Helen raised an eyebrow and asked, “President Gavin, you handled it personally? Aren’t you worried about people talking behind your back?” Gavin’s lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile. “The Sinclair Family’s company is drowning in debt.” Understanding dawned on Helen. Gavin had leveraged the situation, bringing the Sinclair Family’s creditors to their doorstep. Coincidentally, the servants from the Sinclair household, who were used to bullying others, had crossed paths with these enraged creditors. What followed was a chaotic clash fueled by pent-up frustration. As if brushing off a trivial matter, Gavin casually wiped his hands clean. “Are you hungry?” he asked. Liza grinned brightly. “I am! Let’s go get something to eat. Sister Helen, want to join us?”Helen glanced at Gavin, a thoughtful expression on her face. Something about his face seemed oddly familiar, as though she’d seen him before. Shaking her head, she declined the invitation, her thoughts elsewhere. … Gavin personally drove Liza through a secluded alleyway. “Where are we going?” Liza inquired curiously. “Quechi Pavilion,” he replied. A glimmer of recognition lit up Liza’s eyes. With a playful smile, she asked, “Is that the Pavilion that only accepts three tables of guests a day? The one with a pre-set menu and unpredictable operating hours?” Gavin nodded. “That’s the one.” Liza’s excitement grew. By this hour, Quechi Pavilion would usually be long closed. But she knew better—Gavin wasn’t just anyone. If he wanted to dine there, the restaurant would accommodate him regardless of the time.In fact, Gavin’s influence was so vast that even in the dead of night, the chef of Quechi Pavilion would light the stoves and prepare a meal if summoned. The famed restaurant was tucked away in an unassuming alley, its secluded location adding to its mystique. The narrow pathways on either side suddenly gave way to an enchanting open space, as if unveiling a hidden gem. “I heard Quechi Pavilion closes at seven sharp every evening. Why is it still open now?” Liza asked as they approached. Gavin remained silent, gently guiding her through a narrow path into an elegant private room. In another private room at Quechi Pavilion, voices filled the space with heated conversation: “That woman—Gavin’s so-called mother—dragged him back to the Stone to claim his place. Now, he’s the head of the Stone? Are we seriously going to accept this? That position rightfully belongs to Sam!”“I just saw Gavin here tonight,” another voice sneered. “What gives an illegitimate son like him the right to eat in a place like this?” Hearing these words, Liza’s heart tightened. She glanced at Gavin, whose face remained calm and unreadable, yet his grip on her hand subtly tightened. Liza felt an overwhelming urge to confront those people and defend Gavin. He was the rightful young master of the Stone, yet he had been falsely labeled as an illegitimate child his entire life. What made it even more infuriating was that these individuals knew the truth. Despite this, none of them had ever stood up for Gavin. They had allowed him to endure Lady Edna’s abuse throughout his childhood, remaining silent when he most needed support. Now that Gavin had risen to become the head of the Stone, these same people still clung to their lies for the sake of their own gain. They refused to acknowledge his rightful position, condemning him to carry the stigma of illegitimacy indefinitely.“Stop listening to them.” Gavin’s voice was calm as he gently clasped her hand. “You said you were hungry. Let’s eat.” Liza bit her lip, her chest tight with emotion. “Gavin, they…” The voices from the other room grew louder, their tone more scathing with each word. The more Liza listened, the more her heart ached for Gavin. “They’re so cruel!” Gavin’s expression remained serene. He reached out to smooth her hair, his touch steady and reassuring. “It doesn’t matter. I’m used to it.” His voice carried a quiet strength, as if he had long since built a fortress around his heart. These people’s words held no power over him anymore. As they entered their private room, a lavish spread of dishes awaited them. Yet Liza couldn’t muster the appetite to eat. Her mind drifted to the Smith Family’s history. The current head of the Smith Family, Prudence’s father, had long ignored his daughter. Because she was the child of his first wife, he had distanced himself after remarrying. Now, with a second wife and a more “obedient” daughter, he had erased Prudence from his memory. Years ago, Old Master Smith had seen through Chairman Stone’s true nature. He had tried to prevent Prudence from marrying him, fearing it would ruin her happiness. But in the end, she was married off to the Stone, where she lived a life filled with humiliation and sorrow. The Smith Family had turned a blind eye to her suffering. Even as Prudence was belittled and mistreated in the Stone, no one from the Smith household stood up for her. Despite enduring such pain, Prudence had brought immense wealth and influence to the Smith Family. Her sacrifices had elevated their status. Yet, after her death, her contributions were conveniently forgotten. The Smith Family’s hypocrisy knew no bounds. They came forward only after Prudence’s death, not to honor her but to attack the Stone. They directed their hatred at Gavin and his mother, blaming them for everything. But Gavin was blameless. He was the child of Prudence, a victim of the same injustices. And yet, he bore the brunt of their baseless accusations. Liza clenched her fists. Gavin’s calm demeanor belied the injustice he had endured. She vowed silently to stand by him, no matter what.