When the bystanders overheard Sophia’s tearful words, their admiration for her seemed to grow. "Miss Sophia is so forgiving. To let someone off after they destroyed an 800-million-yuan dress? That’s true grace,” someone remarked. “But look at Liza,” another added. “She’s clearly jealous. No wonder—she comes from such a small background. Her behavior reflects her character.” “I bet she only came to this banquet to ruin Time Flows,” a third chimed in. “She probably knew Miss Sophia’s kindness would save her, which gave her the courage to act so recklessly.” Sophia, still dabbing at her eyes, allowed the corners of her lips to twitch upward in satisfaction, though she quickly masked it with a sorrowful expression. Everything was going perfectly. In the eyes of the onlookers, she was the gracious victim, while Liza was painted as an envious troublemaker.Feigning more tears, Sophia turned to Liza with a voice full of mock grievance. “Liza, I truly thought of you as a friend. I never imagined you’d do something like this to me and my family.” She paused for effect, her voice trembling as she continued. “But we are friends, and I don’t want to hold this against you. Still, you can’t stay for the banquet after what happened. I’m willing to let this go, but if Grandpa finds out…” She left the threat unspoken, shaking her head in faux resignation. “You should leave before it gets worse.” Meanwhile, in the banquet hall, Gavin leaned casually against a chair, swirling his wine glass as snippets of conversation reached him from the nearby crowd. “Did you hear? Someone tried to destroy Time Flows, and Miss Sophia caught them in the act. Apparently, it was one of her friends!” “I heard it was that Liza,” another voice added. “Miss Sophia seems to like her, though. She invited her here despite her being the Sinclair Family’s eldest daughter, fresh from the countryside. Who would’ve thought she’d behave like this?”“It’s jealousy, plain and simple,” a third person chimed in knowingly. “Both young mistresses of prominent families, but one has everything, while the other has nothing. It’s no surprise she’s envious.” “Jealousy doesn’t justify destroying something as valuable as Time Flows,” a fourth added. “Honestly, people from the countryside don’t know how to act in high society. It’s disgraceful. I don’t see how someone like her even compares to Miss Sophia, who’s been groomed to perfection her entire life.” George, standing nearby, couldn’t hide his irritation. Turning to Gavin, he said urgently, “President Gavin, you should intervene. Madam’s being wrongly accused! She may have come from the countryside, but she’s far more elegant and dignified than Sophia. There’s no comparison!” His voice dropped to a frustrated whisper. “These people are spewing nonsense. Madam and Miss Sophia aren’t even friends. Miss Sophia is always making things difficult for her, so where did this ‘friendship’ come from? This isn’t fair to Madam!” George’s tone softened, a hint of concern in his voice. “Madam must feel so isolated right now. Everyone’s turned against her. If you stepped in and publicly supported her, it would mean the world to her. Don’t you think she’d be touched by that?” Gavin had never been the romantic type and certainly lacked experience in relationships. He didn’t understand how deeply it could affect someone to feel unwavering trust from their partner. Yet George was determined to guide his boss in the right direction—even if it required a little manipulation. The key was to make sure Gavin cooperated. Taking a slow sip of his red wine, Gavin maintained a calm, almost detached demeanor. “Help her? Doesn’t she enjoy showing off? I warned her not to stir up trouble, but here we are. Let’s see how she plans to clean up this mess herself,” he remarked casually, though a faint trace of frustration lingered in his voice. He had explicitly told Liza that he would handle the Reed Family issue for her. But no—she insisted on taking matters into her own hands, leaving him with a growing headache.George hesitated, caught between speaking up and holding his tongue. On one hand, he could see his boss’s point. On the other, he strongly believed Liza wasn’t foolish enough to destroy Time Flows in public. She was too smart for such a reckless move. “President Gavin, this has to be a misunderstanding,” George argued cautiously. “Madam wouldn’t do something like that. Shouldn’t we step in before things get worse? We can’t just stand by and let her be humiliated.” Gavin glanced at his watch and sighed, his expression softening slightly. The timing seemed just right. Standing, he adjusted his suit. “Fine. Let’s go.” George blinked in confusion. “Go? Where are we going?” “To watch the show,” Gavin replied nonchalantly as he began heading toward the back of the banquet hall. George grumbled internally. A show? Who are you kidding, President Gavin? You’re obviously going to help Madam! He shook his head in exasperation, silently questioning how Gavin thought he could win Liza’s heart with such mixed signals. At the back of the hall, Sophia stood trembling, tears streaming down her face as she delivered her dramatic performance. Her voice quivered as she looked at Liza. “I never wanted to do this, but you’ve crossed the line, Liza. From now on, we’re no longer friends.” Liza remained motionless, her expression unreadable. Clara, eager to add fuel to the fire, sneered at Liza. “What’s the matter? Can’t bear to leave? After pulling such a disgusting stunt, you’re still shameless enough to linger here? Honestly, the Reed Family is being too kind by not calling the police. Now get out!” Liza’s eyes narrowed slightly as she turned her gaze on Clara, her expression chillingly calm. Her look wasn’t one of anger—it was something colder, more dangerous, as though she were sizing up prey. The intensity of her stare unnerved Clara, who stumbled back a step. “W-What are you looking at? Did I say something wrong? You’re nothing but a shameless—”Her words faltered as Liza’s unwavering gaze seemed to pierce right through her. Clara swallowed nervously, her earlier bravado faltering as an uneasy silence settled over the scene.