Serena’s tearful voice rang out, trembling with apparent distress. “Sister, how can you say such things about Mom? Don’t you know how much she’s done for you all these years? If you frame her like this, how will she ever face anyone again? Please, I’m begging you… just let it go, okay?” Victoria subtly nodded in agreement, her expression carefully crafted to appear pained and innocent. Liza’s gaze, however, remained cold, devoid of any warmth. She knew this routine all too well. Over the years, no matter what schemes Victoria concocted, her father, Mr. Sinclair, would always defend that woman unconditionally. He would never hesitate to dismiss Victoria’s actions as misunderstandings, and worse, he would urge Liza to stay silent and “let things slide.” Was such a man even deserving of being called her father? Before Liza could respond, Henry’s calm voice broke through the tension. “Surveillance footage doesn’t lie,” he said matter-of-factly. His eyes swept across the room, landing on Mr. Sinclair and Victoria. “Since everyone seems so insistent on defending Madam Victoria, why don’t we settle this once and for all? Let’s review the surveillance video and see if it shows her handing the room card to President Louis.” The color drained from Mr. Sinclair’s face, and a flicker of panic crossed his features. He quickly interjected, his voice tinged with desperation. “Let’s not take this any further. I don’t want to pursue the matter anymore. After all, it’s the Sinclair Family that’s made a spectacle of itself today. And besides, there’s no way Victoria would have done such a thing! Liza, don’t you think we should just drop this?” One of Victoria’s allies—a sycophant eager to please—chimed in, “Exactly! There’s no way Madam Victoria would do something like this. Liza, you’re just making baseless accusations and spreading lies!” Liza raised an eyebrow, amused by the audacity of this new lackey. “Ah,” she said lightly, “another one jumping in to defend her?” Her lips curved into a faint smile as she clapped her hands. At her signal, a staff member entered the room, carrying a laptop. They walked over to the suite’s desk and began setting up the equipment. “Miss Liza,” the staff member said after a moment, “the video is ready.” The shift in the atmosphere was palpable. Mr. Sinclair’s face paled even further, and his nervousness was written all over him. Just as he opened his mouth to say something, Liza spoke first. “Since everyone here seems convinced that I’m the one in the wrong,” she said, her voice steady but laced with sarcasm, “and even my own father thinks so, I suppose I have no choice but to clear my name. Otherwise, I’d be accused of maligning an innocent person. Let’s begin, shall we?” Her words were firm, and her resolve was unshakable. The staff member pressed play on the surveillance footage, and the video began.Victoria’s reaction was instant. Her face turned ghostly white, and panic overtook her. She rushed forward in a futile attempt to stop the playback. “Stop it! Turn it off right now! Who gave you permission to play this video?!” she screamed hysterically. Before she could get any closer, a group of bodyguards stepped in, quickly restraining her as she flailed and yelled. Meanwhile, the footage continued to play. The screen displayed Victoria in a hallway, her expression smug and self-satisfied as she spoke on the phone. Her voice was clear and dripping with false charm. “President Louis,” she said with a sickeningly sweet tone, “she’s waiting for you in the suite. I promise she’ll take good care of you. I’ll send the room card over shortly.” She chuckled lightly before adding, “This eldest daughter of mine doesn’t have much to offer, but at least she’s good-looking and knows how to… serve others. “Consider this my gift to you, President Louis. In the future, the Sinclair Family’s success will depend on you. And please, don’t forget to take good care of my Serena!” The camera caught her face clearly—her eyes gleaming with malice, her lips curling into a sinister smile. She was shamelessly using Liza as a pawn, sacrificing her to curry favor with President Louis and pave the way for Serena’s future. Her actions and expressions were nothing short of vile. As the video ended, the room fell into a stunned silence. Victoria stopped struggling, her body going stiff as the color drained from her face. Her knees buckled slightly, and she nearly collapsed. Her mind raced in panic. How on earth did Liza get hold of this surveillance footage? And why would the Fragrance Hotel even allow someone to access and display their private recordings? Desperation clawed at her chest, but she forced herself to regain some semblance of composure. She had survived worse and knew one rule: never admit to anything until the very last moment. Victoria pinched her thigh hard, summoning tears to her eyes. Her voice quivered as she spoke, feigning heartbreak. “Liza, how could you accuse me like this? You went as far as to fabricate this so-called evidence just to tarnish my reputation! Yes, I made a phone call, but I never said any of those things! You must’ve had someone tamper with the audio or dub it!” Tears streamed down her cheeks as she clutched her chest dramatically, gasping as if her heart were breaking. “I’ve endured so much from you over the years. I’ve tolerated your attitude, your resentment, but why can’t you just let me go? What have I ever done to deserve this?” As her words hung in the air, Victoria staggered backward, her legs giving out beneath her. She crumpled to the floor in a heap, her breathing shallow, eyes fluttering shut in a theatrical display of anguish. The onlookers murmured in shock, and before Liza could respond, Serena rushed forward, her face pale with worry. “Mom! Mom, wake up!” Serena cried, shaking Victoria gently. She then turned to Liza, her voice rising with emotion. “Sister, you know Mom’s health isn’t good! How could you do this to her? Are you trying to push her to her grave?” Liza’s lips curved into a faint, humorless smile as she watched the scene unfold. She had to admit, Victoria’s act was as predictable as it was effective. The woman always managed to turn herself into the victim, no matter the situation. Letting out a short laugh, Liza replied sarcastically, “If she’s really fainted, shouldn’t someone call an ambulance? Or are we just going to keep shouting at me instead?” Her sharp words made the staff member spring into action, pulling out their phone and dialing for emergency services. Meanwhile, Mr. Sinclair’s face twisted in anger. His gaze was dark and furious as he barked, “Liza! Are you done causing trouble yet?” Liza met his glare with calm indifference, her expression unchanging.“You fabricated this entire scene just to frame your stepmother!” Mr. Sinclair continued, his voice booming. “Look at what you’ve done—she’s fainted because of your heartlessness! Even if you feel you’ve been wronged, how could you go so far? This isn’t just cruel—it’s unfilial!” His words rang loud and clear, echoing through the room. Ignoring the people who were still watching, he pointed a trembling finger at her, his fury reaching its peak. “You’ve humiliated the Sinclair Family in front of everyone! I don’t care what you think you’ve achieved today, but I’ve had enough of you! Get out! Leave now!” Liza stood still, her expression unreadable. The accusations, the blame, and the shouting—all of it was so familiar, it had lost its sting. As her father’s tirade continued, she let her eyes drift to Victoria’s still form on the floor. Her stepmother’s so-called fainting spell might have fooled the others, but to Liza, it was nothing more than a tired performance.