As Clarao darted off toward the hotel manager, Sophia’s expression darkened, frustration evident in her clenched jaw. That idiot! What does she think she’s doing? Sophia quickly tried to regain control of the situation. “It’s fine. Let’s not pursue this any further…” she began, her voice wavering slightly. Before her words could settle, the hotel manager arrived, having overheard the commotion. He addressed her with an eager expression. “Miss Sophia, please don’t worry. I’ve already instructed my team to retrieve the surveillance footage. Rest assured, we’ll get to the bottom of this and ensure justice is served!” Sophia felt her heart lurch. Her palms grew damp as panic set in. What now? She needed a plan, and fast. Before she could respond, Lady Reed stepped in with her characteristic poise, her voice calm yet firm. “Thank you for your assistance, Manager. We appreciate your dedication. Hosting today’s banquet has been no small task, and I’m sorry that this incident has caused such trouble.” She then turned to her daughter, patting her hand gently in a show of support. “Sophia, there’s no need to feel upset over Liza. I know you wanted to spare her embarrassment by avoiding the release of the footage, but it seems she doesn’t value your kindness. Let’s move on.” Sophia met her mother’s steady gaze and felt her panic ease. Her mother’s words were a lifeline, reminding her of their earlier precautions. That’s right. The surveillance cameras had already been tampered with. There’s nothing to worry about. Drawing a deep breath, Sophia adjusted her expression and forced a smile, one tinged with reluctance. “Alright, Mom. I only hesitated because I didn’t want to make things harder for Liza. But since she insists on seeing the footage, let her have her wish.” Moments later, the manager returned, his expression apologetic as he addressed Lady Reed and Sophia. “Lady Reed, Miss Sophia, I must apologize. My team just informed me that the surveillance cameras in that area unexpectedly malfunctioned. Unfortunately, there’s no footage from the time in question.” Sophia’s relief was so profound it was nearly audible. She masked her inner glee, but a glint of triumph flickered in her eyes. Perfect. Now let’s see how Liza plans to worm her way out of this. Feigning concern, Sophia spoke with a soft, resigned tone. “Liza, you heard the manager. The cameras weren’t working. Perhaps it’s for the best. I never wanted to hold this against you in the first place. Let’s just move past this, shall we?” Lady Reed sighed, her voice heavy with disappointment as she addressed the gathering crowd. “Liza, the cameras are destroyed, and ‘Time Flows’ is irreparably damaged. It’s hard not to suspect that this was all orchestrated. After all, it’s rather convenient, isn’t it? Knowing the cameras weren’t functioning, you made a show of wanting to check the footage, as if that would somehow clear your name.” Turning back to Liza, Lady Reed’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “But it doesn’t matter. Whether you’re guilty or not, Sophia and I have decided to forgive you. ‘Time Flows’ was a labor of love for the Reed Family, costing us dearly in time and resources. But compared to your future, a dress is insignificant.” The murmurs among the guests grew louder “Now everything makes sense, doesn’t it? She sabotaged the surveillance cameras, destroyed Time Flows, and then acted like the victim by insisting on calling the police to clear her name. The lengths some people will go to are astonishing!” “She even dared to accuse Miss Sophia of ruining the dress,” another voice chimed in, dripping with disbelief. “As if we wouldn’t see through her. Blaming someone else when she’s the obvious culprit—does she think we’re blind?” Nearby, George was pacing nervously, his brow furrowed. “This isn’t good. This isn’t good at all! Things aren’t looking favorable for Madam. What do we do now?” Gavin, lounging calmly with a glass of wine in hand, raised an eyebrow at his assistant’s panic. “Have you ever heard the phrase the emperor isn’t anxious, but the eunuch is? That’s you.” George froze. “…” I’m stressing out for both of you, and this is how he responds? Gavin swirled the wine in his glass lazily, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “Instead of panicking, why not use that brain of yours? Watch closely. The hotel manager—have you noticed how he keeps looking at Liza before speaking or acting? Doesn’t that strike you as odd?” George blinked, the realization dawning on him. “President Gavin, are you suggesting… that the hotel manager is working for Madam?!” At this, Gavin’s expression darkened slightly, his gaze cutting toward his assistant. The manager is working for Liza? That choice of words didn’t sit well with him. After all, who else but himself had the right to claim loyalty to Liza? Recognizing his misstep, George chuckled nervously and quickly corrected himself. “No, no! What I meant is—are you saying the hotel manager is acting under Madam’s instructions?” Gavin’s cold demeanor softened slightly as he raised his glass to his lips. “Exactly. This hotel might officially belong to the Reed Family, but the manager is clearly following Liza’s lead. Intriguing, isn’t it?” He took a slow sip of wine before continuing, a faint glimmer of amusement in his eyes. “It seems our Mrs. Stone has a lot more cards up her sleeve than we thought. Even here, in a venue tied to the Reed Family, she’s managed to plant someone loyal to her. Impressive.” George’s eyes widened as the implications sunk in. If the manager was on Liza’s side, the Reed Family’s attempt to frame her was destined to crumble. Gavin leaned back, exuding calm confidence. “With a move like this, the Reed Family doesn’t stand a chance. Their little scheme is about to backfire spectacularly.”