"I never once claimed to be Ruby co’s disciple," Serena said softly, her voice trembling with emotion. Tears welled up in her eyes as she continued, "It was the teachers at the university who spread that story, saying that Ruby co admired my talent and wanted to guide me. I don’t even know how the rumors started, but soon, the students were congratulating me on becoming her disciple. I tried to explain the truth, but they insisted I was being modest and refused to listen. I never had a real chance to clarify things." Her tearful demeanor painted her as the victim, someone swept up in a misunderstanding beyond her control. According to her, the teachers were responsible for the mistake, and the students perpetuated it. She claimed she had tried to set the record straight, but her efforts went unheard, leaving her in this predicament. "That’s exactly it—Serena is just as much a victim here," Victoria chimed in with a deep sigh. "But Liza doesn’t seem to understand that. She’s probably already distanced herself from us. Otherwise, why didn’t she ever tell us that she’s actually Ruby co? If she kept it a secret because of her feelings toward me and Serena, I could understand, but she even hid it from Sinclair. Doesn’t that show how little regard she has for her own father?" Her words struck a nerve, and Mr Sinclair’s face darkened. Watching him closely, Victoria’s lips curled into a subtle, triumphant smile. The revelation that Liza was an internationally renowned designer had been a shocking blow, even to her. Victoria had feared that Mr Sinclair might see Liza’s newfound status as an asset and decide to reconcile with her. But by emphasizing Liza’s supposed disregard for her father, Victoria subtly planted seeds of doubt in his mind. Would he really bring back someone who might turn out to be an adversary rather than an ally? Brandon, who had been quietly listening, frowned deeply. "Aunt Victoria makes a good point. Liza isn’t the same person we used to know. She’s changed so much." Hearing Liza being discussed so critically, Serena bit her lip, her voice soft yet filled with emotion. "Dad, Brother Brandon, I’m more worried about the rumors circulating outside. People are calling me vain and manipulative, but none of this is my fault. It was my sister who created this misunderstanding in the first place. Of course, I’m not blaming her. I just feel that this whole situation could’ve been avoided if we had talked it through." Brandon gently patted her shoulder, offering comfort. "Serena, don’t let it get to you. This has nothing to do with you. It’s all Liza’s doing. You’re too kind and pure to ever scheme against her." Turning to Mr Sinclair, he added firmly, "Uncle, I think we need to reach out to Black Tide immediately. If we can secure their help, this issue can be resolved quickly." Serena leaned into Brandon’s shoulder, her voice soft with gratitude. "Thank you, Brother Brandon. I wouldn’t know what to do without you." Brandon basked in the warmth of her reliance, oblivious to the silent exchange between Serena and Victoria. The suggestion to involve Black Tide sparked a shared memory for them—of the hefty price they had paid the last time they sought Black Tide’s help.But an idea was already forming in their minds. Even without Black Tide’s assistance, they could turn the tables. Did Liza think her identity as Ruby co would shield her from everything? Serena and Victoria were determined to find a way to destroy her reputation. They didn’t need a powerful ally; they just needed the right opportunity to strike. … The following morning, Liza grabbed her bag, ready to head to Li City University for her classes. Since her identity as Ruby co had been revealed, there was no longer a need for her to conduct online lessons. The university administration had reached out to her, emphasizing how much the students were eager to attend her classes in person. Unable to decline their request, Liza agreed and made her way to campus as scheduled. Gavin was aware of her plans and, with a wave of his hand, instructed the chauffeur, Old Wang, to ensure her safe arrival at the university. “Young Madam, we’ve arrived,” Old Wang announced as he brought the luxury car to a smooth stop in front of Li City University. Liza nodded in acknowledgment, stepping out of the car with quiet composure. However, as she glanced toward the trees across the street, a subtle glint of light caught her attention. It seemed like someone was hiding behind the large tree, and the faint reflection hinted at the lens of a camera. Though she hesitated for a moment, she decided to dismiss it and continued walking toward the campus gates. About half an hour later, an anonymous post surfaced on Li City University’s official online forum. [Breaking News! A renowned fashion designer allegedly involved in a questionable relationship with an older man! Such a person has no right to be a university teacher!] The post included a photograph of Liza stepping out of a luxury car. Although the picture wasn’t particularly clear, it captured the vehicle’s grandeur, and the chauffeur’s appearance was deliberately highlighted. While the driver’s face was obscured by distance, the visible streaks of silver in his hair suggested he was in his late 40s or 50s. His tailored suit, bearing the unmistakable mark of a high-end brand, was another detail emphasized. The implication was clear—this wasn’t a car or a lifestyle accessible to just anyone. In just minutes, the thread exploded with activity, amassing over a hundred comments: [Isn’t this Master Ruby co? Why would someone with her status get involved in such a thing? It doesn’t make sense!] [Let’s not forget that designers are people too. Master Ruby co only produces a limited number of designs each year. Maybe she’s struggling financially to maintain her lifestyle?] [That man is so unattractive! He looks old and ordinary. Sure, he’s rich, but he can’t be the only wealthy person around. Why would Master Ruby co settle for someone like him?] [Who knows? Maybe she has a quirky taste in men. Haha!] Despite the speculative tone of the comments, the post’s underlying intention was clear—it aimed to tarnish Liza’s reputation. It painted a misleading picture, suggesting impropriety where none existed. The situation was quickly spiraling, and Liza remained unaware of the storm brewing behind the scenes.