Brandon’s brows knitted together as he listened to the conversation. He hadn't realized just how poor Liza’s reputation was at the university. Hearing this, he decided he needed to talk to her. Perhaps it was time for her to leave the university and pursue something else. After all, the Sinclair Family wasn’t lacking in financial resources, so she didn’t need to stay in such an environment. Serena let out a soft sigh, her tone gentle but tinged with concern. Turning to the group, she said, “No matter what, she’s still my sister. We share the same blood, and I won’t distance myself from her because of a misunderstanding. Speaking of which, I should find her and have a heart-to-heart talk. I didn’t apologize to her properly after what happened yesterday. With so many people criticizing her, I’m worried she might take it too hard. “Lucy, Brother Ling, will you come with me? I think if a few of us approach her together, we might make her feel more supported and less isolated.” Her voice softened even further, as though she was genuinely worried for Liza. “Oh, and I heard that the Reed Family is hosting an event next week to showcase the high-end evening gown Time Flows, designed by the renowned Ruby Co. I was thinking of inviting my sister to attend. Since she claims to be Ruby Co, I’m sure seeing her own design on display would give her a sense of pride and achievement.” lucy scoffed. “Serena, you’re too good-hearted for your own good! Ruby Co? Seriously, there’s no way Liza is Ruby Co. Honestly, I think her close relationship with Professor Miles is suspicious. Maybe that’s how she’s been spreading these ridiculous claims about herself.” The group nodded in agreement. No one at the university had ever seen Ruby Co in person, so there was no way to confirm what she looked like. That left Liza’s claim wide open to doubt. Most of the students who believed her only did so because of her connection to Miles. His position at the university was highly respected, which lent some credibility to Liza’s otherwise unbelievable story. Brandon frowned but nodded slightly, agreeing with Lucy’s skepticism. He had always found the situation with Liza puzzling, but now it seemed even clearer to him—there had to be more to her claims than met the eye. … As Liza exited the teaching building, she spotted Serena clutching Brandon's hand as they made their way toward her. Annoyance flickered across her face. Why were these two always hovering around her? Were they incapable of leaving her alone? “Sister, I think there’s been a misunderstanding between us. Can we sit down and talk?” Serena said sweetly, her voice dripping with fake concern. Liza ignored her and turned to leave, but something caught her attention. Her gaze landed on the staircase leading from the third floor to the second. It was cluttered with random junk, and perched at the very top was a sharp fruit knife with a long blade. Her heart tightened. Who could be so reckless—or malicious—as to leave something so dangerous in such a high-traffic area? If anyone tripped and fell, the consequences would be fatal.Her instincts urged her to report the hazard immediately, but before she could act, Serena stepped in her way, blocking her path. “Sister,” Serena coaxed, her tone insistent yet saccharine. “I just want to talk. Why are you so against me? Look, Brother Brandom is over there. They can’t hear anything we say. I know you love designing, Sister. Did you know the Reed Family is going to showcase Time Flows next week? You must know about that piece, right?” Liza’s eyes narrowed slightly. There was something off about Serena’s tone and her sudden mention of Time Flows. She was clearly plotting something. Before Liza could reply, Serena suddenly slipped on the stairs. Her expression morphed into one of feigned terror as she cried out, “Ah! Sister…” Her outstretched hands lunged forward, shoving Liza toward the staircase. Liza’s lips curved into a cold smile even as her heart raced. Behind her was the fruit knife she had just noticed. At first, she thought it might have been a reckless prank by a careless student, but now it was clear that this was no accident. Serena had deliberately pushed her, intending for her to fall onto the knife. The blade’s position was calculated to pierce her heart. From the gleam in Serena’s eyes and the slight curl at the corners of her mouth, it was obvious she was savoring the moment. She must have already imagined Liza sprawled on the floor, lifeless and soaked in blood. This wasn’t just a spur-of-the-moment act—it was premeditated. Serena’s twisted satisfaction was plain to see. To her, Liza was nothing more than an obstacle, a blemish on her perfect image. As far as Serena was concerned, she was the only one who deserved to shine as the eldest daughter of the Sinclair Family. Liza had no place in her world, and if she couldn’t remove her through humiliation, she’d resort to something much darker. Liza’s eyes turned icy. While she was enraged at Serena’s audacity, survival took precedence. Falling backward onto the stairs made it almost impossible to regain her balance. Even if the knife weren’t waiting for her below, the fall alone would leave her severely injured—broken bones, a concussion, or worse.But Liza wasn’t defenseless. As she toppled backward, a thin, nearly invisible wire shot out from her sleeve. It moved with precision, wrapping around the knife and tilting its blade just enough to redirect its tip away from her path. The maneuver was subtle and went unnoticed by anyone nearby. From Serena’s vantage point, it looked as though Liza had taken a hard tumble. To her dismay, however, Liza narrowly avoided the knife. Serena’s teeth clenched in frustration, though she quickly masked her disappointment with an expression of concern. She sniffled theatrically, dabbing at her dry eyes as if wiping away tears. “Sister, how could you be so careless? Are you hurt? Don’t worry, I’ll come help you.” Liza’s cold gaze met Serena’s as she stood and dusted herself off. She moved fluidly, testing her body for any soreness before calmly ascending the stairs again. A flash of regret passed through Serena’s eyes as she realized her plan had failed. But she couldn’t drop her act now. She forced a kind expression and stepped forward with fake enthusiasm. “Sister, let me take you to the infirmary,” she offered, her voice trembling with feigned sincerity. Liza didn’t respond, her frosty stare enough to make Serena uneasy. This wasn’t over—not by a long shot.