Alora’s expression was filled with sorrow as she spoke, her voice soft and filled with grievance. “I never wanted things to turn out this way. I truly value my friendship with Gavin and have always tried my best to protect it. But Liza… she just can’t stand me. She sees me as a threat, like I’m here to take Gavin away from her.” Her lips trembled as she added, “If I really wanted to be with Gavin, it would’ve happened long ago. We would’ve been married by now, maybe even with children. She wouldn’t have even had the chance to be in his life.” James, standing beside her, offered a comforting pat on her shoulder. “Don’t let it upset you,” he said firmly, his voice laced with determination. “Next time, I’ll go with you to Longwan Residential. Let’s see what she can do about it. We’ll hang out with Gavin, watch movies all night, and even stay over. Let her see who’s really in charge here!” Meanwhile, Liza, having overheard their conversation, couldn’t help but chuckle. Her lips curled into a knowing smile. What a loyal ‘friend,’ she thought sarcastically. It was laughable. Here was a married man’s so-called childhood friend plotting to sleep over at his house with the flimsy excuse of watching movies. And if Liza dared to voice her objections, she would undoubtedly be labeled as jealous, insecure, and overly controlling for trying to ruin their innocent “friendship.” She could already predict what would follow. If Alora succeeded this time, she’d be back again and again. And every time, she’d say things like, “We’re just friends, don’t misunderstand! Why are you so petty? Can’t you even trust your husband for one night?” Liza’s smile deepened, her thoughts sharp and unkind. If this is how Alora operates, does that mean she’s been ‘friends’ with every influential man in the industry? Clearly, Alora wasn’t just banking on one connection. She had built an arsenal of allies—men who would jump to her defense, blind to her true nature. It was the perfect strategy.What kind of woman behaves like this? Liza mused with an edge of disdain. Most women would know better than to cling so closely to a married man. Respect and boundaries were a given. But not Alora. She took it to a whole new level. Her so-called innocence and kindness were nothing more than a façade. Beneath it all, she was calculating, manipulative, and shameless. Alora was a master of painting herself as the victim while driving a wedge between others. Fine, if she wants to play the game, I’ll play it too, Liza decided. Two can play the same role. If she wants to be a ‘perfect friend,’ then I’ll show her what a ‘perfect’ rival looks like. With that, Liza’s smile grew colder, her mind set on turning the tables. … As they stepped out of the mall, Teacher Ewan gently pulled Liza aside, lowering his voice as he asked, “Little Liza , is that man your husband?”Liza hesitated, guilt flickering across her face. After leaving the mountain, she had secretly married without informing her elders. Now that the question was asked, she found herself scrambling for an explanation. Before she could answer, Teacher Ewan’s expression turned thoughtful. “He looks familiar to me,” he said, his tone laced with certainty. “I think I’ve seen him on the mountain before.” Liza’s eyes widened in surprise. “What? He’s been to the mountain?” The mountain was a sacred, heavily guarded place—an exclusive sanctuary. Outsiders weren’t allowed to enter without permission. The idea that Gavin had been there seemed impossible. Teacher Ewan nodded firmly, his expression serious. “Yes, I’m sure. He even visited twice. His looks and aura are hard to forget, so he left quite an impression on me.” Liza was baffled. Teacher Ewan was not someone who paid much attention to external matters. He rarely left the mountain, and his memory of visitors was typically fleeting. Yet, here he was, adamantly stating that Gavin had been there. Her thoughts raced. The mountain was governed by her grandfather, a figure who rarely made exceptions. After he disappeared, Teacher Ewan had assumed leadership. So how could Gavin, an outsider, have gained access? As she mulled over the possibility, a distant memory surfaced—her brother’s stories of a powerful figure who once visited the mountain. The legendary fiancé. But wasn’t her former fiancé supposed to be Sam? Sam, the prominent heir of the Emmet Family, was known to wield immense influence and resources tied to rare elements. Liza’s mind connected the dots. “Teacher, I think I understand now!” she exclaimed. “Do you know who Gavin’s biological mother is? It’s Madam Prudence! And Sam isn’t even her son!”Her voice dropped as realization struck her. “Grandpa treated Madam Prudence like his own daughter. If Gavin is Madam Prudence’s child, it makes sense that Grandpa would’ve allowed him to visit the mountain!” Teacher Ewan frowned slightly, his gaze clouded with thought. Doesn’t she realize? Could Gavin be the very fiancé she was once promised to? But seeing her confidence, he decided to let it go. “You might be right,” he replied simply. Liza’s demeanor shifted. A serious expression settled on her face as she said, “Teacher, I need to ask you something important.” Teacher Ewan straightened, sensing the gravity of her tone. “Gavin and Madam Prudence were both poisoned by the same toxin,” Liza explained. “It causes blindness in the dark. I’ve also witnessed one of his episodes—it’s excruciating. The only way I could ease his pain was by giving him my blood to suppress the effects temporarily.” Teacher Ewan’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You… fed him your blood?” Her boldness stunned him. Little Liza had always been courageous, but this was unprecedented. Offering her blood wasn’t just a medical act—it had deeper implications. He stroked his beard, his voice trembling slightly. “Little Liza, do you realize what you’ve done? By doing this, Gavin must already know…” Liza blinked in confusion. “Teacher? Why are you reacting so strongly? What do you mean?” Teacher Ewan hesitated, his thoughts racing. She doesn’t know, does she? He sighed heavily but said nothing further. Instead, he silently marveled at her innocence, knowing that the truth would soon reveal itself in due time.