The atmosphere was heavy with tension, and murmurs of disdain rippled through the crowd as Victoria’s humiliation unfolded. Her face turned pale, and a wave of dizziness overcame her as she clenched her fists tightly, her hatred for Liza burning like fire in her chest. How had things come to this? Victoria had always thought she had the upper hand, that Liza would remain powerless and downtrodden forever. But now, the tables had turned. Liza, protected by Albert, was untouchable. Worse, her newfound position would allow her to trample Victoria and Serena effortlessly in the future. “She’s a mistress who dared to frame the rightful daughter of the family? Mr. Sinclair must be out of his mind to support a woman like that!” someone in the crowd sneered. “I heard Victoria tried to sell Liza off to that disgusting old lecher, President Louis. She wanted to destroy her!” another person whispered in disgust.The harsh words reached Victoria’s ears, each one slicing through her pride like a blade. Her body trembled with rage and shame. She could no longer maintain her facade of composure. Slowly, her eyes snapped open, burning with suppressed fury. At that moment, Liza approached her with a calm, deliberate stride. She crouched slightly, leaning in close enough for her voice to drip venom into Victoria’s ears. “You hate me, don’t you?” she whispered softly, her tone laced with cruel amusement. “You hate me so much it’s eating you alive. But look at you—you can’t do a thing about it. In fact, you have to kneel and apologize to me because Albert is here to protect me.” Victoria’s gaze darkened, her teeth grinding audibly. She turned to Serena, who mirrored her glare, but their shared anger could do nothing to change their predicament. In that moment, vivid memories from over a decade ago flooded back to both women. Back then, Victoria had stood tall over a young Liza, her expression triumphant as she forced the girl to kneel before her. “You little wretch!” Victoria had spat. “You hate me, don’t you? But it doesn’t matter. The Sinclair Family belongs to me and my daughter now. You’ll stay in the countryside, where you’ll rot away before anyone even remembers your name. You won’t live long enough to see adulthood!” Liza had knelt there in the dirt, tears streaming silently down her face. In that moment of despair, she had made a vow to herself—a quiet but fierce promise that one day, she would turn the tables. Victoria and Serena would kneel before her, and they would beg for her mercy. For years after Victoria had driven her away, she and Serena had basked in luxury, enjoying everything that should have rightfully belonged to Liza and her late mother. They had taken the wealth, the status, and the love that had been meant for her. But now, the scene from all those years ago had come full circle. Liza straightened, her gaze sharp and unforgiving as she looked down at the two women before her. Her voice was steady but carried the weight of her triumph. “Aunt Vicoria,” she said, the title dripping with mockery, “every dog has its day. It’s been ten long years, but now, you’re the ones on your knees, begging for mercy. From this day forward, whenever you see me, you’ll lower your heads and remember this moment.” Liza’s voice carried a sharp authority as she declared, “Remember this—show me respect whenever you see me. If you don’t, I won’t hesitate to crush you with ease!” Victoria’s face turned ashen, her anger boiling over. Her breaths came in quick, shallow gasps, her body trembling uncontrollably. Within moments, she let out a strangled cry, her eyes rolling back as she collapsed in a heap. “Mom!” “Victoria!” Mr. Sinclair’s voice cracked with panic as he watched her faint. But even as he stood there, his concern written all over his face, he dared not move. The cold steel of Albert’s pistol was still pressed firmly against his forehead. Albert’s gaze was ice-cold as he sneered at the man before him. Slowly, he lowered the pistol, his disdain evident. “Take her away,” he ordered sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I don’t want her filth staining this place.” Albert’s decision to let them live wasn’t born of mercy. He remembered what Liza had said—she didn’t want the Sinclair Family to meet a quick end. No, she wanted them to suffer. She wanted their downfall to be drawn out and filled with the very pain and humiliation they had once inflicted on her. For now, sparing their lives would serve that purpose. The Sinclair Family, knowing her true identity, would live in constant fear and shame. They would be forced to bow and scrape before the very person they had once belittled and discarded. The reality of their situation was unbearable for them. Mr. Sinclair’s expression was etched with despair, and Serena’s fists clenched tightly at her sides. Her nails dug into her palms as she stared at Liza with undisguised hatred. This wasn’t over. It couldn’t be. Serena’s mind raced as she grasped for hope. No. This isn’t the end. I still have a chance. Albert may be powerful, but he’s nothing compared to my fiancé. The Stone Family… they’re untouchable, even for him. With that thought, Serena’s resolve hardened. Once the Sinclair Family had been unceremoniously thrown out of Fragrance Hotel, the crowd began to disperse. Whispers and murmurs followed them, words heavy with judgment and scorn. Meanwhile, Liza lingered behind, saying her goodbyes before slipping out through the hotel’s back door. The night air was cool, and her spirits were light. Today had been satisfying, and she felt an undeniable craving for something indulgent—barbecue. Though her taste buds hadn’t fully recovered, the thought of sizzling, smoky meat made her mouth water. She was already imagining the charred aroma when she suddenly collided with something solid. Startled, Liza looked up to find herself face-to-face with a broad chest. Her gaze traveled upward, and she froze.Standing before her was Gavin. His deep, steady eyes locked onto hers as he casually extinguished a cigarette between his fingers. His presence was commanding, yet his tone was gentle as he spoke. “Mrs. Stone, I owe you an apology.” Liza blinked, her thoughts racing. Why is this man here? Did Richard Ryker tell him? And why now, of all times? I just wanted to enjoy some barbecue in peace! Doesn’t he have work to do as the president of the Stone Corporation? If he keeps slacking off, the company’s going to go bankrupt. And if that happens, how am I supposed to afford barbecue? Despite her internal grumbling, Liza composed herself. She paused for a moment, then smiled sweetly. “Gavin, you came to pick me up? How thoughtful! I’m so happy you’re here!” Her words were warm, but her eyes betrayed a flicker of exasperation. Gavin tilted his head slightly, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Whether he caught her hidden annoyance or not, he said nothing.