The tension was suffocating. Amy couldn't waste another second arguing. "Alexander, release me," she demanded, her voice sharp with urgency. "Every moment we delay puts Liam at greater risk."

Victoria swiftly positioned herself between Amy and the unfolding crisis, her tone firm yet desperate. "Ms. Sinclair, I know you're worried, but we aren't equipped for this. If we intervene without expertise, we might make things worse. Let the professionals take over."

"Professionals?" Amy scoffed, her laugh bitter. "If he were truly competent, he wouldn’t be performing CPR without assessing the situation first!"

The doctor’s face flushed with indignation. "His breathing was compromised—cardiac arrest was imminent. CPR was necessary to stabilize him. What’s your problem?!"

"Step aside, woman! Don’t pretend to know better just because this man offered you a reward!"

"Ms. Sinclair, this is life or death—Liam could deteriorate any second!" Victoria’s voice cracked with panic. "If money is your concern, I swear we’ll settle it later. Right now, he needs help!"

Alexander’s grip tightened as memories resurfaced—how Amy had once left Liam behind for financial gain, prioritizing another child. Fury burned in his gaze.

"Amy, has money completely warped your mind? Liam is fighting for his life, and all you care about is cash?!"

Whispers erupted among the bystanders, fingers pointing in Amy’s direction.

"Dear God, she’s hindering a rescue over money. Disgusting."

"Miss, a child’s life hangs in the balance! Every second wasted could cost him everything!"

"If that boy dies, you’ll face legal consequences!"

Amy strained against Alexander’s hold, desperation turning her eyes bloodshot. "Alexander, if you let that fraud treat him, he’ll kill Liam! I’m his mother—I know his condition better than anyone!"

For the first time, hesitation flickered in Alexander’s expression.

Victoria’s plea was a broken whisper. "Alex, please… save Liam. He’s fading fast—he might not survive this!"

The doctor faltered upon realizing Amy was the boy’s mother. If she knew his medical history, perhaps CPR was the wrong approach.

But the promise of reward outweighed his doubts. A gamble was worth it—if the child lived, he’d be set for life.

Amy’s heart pounded as the doctor reached for Liam. "Don’t touch him!" she cried. "If you want to help, check his pockets! There should be medication—spray it near his nose and mouth to ease his symptoms until the ambulance arrives!"

The doctor hesitated, then rifled through Liam’s pockets—only to find nothing. Suspicion darkened his gaze as he glared at Amy. "There’s nothing here. Are you lying for the money?"

A faint smirk curled Victoria’s lips as she watched the scene unfold.