Grandpa Reed dabbed at his forehead with a handkerchief, his expression plastered with a forced smile. “You must have misunderstood, Gavin. Our two families have always shared a strong bond, and the Stone Family has consistently supported us. Why would we ever consider severing ties? These rumors you’ve heard are simply baseless.” Lady Reed chimed in with a conciliatory tone. “Gavin, Sophia caused trouble by damaging Miss Liza plants. She realizes her mistake and has come here to apologize. Sophia, come forward.” With a slight wave of Lady Reed’s hand, Sophia stepped forward hesitantly, her demeanor shy but simmering with restrained indignation. Gavin remained reclined on the sofa, his posture relaxed yet exuding an unmistakable authority. His sharp gaze swept across the room, his voice cold and deliberate. “I’m not the one who deserves an apology. Has the Reed family forgotten who you’ve wronged?”Sophia’s lips tightened, her face a mask of grievance as she struggled to suppress her growing anger. Why should she apologize to Liza? In her mind, this entire situation was Liza’s fault. If it weren’t for that woman, she would have been married to Gavin long ago. Sophia bit her lip hard, but her silence betrayed her defiance. Lady Reed quickly interjected, her tone coaxing. “Gavin, Sophia’s actions were thoughtless, but her car was also damaged in the process. Surely that makes us even? She only acted out of her deep affection for you. Let’s not make this situation harder than it needs to be.” The room fell into an uncomfortable silence. Lady Reed’s words hung in the air like a misplaced piece of decor. Gavin glanced at her impassively, his tone indifferent yet firm. “If that’s how you see it, then I suggest you leave.” The tension in the room spiked as cold sweat appeared on the brows of the Reed family members.Sophia’s face went pale, her knuckles white as she clenched her fists. The humiliation she felt was unbearable. She had humbled herself enough to visit, only to be dismissed so callously. Her anger burned as she glared at Liza, standing quietly nearby. Her voice erupted with venomous indignation. “Liza! This must be your doing! I’ve come here, lowered myself to apologize, and yet you still won’t let this go? You’re being completely unreasonable!” Liza remained composed, her expression indifferent. But then, with a faint smile, she tilted her head and asked softly, “An apology, Miss Sophia? Forgive me, but I don’t believe I’ve heard one. Perhaps I missed it? Would you mind saying it again?” Sophia’s body trembled with barely-contained fury, her eyes reddened with frustration. That woman dared to mock her in front of everyone? Coming here was already a blow to Sophia’s pride, and now Liza had the audacity to demand more. Grandpa Reed’s face darkened as he frowned at Liza. His voice carried an edge of disapproval. “Miss Liza, you are surely aware of the long-standing relationship between our two families. Yet, ever since you married into the Stone Family, that bond has weakened. And now, over some plants, you’ve caused significant damage to our family’s property. Do you truly think it’s fair to demand that Sophia kneel before you? Isn’t this going too far?” Liza’s eyes narrowed, and her lips curled into a cold smile. “Plants? Is that what you believe this is about, Grandpa Reed? Just a few stalks of grass?” Her voice, though calm, carried a sharpness that cut through the room’s tension. “I’ve heard the Reed family prides itself on its superior upbringing. Yet, here we are. Sophia blatantly ignored the sign prohibiting entry into the backyard, barged in, and intentionally destroyed the herbs I was cultivating. Are these the values your family holds dear? If anyone here owes an apology, it’s the Reed family—don’t you think?”Grandpa Reed’s face flushed with frustration, his hands trembling as he struggled to maintain his composure. Even his beard quivered as he retorted, “Miss Liza , the Reed and Stone families have always been closely connected—both in business and personally. Do you really think it’s appropriate to influence Gavin’s decisions out of jealousy?” Liza’s gaze sharpened, and her voice carried a steely calm. “Influence Gavin? Let’s not twist the truth, Grandpa Reed. In business, the Reed family has long depended on the Stone Family for survival. It was Gavin who extended his support and provided you with the opportunities you needed to sustain your family. And yet, you speak as if it’s the Stone Family that owes you something. Shouldn’t it be the Reed family lowering their heads in gratitude? Instead, you act as though you’ve done the Stone Family a favor.” Her words landed like sharp daggers, and the room tensed as the Reed family stared at her with open hostility. Then, her tone turned colder. “And one more thing, Grandpa Reed—stop pretending to be a senior figure in Gavin’s life. You have no such standing. So spare us the theatrics.” The color drained from Grandpa Reed’s face as he clutched his chest in anger, his expression twisted with outrage. “You—how dare you…” But before he could say more, Gavin’s deep and unyielding voice cut through the air. “Butler, show them the door.” The butler bowed respectfully and motioned for the Reed family to leave. “This way, please.” Gavin, still seated in his relaxed yet commanding posture, added coldly, “This is my private residence, not a place for uninvited guests. From now on, if anyone disregards my instructions and forces their way in, stop them by any means necessary. I’ll take full responsibility for whatever happens.” The Reed family was struck speechless. Their eyes widened in disbelief as the realization dawned—Gavin wasn’t merely angry. He was severing ties with them entirely.Grandpa Reed’s anger reached its breaking point. His chest heaved as his breath grew ragged. Then, without warning, his body slumped forward, unconscious. “Dad!” “Grandfather!” Panic erupted among the Reed family members as they rushed to support him. Sophia’s tear-streaked face twisted with rage as she turned on Liza. “Liza! You’re so heartless! Look what you’ve done! You’ve pushed my grandfather to collapse—what more do you want from us?” Lady Reed’s voice cracked with emotion as she pleaded, “I warned against bringing the old master here. His health is frail, and he can’t handle such agitation. Gavin, are you really going to let this woman destroy the bond our families have built over the years?” Master Meng, looking equally distressed, chimed in with a helpless expression. “Gavin, regardless of the situation, the old master is still an elder. Surely he deserves better treatment than this…”