Gavin’s eyes narrowed, his gaze as sharp as a blade. “Liza, you’re being far too kind.” Liza looked up abruptly, confusion etched on her face as she tried to make sense of his words. His tone was icy, his words as direct as his thoughts. “You need to strip them of everything they hold dear. Push them to the brink, make them wish for death to escape the agony. Drag them into despair so deep they can’t claw their way out. Shatter their reputations until they’re left with nothing but humiliation and abandonment. “Make them experience pain so relentless it feels eternal. They should fall to their knees, begging for mercy they’ll never receive. Only then, when their spirits are completely broken, will they die consumed by their own despair.” Gavin’s voice was calm and detached as he laid out his vision of vengeance, as if it were the most logical solution. “That’s the only way to truly take revenge.”Liza was stunned into silence, her mind reeling. For a long moment, she couldn’t process his words. Was Gavin… actually aligned with her? Her expression betrayed her surprise, but she quickly masked it, resuming her facade of innocence. “Gavin, how could I possibly do something so cruel? I’m just a weak woman…” Gavin didn’t miss a beat, sensing her pretense. Yet, instead of calling her out, he decided to humor her. “You don’t need to do anything,” he said evenly. “I’ll take care of it for you.” The simplicity of his declaration caught Liza off guard. For a moment, warmth spread through her chest, softening the walls she had built around her heart. Oh no, Gavin is too incredible! How could he be this amazing? Her thoughts spiraled in a whirlwind of excitement. Liza, control yourself! You can’t just fall for a man like this! But… but I can’t help it! He’s too perfect! I think I love him! Gavin, you’re irresistible—muah!Gavin’s gaze softened as he listened to her unspoken words. His eyes gleamed with affection as he reached out, gently pulling her into his embrace. His arms wrapped around her, holding her close. Their heartbeats synchronized in the quiet moment, each thud echoing in perfect harmony. Gavin had never felt this way before. It was as though he had been handed the most priceless treasure in the world. The truth lingered in his mind. His ability to hear her thoughts stemmed from the time she had shed her blood to save him. The effect wouldn’t last forever—it would fade until the next time the poison in his body resurfaced. But the thought of her sacrificing herself for him left a bitter ache in his chest. He would rather endure the torment of the poison alone than see her hurt again. His gaze darkened as he strode toward the study, closing the door behind him. Picking up his phone, he dialed a number. “Albert,” he said firmly.Albert, her senior and a powerful ally, was someone who could help him strike at the Sinclair Family. If anyone could dismantle their schemes alongside him, it was Albert. A few days later, Mr. Sinclair called. His voice was as condescending as ever, laced with arrogance. “The owner of Fragrance Hotel has invited our family to a banquet. As part of the Sinclair Family, you’re required to attend. Make sure you’re dressed properly—we don’t want you embarrassing us. Be at the hotel entrance by ten tomorrow.” Before she could respond, he ended the call, leaving Liza staring at her phone in disbelief. She scoffed, her lips curling into a smirk. As expected, he wouldn’t invite me unless there was something in it for him. Whatever his reason, it didn’t matter. If he thought he could corner her, he was sorely mistaken. Fragrance Hotel? Does he even realize whose domain that is?Her eyes glinted with determination. Let him come. He’s walking right into my territory. … At exactly ten the next morning, Liza arrived, radiating elegance in a long black dress that hugged her figure flawlessly. Her cascading hair, dark and lustrous like seaweed, framed her face beautifully, exuding an aura so commanding that it turned heads. In the distance, Victoria was chatting animatedly with a middle-aged man. The moment his gaze landed on Liza, he froze, visibly captivated. “President Sinclair,” he exclaimed, “I didn’t know your eldest daughter was this stunning!” Mr. Sinclair immediately put on a sycophantic smile. “President Louis, you flatter us. Actually, my younger daughter is the more remarkable one. She’s already engaged to the young master of the Stone Family, so we brought the eldest one here today. What do you think?” President Louis’s eyes glimmered with thinly veiled greed as he nodded appreciatively. “She’s excellent—just my type.” Victoria and Mr. Sinclair exchanged a knowing glance before hastily approaching Liza, their expressions eager. “Liza,” Victoria began, her tone dripping with false concern, “the Sinclair Family is facing some difficulties right now. You’re part of this family, so you must help us through this crisis. President Louis is a very wealthy man. If you agree to marry him, all our problems will be solved. You’ll also get to live a life of luxury as a rich madam.” Liza couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh. The audacity of Victoria’s words was truly astounding. If marrying President Louis was such an attractive proposition, why didn’t Victoria offer herself instead? The thought was utterly ridiculous. Her expression turned icy with disdain, her sharp gaze cutting through Victoria’s façade. “Liza,” Victoria continued, feigning a sorrowful tone, “you can’t just stand by and watch the company go under, can you? You’re also a Sinclair Family daughter, so it’s only right for you to make sacrifices for the family.” Her theatrics didn’t end there. She heaved a dramatic sigh and added, “Back then, a prominent president showed interest in your mother and even asked her to spend the night with him. If she hadn’t refused, the Sinclair Family wouldn’t be in this state today! You can’t be selfish like her. Think of the family, Liza. It’s your duty to contribute.” Victoria’s words dripped with venom, their sole intent to provoke. And provoke they did. Liza’s anger simmered beneath her calm exterior, her fists tightening at her sides.