Lady Edna’s tone grew sharper as she looked at Henry. “Henry, you’re just a child. There’s no need for you to concern yourself with matters of the company. Go back to your room and get some rest.” Although Henry wasn’t the sharpest in the room, he wasn’t entirely oblivious. Deep down, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Gavin wasn’t his mother’s biological child. He thought back to everything Gavin had accomplished for Stone Corporation. Unlike others in the family who relied on inherited wealth, Gavin had built the company’s success from the ground up, using sheer determination and his own abilities. He hadn’t relied on the Stone Family’s resources. And now, they wanted to take everything from him? Frustrated but feeling powerless to change anything, Henry sighed. Knowing his words wouldn’t make a difference, he reluctantly turned and went upstairs. Once Henry had left, Uncle Levi shifted his attention to Sam, speaking in a tone filled with feigned warmth. “Sam, you have to understand—Henry has always treated Gavin like a real brother. That’s why he’s a bit closer to him. But don’t forget, Henry is your younger brother. I trust you’ll take good care of him in the future.” Sam gave a soft smile, nodding politely. “Of course, Father.” The room seemed to exhale in satisfaction, but not everyone was entirely at ease. Madam Fina, seated quietly, was lost in her own thoughts. Her mind kept drifting back to Gavin. Everyone present was aware of the truth behind Sam’s identity, as well as the reason for this gathering. Yet, no one dared to speak the truth aloud. There was an unspoken agreement among them to maintain the pretense. To the outside world, Sam inheriting the Stone Family’s legacy appeared logical. As the supposed child of Uncle Levi and his late wife, Prudence, it made sense for him to take on the role of heir. His lineage was legitimate, and he held the most obvious claim to the family’s wealth and influence.Gavin, on the other hand, was stigmatized as an illegitimate child. He had been scorned and looked down upon by nearly everyone. To them, he had no right to claim the Stone Family’s legacy, no matter what he had achieved. The decision to appoint Sam as the heir would be perceived by outsiders as an act of generosity and righteousness. It would show the world that Mr. Stone and Lady Edna were compassionate people, making amends for the past. People would think, Yes, the Stone Family may have wronged Prudence in life, but at least they’ve compensated her son now. No one needs to bring up those old grievances anymore. But beneath this surface of propriety and moral high ground lay a glaring truth—no one was willing to question if Sam was truly Prudence’s son. Madam Fina’s lips curled into a smug smile. The irony wasn’t lost on her. If Prudence were alive to see this moment, how would she feel? Whether it was the Smith Family or the Stone Family, neither had cared about her—not truly. Both families had used her as a pawn in their endless games of power and reputation. For all her status as the eldest daughter of the Smith Family, Prudence’s life had been one of tragedy. And now, even her legacy was being twisted. Her son was being erased, replaced by someone who had no rightful claim to her name. The entire room was complicit in this charade. Everyone there knew the truth about both Sam and Gavin, yet they chose to play along with the deception. By pretending that the pauper was the prince, the Smith and Stone families ensured their reputations would remain intact. With this arrangement, neither family would have to face scandal or confrontation. They could forge a united front, protecting their public image and avoiding further conflict. And in the end, the truth would be buried, leaving Prudence’s memory tarnished and her real son cast aside. … Henry hurriedly called Gavin, wanting to inform him about what had transpired earlier. However, Gavin wasn’t responding as expected. Growing anxious, Henry asked urgently, “Gavin, what’s really going on? Don’t tell me… are you Miss Prudence’s son?” “Stay out of it,” Gavin replied coldly. Henry’s concern only deepened. “I’m worried about you! If you’re not my mother’s son, then you’re not an illegitimate child. That means Sam is! You’re the rightful son of Miss Prudence!” Gavin’s voice remained calm but firm. “It doesn’t matter whose son I am. Whether I’m Lady Edna’s or not, I’ll always be your elder brother.” There was a brief pause before he continued with a sneer, “The Smith and Stone families mean nothing to me. The only person I care about is you, my younger brother. Stop overthinking it and get some rest.” Henry felt his chest tighten. Gavin was right—he’d never shown any real concern for either family. To him, the families were insignificant, their antics nothing more than a circus act. But Henry couldn’t let it slide so easily.Grinding his teeth, Henry clenched his fists. Everything the Stone Family enjoyed today had been built on Gavin’s hard work and sacrifices. Why should all of it be handed over to Sam, someone who had contributed nothing? Gavin had poured his heart and soul into the Stone Corporation, and if Sam were allowed to take over, he’d use his newfound power recklessly, likely driving the family and the company into ruin. Henry couldn’t bear to imagine such a future. The next morning, Liza was jolted awake by the sound of her phone ringing. She groggily reached for it, and a voice on the other end asked, “Are you planning to attend the auction today?” Liza immediately remembered the grand auction taking place in Li City. Among the items up for bid was a violin she had her eye on—a beautiful piece she had admired for some time. Xavier Luke had even promised to help her get it. The event wasn’t just any auction; it was a high-profile charity gathering. The violin, in particular, had been donated by a mysterious lady and was highly valuable, both as an instrument and a collector’s item. After ending the call, Liza glanced at Gavin. “Do you want to go?” he asked casually. Before she could reply, Gavin spoke again, cutting her off. “I’ll come with you.” Liza opened her mouth to protest, but the words stuck in her throat. His tone was so matter-of-fact, as if he were doing her a favor by tagging along. She couldn’t help but think to herself, This man is shameless! He’s the one who wants to go, yet he’s acting like he’s doing it for me! By eight in the evening, the grand hall was packed. Everyone who was anyone in Li City had already taken their seats. The auction was more than just an event—it was a social statement. The attendees weren’t only business moguls and industry leaders but also influential figures with carefully curated public reputations. For these wealthy elites, attendance was obligatory. Even if they had no real interest in the items being auctioned, they were expected to buy at least one or two pieces. It wasn’t about the items themselves but about maintaining appearances. Buying something at the auction allowed them to boast later about their charitable contributions. For some, it was an inconvenience. For others, it was an opportunity to network and solidify their status among the city’s elite. But for Liza, tonight was about the violin—a dream she was determined to bring home.