"Victoria, there's no need to feel wronged about apologizing," Amy said calmly.

But Victoria ignored Amy and turned her desperate gaze toward Alexander. "Alex, I swear I didn't push him... I would never—"

Before Alexander could respond, Oliver's small but firm voice interrupted.

"Amy, it's okay. Don't let this cause trouble between you and Ms. Langley or Mr. Blackwood." The wisdom in his tone was startling for a child. "I chose to help Liam. No matter how hurt I got, it was my decision." He wiped his scraped hands on his pants. "Dad says kindness shouldn't come with conditions. If I got hurt helping someone, that's on me—not them."

Then, with devastating innocence, he added, "Grown-ups don't usually apologize to kids, do they?"

The irony was sharp enough to cut glass.

Everyone in that hallway was connected to Liam—especially Victoria, who always acted like his well-being was her top priority. Yet here was Oliver, the boy who had saved Liam's life, receiving neither gratitude nor an apology.

It was absurd.

Alexander couldn't justify bullying a child, no matter how much he wanted to defend Victoria. After a tense silence, he finally spoke. "Victoria, just apologize to him."

Victoria's eyes widened in shock. If she had chosen to apologize on her own, it would have been one thing. But Alexander demanding it? That stung.

Tears welled in her eyes. "Alex, I really didn't—"

"Victoria," Alexander cut in, his voice firm. "Oliver saved Liam's life. The least we can do is thank him—or apologize if we've wronged him." His gaze bore into her. "Are you really unwilling to say one word for Liam's sake?"

Victoria's mask nearly cracked—her jaw clenched before she could stop it. The weight of their stares was suffocating. It was a tactic she knew well.

She shot Oliver a sharp look. This kid... was far too clever.

When their eyes met, Oliver blinked up at her with wide, guileless eyes. "Amy, really, it's fine. I'm okay."

Victoria finally understood the frustration of being outmaneuvered—by a five-year-old, no less.

With a quiet sigh, she forced a contrite expression. "Oliver, I'm sorry. I was just so worried about Liam that I acted without thinking. Please forgive me."

Oliver nodded solemnly. "I know you didn't mean it, Ms. Langley. I don't blame you."

Just then, the elevator dinged. The doors slid open, and two figures rushed out.

"How's Liam? Is he all right?" Margaret and Charlotte hurried forward, their faces etched with worry.

Charlotte had heard about the accident over the phone and immediately told Margaret, who had rushed over in a panic.

Alexander reassured them, "He's still in surgery, but his life isn't in danger."

Margaret exhaled in relief—until her gaze landed on Amy sitting nearby. Her expression turned to ice.

She stormed forward and slapped Amy hard across the face.

"How could you let this happen to my grandson?!"