Liza lowered her gaze, her voice trembling with sorrow. “I heard that Grandpa Reed’s health is in a dire state, and I feel deeply sorry for that. But I can’t produce a single stalk of Jinchuan Grass to help, let alone save him. I admit that I failed to guard the Jinchuan Grass properly, but the one who destroyed it all… is Miss Sophia .” George froze, momentarily speechless. As Liza’s words sank in, the atmosphere shifted. It became clear to everyone that Gavin wasn’t refusing to help Grandpa Reed out of cruelty or ingratitude. Instead, it was because Sophia herself had been the one to destroy the precious herb. Sophia’s face turned ghostly pale. “No, that’s not true! I didn’t know it was Jinchuan Grass. She’s framing me! I only crushed a few weeds, and now she’s blaming me for ruining something so important!” Liza glanced at Sophia, feigning a look of helplessness. Her voice softened, though her words struck like daggers. “Miss Sophia , you must know that Jinchuan Grass was planted in the backyard by Mr. Robert. I was merely looking after it for him. Are you saying Mr. Robert lied about what he planted? It’s fine if you won’t admit what you’ve done. I have surveillance footage that can easily confirm whether or not you crushed the Jinchuan Grass.” The color drained from Sophia’s face, and her lips trembled. Her mind raced, but she found herself at a loss. She felt the weight of every accusing stare in the room. Murmurs rippled through the crowd as they turned their attention to Sophia. “So Grandpa Reed has been seeking Jinchuan Grass for years, only for his own granddaughter to destroy it? Unbelievable.” “Miss Sophia has been involved in the search for Jinchuan Grass for so long. Are we really supposed to believe she didn’t recognize it?” “If she did recognize it, then why destroy it? The Reed Family adores her, yet she would stoop to such cruelty?” “She must have done it on purpose. Poor Grandpa Reed, to be betrayed by the one he trusted most.” Liza dabbed at her eyes, her voice breaking with emotion. “Gavin, it’s heartbreaking. Miss Sophia destroyed the Jinchuan Grass, the one thing that could have saved Grandpa Reed’s life, and now she blames me for not helping. To achieve her own ends, she didn’t even hesitate to disregard the life of someone so dear to her. It’s terrifying…” George stood off to the side, silently watching the scene unfold. His lips twitched as he fought to contain his thoughts. The way Liza presented herself—fragile and innocent—was nothing short of theatrical brilliance. It was no wonder George always said she was extraordinary. If she weren’t already in this role, she could easily dominate the screen as an actress. Gavin, standing beside her, finally spoke, his tone calm yet laced with icy sarcasm. “It seems this entire situation has nothing to do with us. Sophia made the deliberate choice to destroy the Jinchuan Grass, ensuring Grandpa Reed wouldn’t recover, and then attempted to shift the blame onto my wife and me. Such audacity.”George blinked, barely suppressing a chuckle. The president didn’t even flinch as he delivered that statement with complete confidence. Tears welled in Liza’s eyes as she sniffled. “I feel so helpless! I don’t understand the complexities of the power struggles between noble families. I was just devastated to see the Jinchuan Grass, which I cared for so diligently, destroyed before it could even mature. “And poor Grandpa Reed… he’s still clinging to hope, waiting for the medicine that could save his life. Who could have imagined that the one to betray him would be his own granddaughter…” Sophia, overwhelmed by fear and desperation, couldn’t hold back anymore. She rushed forward, nearly stumbling, and pleaded with Grandpa stone. “No! I would never harm Grandpa! Grandpa Stone, you know me! I wouldn’t do something so horrible. Liza is twisting everything to her advantage. You have to believe me! She’s a threat to the Stone Family!” The room fell silent, all eyes shifting to Grandpa stone and Lady Edna. Both of their faces were grim. They had hoped to use this situation to drive Liza out of the family, but Sophia’s clumsy attempts to manipulate the narrative had backfired spectacularly. Her actions had not only failed but had also alienated her from the very people she needed support from. Grandpa stone’s expression darkened further. His hand slammed onto the table as he stood abruptly. “Enough! Liza, let’s put this incident behind us. But remember your place. Do not interfere with Gavin’s future or bring ruin to the Stone Family.” After that, Grandpa stone left angrily with Lady Edna following closely behind. Gavin spoke calmly, his tone sharp and unwavering. “George, escort Miss Sophia home. Make sure to explain the events of today to her family in full detail.” Sophia’s face drained of all color as terror gripped her. Her legs buckled beneath her, and she fell to her knees, her voice trembling with desperation. “No! Please, no!”Tears streamed down her face as she cried out, “I didn’t do anything wrong! Brother Gavin, you can’t tell Grandpa I hurt him. He’ll never forgive me!” Though Grandpa Reed adored his granddaughter, she knew this transgression was too great to be overlooked. If he learned she had intentionally destroyed the Jinchuan Grass, the one thing that could save his life, he would never tolerate such betrayal. Her thoughts spiraled into panic. This must not get out! If it does, my life as I know it will be over. In a frantic attempt to regain control, Sophia stumbled to her feet, her eyes blazing with malice. “Nobody is allowed to say a word about this! Do you hear me? Not one of you! If you dare speak, you’ll regret it!” Her outburst sent a ripple of shock through the room. Liza instinctively stepped closer to Gavin, shielding herself behind him as though seeking his protection. Her voice quivered as she spoke, yet her words carried a cutting edge. “Miss Sophia , are you trying to threaten everyone here? This isn’t just an accusation—it’s the truth. There’s even video evidence to prove it. What’s next? Are you planning to silence everyone to keep them quiet?” The crowd drew in a collective breath of disbelief. What had started as a family dispute was now escalating into something far darker. Most of the people present had come merely to witness the commotion, yet here they were, faced with Sophia’s outrageous threats. The attendees weren’t ordinary bystanders either; they were some of the most influential figures in Li City. For Sophia—a mere junior in the Reed Family—to threaten them like this was beyond audacious. Gavin’s gaze turned icy as he stared at Sophia. Without sparing her another word, he gently took Liza’s hand and led her out of the room. His actions spoke volumes, a silent declaration of where his loyalty lay. George stepped forward, his expression cold and detached. His voice was steady, yet his words carried an unmistakable warning. “Miss Sophia , the president and the young madam share a strong bond. They’re united, unlike the position you’ve placed yourself in—as an outsider. “Let me remind you of one thing: if you ever dare to harm or falsely accuse the young madam again…” He paused, his gaze sharp and unyielding. “The Reed Family will cease to exist in Li City.” The room fell into an oppressive silence, broken only by Sophia’s faint, choked breaths.