Liza sighed softly, her voice laced with quiet sorrow. “The basement is damp and infested with cockroaches. I wouldn’t be able to sleep there. If that’s where you want me to stay, I’d rather return to my adoptive mother’s home. Even though we’re not related by blood, at least I have my own room there. And I don’t have to tiptoe around the servants or feel like an outsider.” Every word Liza spoke carried the weight of years of humiliation and heartache. Each syllable sliced through the pretense of civility in the room, leaving an indelible mark. The young man who had previously spoken in defense of Serena flushed with embarrassment and awkwardly stepped back into the crowd. Helen scoffed coldly, her tone biting. “Well, isn’t this enlightening? The illegitimate daughter has been living comfortably in the eldest miss’s room, while the rightful heir was relegated to the basement. Madam Victoria, you truly have a knack for managing a household!”Victoria’s face turned ashen, panic flaring in her eyes. “No… It’s not like that…” Helen’s words were as sharp as daggers. “Oh, isn’t it? The Sinclair Family’s home might not be a mansion, but it’s a villa nonetheless. Even the servants have their own rooms, yet Liza—the legitimate daughter—was forced to sleep in the basement? It’s exactly what one would expect from a scheming mistress. No wonder your reputation is in tatters!” Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd, their disdain for Victoria and the Sinclair Family apparent. Serena’s eyes brimmed with tears as she played the role of a victim to perfection. “Sister, I… I didn’t mean to. I’m sorry. I’ll move out of the room right away. I shouldn’t have stayed there… Boo-hoo…” Helen’s icy gaze fell on Serena. “Oh, so now you’re apologizing? If you knew you weren’t worthy, why did you feel entitled to stay in that room all these years? You’ve been enjoying it without a shred of guilt, and now you suddenly find your conscience? Spare me the act!”She continued, her voice dripping with disdain. “You had the audacity to say you cleaned another room for Liza? How generous of you! Just move out of her room and stop this pitiful charade!” Liza watched the scene unfold silently, her heart filled with quiet gratitude. Helen, the proud daughter of the Hoskins Family, had taken up her cause with fierce determination. With Helen present, there was no need for Liza to say a single word in her own defense. Meanwhile, Serena’s face drained of color, her hands balling into trembling fists. Her nails dug into her palms as her frail frame swayed unsteadily. Ava, however, was quick to interject, her voice raised in outrage. “Liza! Stop accusing Serena! When you went missing, the room was unoccupied. Why shouldn’t Serena have moved in? She’s a daughter of the Sinclair Family too! “She’s lived there for so many years—of course, she’s reluctant to leave. That’s only human! Why are you so heartless?” Liza turned her calm gaze to Ava. Her voice was measured but carried a weight that silenced the room. “That room wasn’t just a space to me,” she began softly. “It was designed by my late mother, tailored to my preferences. Every detail, every piece of furniture, was chosen with care. And inside that room are things that belonged to my mother—her jewelry, her precious antiques, and her paintings.” Victoria’s face went ghostly pale, her composure unraveling under the weight of Liza’s accusations. Liza spoke slowly, her tone calm but pointed. “I wouldn’t have minded if Serena stayed in my room while I was gone, but after I returned, I was sent to live in the basement. Isn’t that going too far? “Ava, I hear your family has an illegitimate daughter about your age. Would you be fine letting her move into your room, wear your jewelry, and use your clothes and shoes? How would that feel?” Before Ava could respond, Helen interjected with a sardonic smile. “Actually, Liza, there’s something you’ve misunderstood. Ava isn’t the daughter of the first wife either. She’s also an illegitimate child. No wonder she’s taking Serena’s side. Birds of a feather flock together.” A wave of whispers and disapproving glances spread through the crowd as everyone began to look at Ava with disdain. “She’s an illegitimate daughter too?” Liza feigned surprise, her eyes widening. “Oh, now it all makes sense! No wonder you and Serena get along so well. I understand now.” Ava’s face turned red with anger, but faced with the crowd’s judgmental stares, she could say nothing. Serena stood with her head lowered, her body trembling slightly as her frustration mounted. This wretched woman! How dare she humiliate her in front of so many people? Liza hadn’t even moved back into the Sinclair Family’s home yet, and she was already demanding her room back. If she actually returned for good, how would Serena maintain her comfortable life?Grandma Sinclair scowled, her voice stern. “Serena has been in that room for years. She’s already accustomed to it. Swapping rooms now would be too much trouble. As her elder sister, can’t you let her have her way for once? Must you be so unreasonable?” She added sharply, “The Sinclair Family is already doing you a favor by overlooking the past and welcoming you back. Don’t push your luck!” Mr. Sinclair’s expression shifted as he forced a smile, trying to placate the situation. “Liza, I’ve had a room prepared for you. It’s been completely renovated. If there’s anything you’re not happy with, we can adjust it. For now, let’s set this matter aside. There’s something more important we need to talk about.” Ah, so now they were getting to the real reason for all this fuss. Clearing his throat, Mr. Sinclair looked awkward, as though deliberating over how to proceed. Finally, he said, “The Sinclair Family is facing some difficulties right now. The company isn’t doing well. And, well… your adoptive mother seems to think the Sinclair Family hasn’t treated you kindly. To stand up for you, she’s started targeting the company.” Liza’s lips curled into a faint smile, her eyes narrowing slightly. The main event was about to begin.