Gavin ignored the chatter around him, his sharp gaze fixed on Grandpa reed. “Grandpa Meng, I’m not here to deliberately tarnish the Reed Family’s reputation,” he said coldly. “But I do feel compelled to make my position clear. Let me remind you—there are plenty of things I don’t necessarily need to collaborate with the Reed Family for.” Grandpa reed’s face darkened. “Gavin, what are you trying to say?” Gavin’s expression remained calm, yet his voice carried an edge of menace. “When someone does something wrong, isn’t it only right to apologize?” A dangerous glint flickered in his eyes as he tilted his head slightly, a faint, cold smile playing on his lips. “Don’t forget who you crossed. The person you tried to humiliate is Liza, the woman I, Gavin, have publicly acknowledged as my wife. Did it ever occur to you to consider the consequences of targeting someone from the Stone Family?” Bang!Grandpa reed shot up from his chair, his face pale and his frail body trembling. “I-I understand… Don’t worry, Gavin. I’ll make sure Sophia apologizes to your wife immediately!” Standing nearby, Victor Reed’s face flushed with anger and disbelief. “Father, how can you—” Before he could finish, Grandpa reed slammed his cane against the floor, silencing him with a glare. “Shut up!” he barked, his voice trembling with both fury and fear. He turned back to Gavin and took a deep breath, struggling to maintain his composure. “Rest assured, Gavin. I’ll handle this properly. You’ll get the apology you’re looking for.” Satisfied, Gavin stood up lazily, adjusting his cufflinks with a deliberate nonchalance. “Good. I’m glad you understand.” He took a step toward the door but paused to deliver a final blow. “Oh, one more thing. Transfer ownership of this hotel to me. Consider it a penalty for your family’s foolishness in provoking my wife.” Grandpa reed felt the world spin around him. He gripped his cane tightly, his knuckles white. After Gavin’s commanding figure disappeared down the hallway, Grandpa Reed finally exploded. “We’re going home!” he snapped. “Even if I have to drag Sophia by her ear, she’s going to apologize to Liza!” Once Gavin left the meeting, he returned to the banquet hall, expecting to see Liza there. But to his surprise, the room was completely empty. George, who had followed him in, blinked in confusion. “President Gavin, where’s Madam? Wasn’t she just here with the others?” George couldn’t hide his disappointment. He had been looking forward to seeing Madam’s reaction to President Gavin’s impressive defense of her honor. This would’ve been the perfect moment for Gavin to claim some well-earned credit for his efforts. So why wasn’t Madam here to witness it? Unable to contain his curiosity, George suggested, “President Gavin, why not give Madam a call? Perhaps she stepped out for a moment.”Gavin, who hadn’t intended to make a show of his actions, reluctantly pulled out his phone. He dialed Liza’s number, recalling his promise to handle everything for her so she wouldn’t have to go through unnecessary trouble—or endure further humiliation from the Reed Family. However, when the call connected, all he heard was an automated voice. “The number you’re calling is currently busy.” Gavin frowned, lowering the phone from his ear. Busy? Who could she possibly be talking to at this moment? He sent her a brief message, instructing her to call him back once she was free. But even after settling into his car and waiting several minutes, there was still no response. After staring at his phone for a while, his patience thinned. He dialed her number again, only to hear the same response: “The number you’re calling is currently busy.” Gavin’s frown deepened. Nearly 20 minutes had passed since he first tried to reach her. Who on earth was she talking to for so long? His mind wandered, a trace of irritation creeping into his thoughts. Was it a casual chat with a friend? Or could it be something—or someone—more serious? A man, perhaps? Sensing the growing tension in the car, George hesitated for a moment before speaking cautiously. “President Gavin, are you unable to reach Madam? Do you want me to investigate who she might be talking to?” Gavin glanced up, his expression calm but icy. “That won’t be necessary.” George tried to offer reassurance, attempting to lighten the mood. “President Gavin, there’s no need to worry. Madam might be busy with something important, but it doesn’t mean she’s ignoring you. Maybe you just need to rethink your approach. To be honest, you and Madam don’t interact the way most married couples do.” Gavin raised a brow. “What do you mean by that?” Encouraged by the response, George leaned forward eagerly. “What I mean is, you and Madam are so... distant. Regular married couples often check in on each other or at least keep tabs on where the other is. But you two act more like acquaintances than husband and wife. If I didn’t know better, I’d say no one would believe you’re married!” Gavin looked skeptical. “Is that so?” George nodded with conviction. “Absolutely! I’ve read plenty of romance novels and even attended emotional counseling workshops. Trust me, President Gavin—women like a man who’s assertive and takes charge. You need to claim your position in Madam’s life, make her realize you’re her partner, someone she can lean on. For instance, when you finally get through to her, tell her she doesn’t need to turn to anyone else for help. Let her know that no matter what the situation, you’re the one she should rely on. And while you’re at it, remind her that there’s no need to spend so much time talking to someone else!” Gavin fell silent, his expression unreadable. George, emboldened by the lack of immediate reprimand, pressed on. “Trust me, President Gavin. Women secretly like it when their man is a little possessive. It shows that you care. You just need to make it clear that you’re always there for her!” Gavin’s lips twitched, caught between amusement and disbelief. What kind of fool says such ridiculous things? The idea of spouting such domineering nonsense seemed absurd to him. Were women really that difficult to figure out these days? Yet, as he heard the automated message for the fourth time—“The number you have dialed is currently busy”—he couldn’t help but wonder if George’s suggestion had some merit. For a fleeting moment, Gavin toyed with the idea of taking a more assertive approach. But then, another thought began to creep into his mind, one that he hadn’t considered before. What if Liza wasn’t on an important call at all? What if she wasn’t talking to anyone? And then it hit him, a thought so absurd yet so plausible it left him momentarily stunned. She blocked me.