Liza’s lips curled into a sarcastic smile. “Madam Fina, I’ve heard some interesting stories about you. It seems you stole Eldest Miss fiancé back then. Judging by how smug you appear, you must be quite proud of yourself, aren’t you?” Gavin’s gaze darkened slightly, but he remained silent, observing. Madam Fina’s face stiffened momentarily before regaining her composure. Years of social maneuvering had made her adept at masking her true emotions. With an unchanging expression, she replied, “Miss Liza, you must have been misinformed. Mr. Lanier and I were in love long before we got married.” Liza let out a cold laugh. “Of course. What mistress ever willingly admits to being one?” Her voice carried an edge of mockery as she continued, “The Lady Edna that all of you disdain has always denied being a third party too. Yet, when she entered the Stone, Prudence was still alive. If that doesn’t make her a third party, what does?”Pausing briefly, Liza turned her sharp gaze back to Madam Fina. “Madam Fina, you and Lady Edna are cut from the same cloth. Both of you rose to where you are today by stepping on MissPrudence’s shoulders. When you scorn others like her, doesn’t it bring back memories of your own actions? “You’ve always been a mistress, haven’t you? What makes you think you’re any better than others like you?” A suffocating silence filled the room. The tension was so thick that it felt as if the air had turned solid. Madam Fina’s hands trembled as her carefully maintained facade cracked. Liza had exposed truths she’d buried for years, and the shame was unbearable. She wished the ground would swallow her whole. “Enough!” a younger member of the Smith Family suddenly barked, his face flushed with anger. “That’s not true! Besides,Prudence didn’t marry into the Lanier Family. Why couldn’t my aunt marry him instead?” He pointed a trembling finger at Gavin. “And let’s not forget—Gavin is nothing but an illegitimate child! His mother was a mistress who destroyed someone else’s family. How can she even compare to my aunt?” Liza raised an eyebrow, her expression cold and unyielding. “Oh, so in your twisted view, someone only becomes a mistress if they interfere in a marriage? It doesn’t matter if they break an engagement? Is that how your Smith Family justifies their behavior? No wonder Miss Prudence had such a tragic fate—she had the misfortune of being born into a family like yours!” Her words struck like thunderbolts. The young man who had spoken earlier faltered, his face turning pale. He hadn’t thought before speaking, and now he realized how damaging his words could be if they spread. Indeed, it was true that Miss Prudence and Mr. Lanier had been engaged. While theirs was an arranged union, devoid of romantic affection, the engagement had been binding. For Madam Fina to replace her sister in that arrangement was undeniably disgraceful. Madam Fina took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay composed despite her trembling hands. “Miss Liza, you misunderstand. I grieved deeply for my sister’s passing. Her death is something the Smith Family has never gotten over. It’s why we’ve distanced ourselves from the Stone for all these years. “At the same time, we’re painfully aware of our own failures. We didn’t protect her as we should have, and for that, we carry immense guilt. But now, we’ve found her child. Her child is with us in the Smith Family.” Her tone softened as she spoke the last sentence, as though she wanted to gain sympathy. With a dismissive wave, Madam Fina gestured for someone to step forward. “Sam, come here. Let me introduce you. This is President Albert’s sister, Liza.” Sam approached gracefully, dressed in light tones that gave him a clean and refined appearance. His voice was soft and courteous. “Miss Liza, it’s been a while.” Liza raised her gaze but said nothing, her expression unreadable.Madam Fina’s face took on a sorrowful look as she sighed dramatically. “It’s such a tragedy that Sam lost his mother at a young age. He chose not to acknowledge the Stone and decided to remain with us in the Smith Family. If it weren’t for that mistress…” Her voice faltered, laden with false emotion. “My poor sister might still be here today, raising her son herself.” Her words, though veiled, left no doubt about her intentions. She was painting Gavin as the usurper who had taken what rightfully belonged to Sam. Liza arched an eyebrow, her tone light but cutting. “Oh, but isn’t it wonderful that Sam had you to raise him? “Sure, his upbringing came from his mother’s former fiancé and her sister, who happened to be a mistress, but he doesn’t seem to hold it against you. It’s quite remarkable. It shows that perhaps his bond with his mother wasn’t all that deep. People do say that those who live together grow alike, and it’s clear you all share the same… cold indifference.” Her voice was soft, almost sweet, but the barbs hidden in her words were unmistakable. Madam Fina’s face turned ashen, then flushed with anger and embarrassment. She looked as if she might burst into tears at any moment. “You… Miss Liza, I’ve already explained. My husband and I—” Liza cut her off with a faux-pleasant smile. “Oh, absolutely. You and your husband make a lovely pair. Even though you were once a mistress, you’re thriving now! It’s clear that your sister’s life meant very little to you, and you’ve moved on beautifully. You’re such an exemplary sibling—never wrong, always righteous! Truly, you deserve a lifetime of happiness!” Even as she said the words, Liza felt her stomach churn. The mockery left a bitter taste in her mouth, but she pressed on, her tone laced with feigned admiration. “Madam Fina, you’re living your best life now, aren’t you? Meanwhile, Miss Prudence lies in her grave. But of course, you’re absolutely right in everything you’ve done.” Madam Fina’s eyes widened, her face pale and trembling. She opened her mouth as if to retort but found herself at a loss for words. Nothing she could say would undo the truth Liza had laid bare.