silent, the weight of his words settling over everyone.Mr Sinclair’s face turned ashen, his fury barely contained as he sat silently, knowing the reality of the situation but unwilling to accept it. His plans to hand over control of the company to Serena had backfired, leaving the entire family teetering on the brink of disaster.