Liza leaned back lazily, her gaze playful as she sized up the Reed family. At first, she had assumed their persistent arguments stemmed from an actual history between Gavin and Sophia Reed. But after hearing the butler’s sharp remarks, it became clear—they were simply delusional! Gavin and Sophia Reed had never been a couple, yet the Reed family had the audacity to declare Sophia Reed as his fiancée. The sheer shamelessness left Liza both amused and incredulous. Mr. Reed’s expression darkened with embarrassment. The butler’s blunt statements had clearly unsettled him, but he managed to regain his composure. Suppressing his frustration, he said, “Gavin, you’re an intelligent man. Surely, you understand that marrying Sophia is the right choice. Miss Sinclair will only bring you endless trouble. Sophia may be a little willful, but as a man, you should know how to tolerate a woman’s flaws. So, think carefully—would you rather stay with this useless Miss Sinclair or choose our Sophia?” The shift in his tone was evident. Having failed to sway Gavin with logic, Mr. Reed resorted to flattery and veiled insults. But in praising Sophia Reed, why did they feel the need to demean Liza? Liza’s lips curled into a smile, her patience with their antics wearing thin. Did they truly believe Sophia Reed’s childish temperament was what Gavin wanted in a wife? How blind would he have to be to see her as a suitable match? Crossing her legs with a casual air, Liza turned to Mr. Reed. “Mr. Reed,” she began with a sweet yet biting tone, “may I ask you a question?” Mr. Reed frowned, his disdain for her evident. In his mind, Liza had no right to address him, let alone question him. Before he could protest, she continued, her voice calm but laced with sharpness. “I’m curious—what exactly does Gavin mean to you, Mr. Reed? Based on your words, it sounds like the esteemed Master Stone of Li City is nothing more than a love-struck fool in your eyes. You make him out to be someone who doesn’t care about his family’s reputation and would wait endlessly for your daughter just to marry her. Let’s not forget—your daughter was the one who walked away first. And now, you’re here trying to force him into a marriage he clearly doesn’t want. Tell me, do you think Gavin is someone you can easily manipulate, or is there some secret I’m not aware of? “Also,” she added, her tone turning more cutting, “you keep invoking Old Master Stone as if he’d side with you. Are you absolutely sure the old master would accept your daughter? A daughter who’s impulsive, causes trouble wherever she goes, and would only drag Gavin down?” Liza’s words sliced through the air, leaving the room in stunned silence. Her critique wasn’t subtle, and her meaning was crystal clear. “The Stone family didn’t need Sophia Reed or a troublesome alliance. If Sophia Reed ever hoped to marry Gavin, she would not just need to earn his affection but the respect of the entire Stone family—a task she was woefully unprepared for.” Sophia Reed’s face turned red with anger. Her composure shattered, she jabbed a finger toward Liza and screamed, “Who are you to say I’m not qualified?! I am qualified! I’m the most qualified woman in the world!”Liza resisted the urge to roll her eyes. How could anyone be so delusional? Her internal thoughts were cutting: You’re not just unqualified—you’re the most foolish person I’ve ever met. Mr. Reed’s expression tightened, but he was more composed than his daughter. He took a moment to steady himself before responding, his tone cold and dismissive. “Miss Liza, this is a matter between the Reed and Stone families. As an outsider, you have no right to interfere.” Gone was his pretense of courtesy. His words were sharp and unapologetic, shedding any mask of politeness. Liza observed his change in demeanor with a satisfied nod. “Finally,” she said lightly, “a straightforward response. Much better than all that roundabout nonsense earlier. A man should be direct—not behave like a dithering hypocrite.” Her calm composure only further frustrated the Reed family, while Gavin remained silently amused at her unshakable confidence.The tension in the room was palpable, and the air felt heavy as both sides firmly stood their ground. The servants lowered their heads, doing their best to blend into the background, unwilling to be caught in the volatile crossfire. Gavin finally broke the silence, his cold gaze sweeping over the Reed family. His peach blossom eyes, once mesmerizing, now glinted with an icy sharpness. “Uncle Reed,” he began, his voice calm yet cutting, “Liza is my legally wedded wife. If she has no right to speak on matters concerning the Stone family, then who does? Your foolish daughter?” Mr. Reed visibly flinched at Gavin's harsh words. “Gavin, what are you trying to say?” he demanded, though his voice wavered slightly. Gavin’s expression darkened as he placed his teacup down with deliberate precision. His voice, low and razor-sharp, sliced through the room. “What am I saying? Let me make it clear. I only agreed to an engagement with your daughter because your Reed family appeared obedient and cooperative at the time. But you’ve crossed the line.”He fixed his gaze on Sophia Reed, his words dripping with disdain. “Running away from our wedding to ‘test’ my love for you? Sophia Reed, where did you get the audacity? Childhood sweethearts, you say? The truth is, you latched onto me like a parasite, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t shake you off. Your family’s desperation to tie yourselves to the Stone family isn’t just pitiful—it’s repulsive.” The brutal honesty in Gavin’s words left the Reed family humiliated. Sophia Reed’s face turned pale, her disbelief quickly morphing into a crazed desperation. “No! That’s not true!” she screamed, shaking her head as tears streamed down her face. Her voice grew hysterical. “Brother Gavin, you love me. You’ve always loved me! It’s Liza—she bewitched you. She’s the one who’s ruining everything! If I kill her, you’ll come back to me. You’ll be mine again!” As her emotions spiraled out of control, Sophia Reed lunged toward Liza, her nails poised to claw at her face. Her twisted rage burned with jealousy. How dare this woman, more beautiful and poised than her, take Gavin away? It had to be that face—an enchantress's face—that had stolen his affections. But before she could get close, Gavin intercepted her. His grip on her wrist was firm, his tone deadly as he said, “Enough.” The icy venom in his voice froze everyone in the room. “Servants!” he barked, his gaze still locked on Sophia Reed. “Remove them from my sight. And if the Reed family ever dares to show their faces here again, make sure they’re taught a lesson.” The servants hesitated briefly, clearly unsettled, before stepping forward to carry out his command. Sophia Reed struggled in vain, her cries echoing through the halls. “Brother Gavin! Don’t do this! Please!” Mr. Reed, his face dark with anger and humiliation, attempted to salvage the situation. “Gavin,” he said through gritted teeth, “don’t act so rashly. Let’s discuss this calmly—” Gavin didn’t even glance at him. His cold authority left no room for argument, and the Reed family had no choice but to retreat.