Liza let out a soft chuckle, her gaze sharp and cold. "In your eyes, I’m nothing more than a pawn," she said, her voice steady but filled with defiance. "You expect me to bow to your whims, even if it means accepting blame for things I haven’t done. And now, because you think Sophia is the victim, I’m supposed to apologize? That’s absurd." Lady Edna’s eyes widened in shock. It was clear she hadn’t expected such a bold response from Liza. “You... How dare you!” Lady Edna stammered, her composure faltering. Liza raised her chin slightly, meeting Lady Edna’s glare without flinching. “I dare because I’m not a pushover. You might think you can manipulate me like a puppet, but you’re wrong. Let’s not forget it was Sophia who ruined Gavin’s medicinal herbs. Yet here you are, twisting the story to blame me instead.” The room fell into an uneasy silence. Liza’s words hung in the air like a challenge. “Or perhaps,” Liza continued, her tone tinged with mockery, “you actually wanted her to destroy his things? Maybe you’ve been hoping for his downfall all along. And now, because I won’t bow to your schemes, you’re pushing for a divorce. Isn’t that right, Lady Edna?” Gasps echoed around the room. The atmosphere grew tense, as everyone present knew the truth Liza had just unveiled: Lady Edna harbored deep resentment toward Gavin and had long wished for his ruin. Lady Edna’s face turned pale, then red with fury. “How dare you speak such nonsense! Enough!” she bellowed, her voice trembling with outrage. Pointing a shaking finger at Liza, she snapped, “Seize her! This shameless woman doesn’t deserve to be part of this family!” At her command, a group of servants stepped forward. Just as they were about to act, the sound of the door opening froze everyone in their tracks. Gavin entered the room with deliberate steps, his tall frame exuding authority. He moved to Liza’s side, placing himself between her and the approaching servants. His dark eyes locked onto Lady Edna’s. “I told you,” Gavin said, his voice low but full of menace, “don’t provoke Liza.” Lady Edna, emboldened by Grandpa stone’s presence in the room, shot back with venom in her tone. “Gavin! I’m your mother! This woman is nothing but a plaything. I was simply teaching her how to behave like a proper daughter-in-law. Are you saying I’m wrong?” Gavin’s lips curled into a cold sneer. “Lady Edna, if you feel so idle, I could always give you something to occupy your time—perhaps starting with your departure from the Stone family?” Lady Edna’s face turned ashen, her body trembling with fury. Was Gavin truly threatening her? And over that woman, Liza? “Brother Gavin, this is all my fault,” Sophia interjected, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her face. “Aunt Edna only has your best interests at heart. If I hadn’t come looking for you at the Stone family home, none of this would have happened. I’ll leave right away…” Gavin’s cold eyes shifted to Sophia. Without a word, he gestured to the people standing behind him. George stepped forward, his voice void of warmth. “Miss Sophia , the president has instructed that you are not to come near the Stone Family again.” Sophia lowered her head in humiliation, tears falling freely as she whispered, “Brother Gavin…” Her pitiful display seemed to stoke Lady Edna’s rage. Her face contorted with malice as she spat, “Gavin! I asked Liza to apologize to Sophia to settle this matter quickly. The Stone and Reed families have been close allies for years, and we can’t afford to ruin that relationship over a woman!” Gavin remained composed, his expression unreadable. His sharp gaze met hers with an intensity that silenced the room. George stepped forward again, his voice firm. “Miss Sophia , please leave immediately.”The air grew heavy with tension. Lady Edna and Grandpa stone’s faces darkened at the blatant dismissal. Grandpa stone, now seething with anger, slammed his hand on the table. “Gavin! Have you lost your mind? Are you defying everyone in this family for the sake of this woman?” His voice boomed, echoing through the room. “This is unacceptable! That woman has been nothing but trouble. She seduced you, hid the Jinchuan Grass, and now you’re openly defying me! When Old Master Reed was gravely ill, you refused to hand over the medicinal herb he needed. How ungrateful can you be?” Liza stood silently, watching the scene unfold. She couldn’t help but marvel at how skilled the old man was at hurling accusations. Sophia’s eyes brimmed with unshed tears as she spoke in a trembling voice. “Brother Gavin, even if you don’t like me, you shouldn’t sever ties with the Reed family because of Miss Liza. It will ruin your future!”Several members of the Stone Family nodded in agreement. One of them added, “Miss Liza, you should know your place. You’re not fit to be the mistress of the Stone Family. Only someone like Miss Sophia can take on that role.” “Exactly!” another chimed in. “How dare you cling to Mr. Gavin when you’re clearly unwelcome here?” Lady Edna’s expression turned smug. “Gavin, Sophia didn’t mean any harm. She knew you weren’t fond of those herbs and flowers, so she got rid of them for you. Everything she does is for your benefit! How can you blame her for that?” Gavin let out a cold laugh, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “For my own good? Well, I must thank her, then.” The room fell silent at his words. Grandpa stone’s face was dark with anger. “Gavin, if you won’t make Liza apologize, fine. But you must stop antagonizing the Reed Family! One day, you’ll see that Sophia is the only one truly suited for you. That other woman is nothing but a passing amusement. She can never be the mistress of this family!” He leaned forward, his voice growing harsher. “Hand over the Jinchuan Grass now, and I’ll overlook your mistakes. Bring her to heel!” Gavin’s sharp eyes narrowed. Jinchuan Grass? It all made sense now. The uproar today wasn’t just about Liza or Sophia. They wanted the Jinchuan Grass. That was their true motive all along.