In the blink of an eye, Liza’s inner thoughts surfaced again, her resolve firm: “But now, I’ve decided not to leave.” Gavin’s chest tightened as he heard her silent vow, and he instinctively pulled her closer, his arms encircling her in a protective embrace. Outside the room, George and Oliver stood waiting, their ears inadvertently catching snippets of the intimate conversation. The two brothers exchanged glances before quietly stepping away, their expressions a mix of surprise and understanding. “This is the first time I’ve heard the president talk about his feelings like that,” Oliver muttered. “It seems he only lets his guard down when he’s with Young Madam.” George nodded thoughtfully. “To the president, the Smith Family isn’t a real threat. If he wanted to, he could erase their presence from Li City in the blink of an eye.”“True, but that doesn’t mean he’s unaffected. No matter how tough he appears, he’s still human. For him to admit to Young Madam that he feels sadness sometimes… it shows how much he trusts her.” A faint smile played on George’s lips. “Having Young Madam by his side has changed him. He’s becoming more… human.” Oliver blinked in confusion. “Wait, what? Did you just say the president is becoming more human? Are you implying he was a dog before?” George glanced at him sharply, but before he could respond, the door creaked open. Oliver, oblivious to the warning signs, continued cheerfully, “I mean, I’ve always thought the president was like a dog! He even docked my salary! What kind of boss does that? Brother, why are you blinking so much? Is something wrong with your eyes?” Panic flashed in George’s expression as Gavin’s figure emerged from the doorway. His gaze was calm, but the faint smile on his lips sent shivers down George’s spine. Undeterred, Oliver misinterpreted his brother’s signals entirely. “Don’t worry, I’ll take you to the hospital later! But wow, I’m thrilled you finally agree with me! The president is like a dog! I should shout it out loud—” A low, deliberate voice interrupted, “Yes, that’s right.” The casual, unhurried tone froze Oliver in place. Gavin’s faint smile remained as he added, “Since I’m such a dog, perhaps I no longer need you by my side.” Oliver’s face turned stark white as panic gripped him. “P-president… I-I didn’t mean…” His voice faltered as he scrambled to George’s side, pleading, “Why didn’t you warn me that he was behind me? How much did he hear?!” George sighed deeply, his expression a blend of exasperation and pity. “I was warning you. I kept blinking to signal you.” Oliver’s regret was palpable. “How was I supposed to know? I thought you had something in your eye! I was even planning to take you to the doctor! How could I have known you were trying to warn me?!” Gavin’s gaze swept over them before he walked away, his steps slow and deliberate. Oliver remained frozen in place, inwardly vowing to think twice before ever speaking his mind again. … Gavin parked the car in front of Li City University, ready to drop off Liza. Just as he was about to step out, a figure approached them—a face he immediately recognized. James greeted him with exaggerated enthusiasm. “Gavin! What a coincidence running into you here. Alora and I were just talking about you!” Liza’s gaze shifted to the unfamiliar man, her brows slightly furrowed. Who is this? Sensing her curiosity, James glanced at Liza and casually asked, “Gavin, who might this be?” Liza scrutinized James more closely. There was something vaguely familiar about him. Suddenly, it clicked—he was the man who had been with Alora the last time she had seen her at the mall. So, this is him, she thought. James, the sycophant. Gavin’s expression remained calm as his eyes swept past James to where Alora stood just a short distance behind him. A faint, mocking smile played on his lips. “Is this really necessary?” he asked flatly. James grinned, stepping closer and throwing an arm over Gavin’s shoulder in a show of false camaraderie. “Come on, Gavin. This is my first time meeting her. You’ve got to introduce us properly!” Gavin sidestepped the gesture effortlessly, putting more space between them. His movements were subtle but deliberate, and his expression grew colder. “Didn’t Alora already fill you in?” he asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm. James’s smile stiffened, the confidence in his demeanor faltering. Of course, Alora had told him about Liza. But James wasn’t particularly fond of her, so he had asked that question just to be difficult. Sensing the tension, Alora stepped forward, trying to smooth things over. “Gavin, I just happened to run into James earlier, and we were catching up. I may have mentioned your marriage in passing.” Gavin’s gaze sharpened, but his tone remained calm. “Go on,” he said, folding his arms. “I’m listening.” Liza couldn’t help but marvel at the ease with which Gavin handled the situation. With just a single line, he had silenced them, leaving no room for rebuttal. His presence was commanding, making it clear that he wouldn’t tolerate nonsense. If he really wanted Alora to make introductions, it would’ve been simpler to tell her to leave altogether, Liza thought to herself with quiet amusement. Alora, clearly flustered, bit her lip before forcing a smile. “This… is Gavin’s wife.”