Zac’s eyes welled up with tears. "Dad, I really wasn’t smiling. I don’t know why Arthur is saying that about me, but I swear, I wasn’t smiling!" He repeated the words over and over, his voice carrying the weight of deep grievance. From a young age, acting had become second nature to him. He didn’t even need to think about it anymore—it was an instinct, a survival mechanism to gain their sympathy. He wasn’t the least bit worried about Arthur exposing him later. Now that he had "fainted," Arthur had the perfect opportunity to tamper with the so-called evidence. When the time came, he could simply claim that Arthur had doctored the video. And he knew—without a doubt—that no one would believe Arthur. This trick had worked countless times before. The Gray family had always taken his side. Tears streamed down Zac’s face as he continued. "Arthur is your biological son. He wants to cut ties with you, and that alone makes me heartbroken. How could I possibly have smiled at that?" The Gray family exchanged glances. John spoke first, his voice firm. "Zac, we believe you." A small, satisfied smile curled on Zac’s lips. "Dad, you’re the best." Still unwilling to let the matter go, Susie grumbled, "But what about Arthur? If he refuses to cooperate and apologize, Gray Corporation can’t just keep sinking like this!" John’s eyes darkened with frustration. His gaze landed on Julie. "Julie, you’ve had the best relationship with him recently. You go talk to him." "Tell him that if he agrees to cooperate, we’ll acknowledge his status as a member of the Gray family and give him all the privileges that come with being the Gray family’s heir." Hearing this, Zac clenched his fists. But then he quickly relaxed. As long as Arthur publicly apologized—admitting that everything had been a fabricated lie, that he had orchestrated the entire scandal out of jealousy—his reputation would be completely ruined.Even if the Gray family reinstated his status, he would never be able to lift his head again in society. And even if he moved back into the Gray estate, the family’s attitude toward him wouldn’t change. Julie hesitated but eventually nodded. As the eldest daughter and general manager of Gray Corporation, she had responsibilities. She couldn’t just stand by and watch the family collapse. The moment the Gray family stumbled, opportunists had rushed in to trample them further. If this continued, the damage would be catastrophic. That evening, Arthur was in his dormitory, making new investments, when there was a knock at the door. "Who is it?" "It’s me," came Julie’s voice. Arthur’s expression darkened with impatience. Again? He considered ignoring it, but Julie was relentless, knocking persistently. With a sigh, he shut his laptop and opened the door. "What do you want now?" Julie frowned. "Do you really hate seeing me that much?" Arthur let out a cold chuckle. "What good news could you possibly have for me?" Julie fell silent. Of course, she hadn’t come to deliver good news. She had come to ask him to sacrifice himself for the family’s sake. Julie sighed. "Let’s talk inside." Arthur didn’t respond but stepped aside, allowing her to enter. Julie scanned the dorm before settling onto the only chair in the room. Arthur remained silent, sitting on the small couch, waiting for her to speak."Arthur, the conditions here are too rough. You should move back to the Gray estate. Dad has already prepared a room for you—just like your old one, with a big balcony. If you return, we’ll all treat you well." Arthur raised an eyebrow in mock surprise. So this was their play. Arthur let out a low, derisive laugh. "A room with a big balcony? And what, exactly, will that change? You think if I move back, you’ll suddenly start treating me like a human being?" "Arthur—" Julie faltered. She sighed. "We were wrong before, I admit that. But if you—" She stopped herself. She had almost blurted out, if you stop causing trouble. After a brief pause, she adjusted her words. "If you come home, we’ll treat you like part of the family. You’re our little brother. You’re the rightful heir of the Gray family." Arthur crossed his arms, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "And what’s the catch?" They weren’t the type to offer kindness without reason. Julie’s lips pressed together tightly. After a long silence, she finally spoke. "Arthur, you’re still part of the Gray family. You don’t want to see it fall apart, do you?"