George kept his composure and added, “Young Madam, you’ve also been invited to attend F Nation’s prestigious fashion show. Just last week, they were eagerly following up about your $100 million design draft. You might want to schedule some time to finalize it. “And let’s not forget, the wedding gown for the wealthiest man in the capital is still pending. While you’ve been extremely busy and hardly have enough time to rest, it’s an important project that shouldn’t be delayed any further.” Alora’s smile froze instantly, her earlier confidence faltering. Alora’s expression stiffened, her embarrassment evident. She could feel the room closing in around her. He Wasn’t just defending Liza—they were making it crystal clear they saw through her act. George continued, a mischievous edge to his voice. “Our young madam isn’t just anyone. She’s Ruby Co—the internationally renowned designer! People who want her designs could queue up all the way to the capital. Let’s not rush her; her talent is unmatched.” Hearing this, Alora’s body tensed as if struck by lightning. Liza is Ruby Co? Her mind raced. She had never imagined Liza could be the legendary Ruby Co. She had spent so much time overseas, away from domestic news, and never cared enough to investigate. Still, she struggled to believe it. Could Liza really be the mysterious designer everyone admired? Or is this some kind of charade to secure her position as Mrs. Stone? Forcing a smile, Alora feigned astonishment. “Liza is Ruby Co? How incredible! I’ve always admired Ruby Co’s work. I knew anyone Gavin cared for would be exceptional.” Liza raised an eyebrow and replied coolly, “Miss Alora is quite perceptive.” She glanced at the group, her voice calm but sharp enough to cut through the room. “You’re right—I live quite an idle life. After all, each dress I design is priceless. I have more money than I could ever spend, so there’s no need for me to tire myself out designing day and night. At this point, money is just a number to me.” Alora’s face turned pale, her composure cracking. She could barely hold herself together, feeling as though she might cough up blood from frustration. From Liza's tone, it was evident she was implying that Alora's painstakingly crafted designs were far less valuable than a single piece designed by her. Alora’s face turned pale, but she managed to force a smile. “You’re right, Liza. As a designer yourself, your standards must be much higher. It’s understandable that my designs don’t meet your expectations. Don’t worry, I’ll create a new batch for you soon.” Just then, a sharp voice broke the tension from the doorway. “Gavin, are you seriously going to stand by and let Sister Alora be treated this way? She worked overtime every night to create 16 outfits, but she’s being dismissed so easily?” Liza turned to see a young man sauntering in with Gavin. The young man’s casual attire was clearly from high-end designer brands, and he exuded an air of youthful arrogance, though he couldn’t have been more than 18 or 19 years old. Liza recognized him immediately. This was Gavin’s biological younger brother, Henry —the son their mother cherished the most. If Gavin hadn’t taken full control of the Stone Family upon reaching adulthood, the Stone Family ’s reins would likely have fallen to Henry . Henry carried himself with an air of entitlement, a cigarette dangling casually from his lips as he glared at Liza. “How could this woman be worthy of being the mistress of the Stone Family ? A gentle and elegant woman like Sister Alora would be far more suitable!” Alora’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly stepped in to pacify the situation. “Henry , don’t say that!” she scolded gently before turning to Gavin with a soft smile. “Gavin, he’s still young and impulsive. Don’t take his words too seriously.” Henry wasn’t deterred by her intervention. “But Sister Alora, am I wrong?” he protested. “You worked so hard to design 16 outfits for her, and she hasn’t even said thank you! She’s just making things hard for you! Liza, why are you so petty?” Liza chuckled lightly, unfazed by his accusation. Her calm demeanor only seemed to heighten the tension in the room. Alora’s indignation was baffling to her. Wouldn’t she be compensated for designing those clothes? If she’d accepted payment, wasn’t that simply her job? Why was she acting as though she’d suffered some great injustice for doing what she was paid to do? Moreover, if Alora had genuinely poured her heart into crafting those designs for her, Liza would have accepted them regardless of whether they were to her taste. But these outfits weren’t created with sincerity—they were laced with malice and ulterior motives. Feigning hurt, Alora lowered her gaze, her voice trembling with practiced vulnerability. “Henry , please don’t defend me like this. Liza is your sister-in-law. You shouldn’t speak to her that way. I don’t want to come between the two of you. It’s alright. I’ll just design a few more outfits. Please don’t let this affect your relationship.”Her aggrieved tone hung in the air, painting herself as the victim while subtly shifting the blame to Liza. But Liza’s faint smile remained, her eyes sharp as ever, silently dismantling the facade Alora had so carefully constructed.