Gavin's brows furrowed as he clenched his fists subtly. So, this is what Mrs. Stone thinks of me? His voice remained calm as he said, “I’ll drive you there.” Liza, however, leaned back on the sofa beside him, her expression unhurried. “Let’s wait a little longer,” she replied, her tone casual. … By 8:00 PM, the Sinclair Family’s house was buzzing with the chatter of students who had arrived for the banquet. However, the evening’s main guest was conspicuously absent. Serena, visibly frustrated, stomped her feet. “Why isn’t Sister here yet? Is she not coming at all?” Victoria heaved a dramatic sigh. “Liza must have been caught up with something urgent. I’m sure she didn’t intend to keep everyone waiting.” The guests exchanged glances, their patience wearing thin. “Liza is really inconsiderate,” one student grumbled. “She invites us to this event, yet she’s nowhere to be found. It’s so disrespectful!” Serena bit her lip and, with a tone full of forced concern, tried to pacify the group. “Please don’t be upset. My sister will definitely come. Let’s just give her a little more time…” Another student scoffed. “As the Sinclair Family’s eldest daughter, she’s completely uncultured. Growing up in the countryside really shows, doesn’t it?” “Serena, stop making excuses for her. She doesn’t deserve your kindness,” someone else chimed in, shaking their head in disapproval. Flushing, Serena pretended to defend her sister. “Don’t say that. She didn’t mean it. I’m sure there’s a reason for her delay. Let me explain…”Suddenly, a loud bang echoed through the room as someone slammed their wine glass onto the table, spilling its contents across the surface. Victoria’s expression darkened, her irritation evident. She quickly scanned the room to find the culprit, prepared to reprimand them. But when her eyes landed on Helen, her demeanor instantly softened, swallowing her frustration. Helen wasn’t just any guest. She was a prodigy in the music world and had strong ties to the influential Hoskins Family from the capital. Even Victoria knew better than to offend someone of her stature. Besides, Helen’s connection to Li City University had elevated its reputation. Serena had intentionally invited Helen, hoping her status would give them an advantage over Liza. With Helen present, dealing with Liza—and even Albert—would be much easier. Forcing a strained smile, Victoria kept her irritation in check, unwilling to say anything that might upset Helen. Meanwhile, Serena was momentarily taken aback as a curious thought crossed her mind. Helen and Xavier shared the same surname. Could they be related? No, that’s impossible! Helen was a prominent figure from the Hoskins Family in the capital, while Xavier had spent most of his life abroad. The possibility of them being related seemed highly unlikely—surely, it was just a coincidence. The room fell into an uneasy silence as Helen spoke, her voice calm yet deliberate. “This glass is quite exquisite.” Mr. Sinclair’s face lit up with a fawning smile, pleased that the glass had caught Helen’s attention. “This piece was purchased for 500,000 yuan. It’s part of a matching set—the other is in Serena’s hand.” Victoria quickly chimed in, her tone sweet and proud. “Yes, that’s right. Sinclair gifted me these glasses for my birthday 20 years ago. They’ve always been a cherished item in our home, and I thought they’d be perfect for hosting such esteemed guests tonight.”The gathered guests murmured among themselves, impressed by the supposed extravagance of the couple. Spending 500,000 yuan on a pair of glasses seemed outrageously lavish and a testament to their love. However, Helen’s next words cut through the admiration like a knife. She commented dryly, “Indeed, the white porcelain is intricately carved and has an exceptional clarity. It’s worth every bit of 500,000 yuan. But…” Her eyes narrowed slightly as she continued, “President Sinclair, 20 years ago, your family business wasn’t established. How could you possibly afford such an extravagant purchase back then?” A stunned silence enveloped the room. With an air of composed detachment, Helen added, “If I had to guess, these glasses were likely a prized treasure purchased by Liza’s mother—President’s first wife. Considering you still keep them in pristine condition, it must mean that President cherishes her memory deeply. Such loyalty is truly admirable.” Her words were both a revelation and a dagger, leaving everyone visibly uncomfortable. All eyes shifted to Victoria, her earlier claim hanging in the air like an unresolved accusation. She had just stated that the glasses were a birthday gift from Mr. Sinclair, and now her credibility was in question. The students present felt the tension thickening but dared not interject. Both the Sinclair Family and Helen were influential figures, and they were in no position to offend either party. Nervously, they lowered their gazes and sipped their drinks, hoping to avoid the brewing conflict. Mr. Sinclair, clearly flustered, looked desperately at Grandma Sinclair for help. The old woman, experienced in navigating delicate situations, sighed heavily, feigning weariness. “Ah, I’m too old to handle such drama. Why hasn’t Liza arrived yet? We agreed to meet at 7:30 PM, and it’s well past 8 now. Why is she keeping us all waiting?” Her words, though spoken with a veneer of helplessness, were carefully aimed at criticizing Liza. Serena’s eyes brightened at the opportunity presented by her grandmother. Whether or not the issue of the glasses was resolved, the focus now shifted to Liza’s tardiness. Making a room full of people wait for her was undeniably impolite. Grandma Sinclair sighed again, her tone full of disappointment. “It seems Liza still holds a grudge against me. Sinclair even called her to invite her personally. I truly thought she’d come back, but now… I’m not so sure anymore.” Her words were calculated, designed to paint herself as the victim and Liza as ungrateful and unreasonable.