Some perceptive individuals quickly grasped the implications of George’s words. His warning wasn’t just a casual remark; it was a subtle declaration. By choosing to enter the Reed Family’s banquet hall, they would be aligning themselves with the Reeds—and potentially opposing the Stone Family. Faced with the choice between the powerful Reed Family and the even more formidable Stone Family, the decision was clear for most. Guests began hesitating at the entrance, uncertain whether to proceed. Many quickly reached for their phones, contacting friends and associates who had already stepped inside. They urged them to leave immediately, realizing that staying might not be worth the risk of offending Gavin and the Stone Family’s considerable influence. Meanwhile, Sophia stood frozen, biting her lip in frustration. She understood Gavin’s power all too well. If he refused to enter the banquet, it wouldn’t just be a personal affront—it would cause a ripple effect. Most of their esteemed guests would follow suit and leave. Summoning her courage, Sophia hurried forward, putting on a composed front. “Brother Gavin,” she began, her tone faltering slightly, “this is all a misunderstanding. I never said Miss Liza’s invitation was fake. It was a mistake on Nuo Nuo’s part. Of course, Miss Liza is welcome to enter.” Liza, observing the scene, smiled faintly. “Oh? So now I’m allowed to go in, Miss Sophia?” The corners of Sophia’s mouth twitched as she forced a smile, though her heart burned with resentment. She knew she had no choice. If she refused Liza entry, the banquet would unravel, and she would face the Reed Family’s wrath. With no other option, she clenched her teeth and replied, “Yes, of course. Miss Liza, you’re an esteemed guest of the Reed Family.” Liza was about to step inside when she felt a firm hand grip her wrist. Her heart skipped a beat, alarmed. Was this scumbag Gavin about to change his mind?Gavin held her hand firmly, his gaze cold as he looked at Sophia. “Miss Sophia,” he said evenly, his tone sharp and commanding, “do you think this is enough? After everything, shouldn’t you offer Liza an apology?” The blood drained from Sophia’s face. “Apologize?” she stammered, her voice trembling. Gavin’s expression remained stoic as he continued, his words deliberate and cutting. “Yes. Apologize. You humiliated my wife in front of everyone, and now you expect to brush it off with a casual invitation? This is your chance to make things right.” Sophia’s composure faltered. Her hands trembled as rage and humiliation boiled within her. How could he demand that she, a beloved daughter of the Reed Family, apologize to Liza in public? “Brother Gavin,” she said weakly, barely able to hold back her tears, “I’ve already admitted Miss Liza. Please don’t make me do this. The Reed Family and the Stone Family are old allies. Our families share a long history. Surely, you wouldn’t tarnish our relationship over this?” Gavin’s eyes darkened, his voice dropping a degree colder. “Old allies? The Reed Family’s reputation?” He chuckled, but there was no humor in the sound. “Tell me, how much do you think the Reed Family’s reputation is worth when compared to the respect owed to my wife?” He leaned in slightly, his words a low, threatening whisper. “Or perhaps you believe the Reed Family has surpassed the Stone Family in power? That you can trample on the dignity of the Stone Family’s future mistress and walk away without consequences?” Sophia gasped audibly, her face paling even further. She stood frozen, realizing just how deeply she had miscalculated. Gavin had made one thing clear—Liza wasn’t just anyone. She wasn’t merely "Miss Liza"; she was "Mrs. Stone." These two titles carried vastly different implications. While Sophia might have dared to belittle "Miss Liza," she had no room to disrespect "Mrs. Stone" because behind that title stood the immense power and influence of the Stone Family. This distinction was precisely why Sophia had stubbornly referred to Liza as "Miss Liza" all along. She refused to acknowledge Liza’s elevated status, clinging to the belief that Liza didn’t deserve the title she had coveted for years. The very thought that Liza had effortlessly acquired the position Sophia had dreamed of infuriated her. Sophia understood the weight behind Gavin’s words, but her pride waged war against her reason. What right did Liza have to stand where she stood? Why should this woman be the one to bear the title of Mrs. Stone? But with so many onlookers and the Stone Family’s reputation looming large, Sophia had no choice but to relent. If she continued to resist, the Reed Family’s future would be at risk. With stiff movements and gritted teeth, Sophia approached Liza. Her words were tight and forced, as though dragged out of her unwillingly. “Miss Liza, I apologize.” Liza responded with an air of calm indifference, nodding slightly. “It’s fine. Just make sure to verify the facts before making accusations in the future. This time, you were fortunate to deal with someone like me, who’s patient and won’t escalate the matter. But next time? You might offend someone far less forgiving. I hope you’ll think carefully before acting so rashly again.” Gavin stood silently beside her, observing. Inside, he was somewhat amused by Liza’s measured response. She had earned murmurs of approval from the surrounding crowd, who commended her for being gracious and levelheaded. But as Gavin listened, a faint smirk appeared on his lips—he could see through her performance. Sophia, on the other hand, was seething. Behind her composed facade, anger boiled. Her nails dug into her palms as she vowed revenge. One day, Liza would pay for today’s humiliation. Liza looped her arm through Gavin’s as they made their way into the banquet hall. He glanced down at her with a faintly teasing expression. “Didn’t Mrs. Stone say she never wanted to see me again? That she’d completely given up on me?” Liza blinked innocently, feigning ignorance. “What nonsense are you talking about? Are you feeling unwell? Maybe you’ve caught a fever?” Gavin scoffed softly, recognizing her feigned innocence for what it was. Turning his gaze away, he muttered, “Liza, this banquet is an important event for the Reed Family. Offending them isn’t in your best interest.” His tone was casual, but his words carried an unmistakable undertone. If there was a need to expose the Reed Family’s secrets, he would handle it himself. Liza froze momentarily, narrowing her eyes as she glanced at him. For a moment, she thought Gavin had finally decided to support her. But his words betrayed a different sentiment—he was still inclined to shield the Reed Family in the end.