The air in Gavin’s office was suffocatingly tense. Brian stood before the desk, his head bowed as he rifled through the documents in his hands, his voice steady as ever, “Mr. Gavin, these are Ms. Layton’s latest stock transfer records. She has officially changed her surname to Dustin and transferred her shares into her Dustin surname account.” “What?” Gavin snapped his head up, his eyes sharp as blades. He snatched the documents and scanned the text, his expression darkening as if it could drip water. “She actually…” He didn’t finish his sentence, slamming the papers onto the desk, sending sheets fluttering in all directions. His chest heaved violently, like a provoked beast ready to explode. “That’s enough, you can go now!” Gavin cut him off coldly, his voice deep yet oppressive. He leaned forward on the desk, his gaze fixed on the name on the documents, “Adeline… well played.” His mind conjured the image of the sister who once depended so heavily on him—the girl who would sweetly pull at his sleeve and address him as a brother. But now, she had decisively severed her last ties with the Layton family, aligning herself completely with another family. “Does she think she can just escape the Layton family like this?” Gavin muttered to himself, chuckling bitterly, “Naive.” Brian stood aside, not daring to interrupt. He knew well that Gavin was consumed by anger and complex emotions; any further words might only fuel the fire. After a moment, Gavin straightened up, hiding his emotions behind a stern mask. He took a deep breath, his tone almost icy, “Keep digging. I want to know what else she’s hiding.” “Yes,” Brian nodded, quickly exiting the office, leaving Gavin alone with his dark, dangerous thoughts. Meanwhile, in Teresa’s room at the Layton mansion, a purposeful visit was underway. Christopher held a fancy gift box, smiling as he presented it to the elderly lady, “Madam Teresa, this is a health supplement I brought back from abroad. It’s very beneficial. How have you been feeling lately?” “Christopher, you are thoughtful,” Teresa received the gift box, her face brightening with a kind smile, “How much longer can this old frame hold up? It’s you young people who need to look after yourselves.” “You jest,” Christopher shook his head lightly, his tone gentle yet respectful, “Your health is the greatest blessing to us younger ones.” Kelly stood quietly to the side, keenly aware of the deeper implications in Christopher’s words. This man never acted without purpose; his visit today, bearing such a precious gift, was surely not just out of concern for Teresa’s health. Sure enough, without waiting for Teresa to speak, Christopher shifted the conversation, “Actually, I came today to discuss another matter with you. Have you heard about the recent collaboration project between our two families?” A spark of interest flickered in Teresa’s eyes, though she maintained a calm exterior, “Oh? A collaboration project? What exactly is it?” “It involves some real estate development plans,” Christopher replied with a slight smile, steering the conversation toward business while subtly hinting at the possibility of a marriage alliance, “If our families could further our relationship, it would greatly benefit the project.” His words were like a stone cast into a still pond, creating ripples. Teresa didn’t respond immediately but took a sip of her tea, giving him a meaningful look, “Christopher, what exactly are you implying?” “My meaning is simple,” Christopher set down his teacup, his expression candid, “If our families could solidify our ties through marriage, it would not only be a win-win on a business level but also a continuation of our emotional bonds.” The atmosphere in the room shifted subtly. Kelly lowered her eyelids, silently observing the reactions of both, while Teresa’s face showed a contemplative smile. In the living room, when everyone gathered, the topic of the marriage alliance finally came to the forefront. “I think a marriage between our families is indeed a good idea,” Teresa said, her tone light but carrying an undeniable authority, “Michelle, what do you think?” Michelle, seated on the sofa, blushed at her words. She bowed her head, her voice as tiny as a mosquito’s, “Grandma, I’ll go along with whatever you arrange.” Diana, watching Michelle’s shy demeanor, couldn’t help but laugh, “Oh, Michelle is blushing? Seems like she’s quite pleased with Mr. Conor!” A jest that lightened the mood in the room. But Adeline remained silent, watching everything from a corner with a detached gaze. She could see that this so-called marriage alliance was nothing more than a trade of interests, and the man she once loved was now merely a pawn others vied for. It was ludicrous and painfully sharp. What disgusted her more was—Christopher was blatantly discussing this in her presence as if deliberately provoking her. In the garden, two figures walked side by side, each lost in their thoughts. “You heard everything just now, didn’t you?” Christopher casually began, glancing at the person beside him, “About what might happen between Michelle and me, what do you think?” Adeline stopped, her look cold and distant, “What do I think? What does it have to do with me?” “Really nothing?” He raised an eyebrow, a sly smile on his lips, “After all, we once…” “Don’t mention the past.” Adeline cut him off, her voice as cold as ice, “The past is dead to me.” Her words wiped the smile from Christopher’s eyes. He stared at her, his deep-set eyes flickering with complex emotions, but quickly regained his composed demeanor. “Then you should wish me and Michelle well,” he said lightly, with a hint of provocation. Adeline scoffed, her tone dripping with irony, “A blessing? Of course. A powerful union, indeed—a perfect match.” Her words ignited the tension in the air. Just then, a soft cough came from nearby— Teresa approached with Kelly’s support, seemingly oblivious to the tense atmosphere, speaking gently, “Alright, let’s not stand around, come in for some tea.” Her simple words seemed to draw a line under the confrontational scene, and Adeline took the opportunity to turn and leave without another glance at Christopher. In the elevator, Michelle and Christopher stood apart. The girl shyly lowered her head, whispering, “Christopher, I’ve always admired you. If possible, I hope…” She was interrupted by Christopher, who smiled faintly yet distantly, “Fate isn’t something anyone can decide. Let’s just see how things unfold.” His cryptic reply left Michelle puzzled. As the elevator doors opened, he stepped out first, leaving behind a tall, retreating figure and the girl’s complex emotions… As night fell, Gavin sat in his office, staring at the computer screen displaying the registry information. His fingers clenched into fists as he stared at the words—”Adeline Layton” had been changed to “Adeline Dustin.” Memories flooded in, recalling the years they grew up together and the revelations that shattered their bond. He couldn’t accept or let go. He closed his eyes, forcing the tumult of emotions back down. When he opened them again, he had resumed his usual cold, stern demeanor. Picking up his phone, he dialed a number, his voice nearly commanding, “Teach her a lesson; let her know that she can never escape the Layton family!”