"Amy," Victoria said defensively, "I didn't mean to. I don't cook often, really... I thought it was just seasoning..."

Amy wasn't interested in excuses. Her sharp gaze shifted to Alexander instead.

"And you? What's your excuse now?"

Alexander's lips thinned slightly. "Victoria might genuinely not have known."

Amy let out a bitter laugh before turning to Liam.

"And you?"

Liam whispered, "Victoria probably didn't do it on purpose..."

Amy nodded slowly. "Fine. If you all think it was an accident, then so be it."

She exhaled sharply, forcing down the urge to argue. Some battles weren't worth fighting. With a swift turn, she walked away.

Alexander frowned. "Amy, where are you going?"

Her reply was icy. "I've been up all night. Obviously, I'm going to rest. Does Mr. Blackwood expect me to be at his beck and call 24/7?"

"Fine, go rest," Alexander relented, his expression softening slightly. "Liam needs to stay in the hospital for a week. Come back tonight."

Amy's voice was flat, detached. "Liam would rather be with Ms. Langley anyway. Let her handle it."

Alexander's jaw tightened. "You're his mother. Are you really going to leave his care to someone else?"

"And you're his father," Amy shot back. "Why don't you stay? Don't use the word 'mother' to guilt-trip me only when it's convenient."

"When something happens, suddenly everyone questions why I didn't do better."

"People who've never spent a day caring for him, judging the one who does it every single day—how rich."

Her cold gaze swept over Liam and Victoria.

"If you think Victoria is so perfect, let her take care of you. See if she's willing to sit in a hospital room day after day."

"And Ms. Langley—enough with the sweet talk. Put your money where your mouth is. If you love Liam so much, you shouldn't have a problem looking after him while he's here, right?"

"Lastly, I wish the three of you all the happiness in the world. Lock it down and keep your drama to yourselves—don't drag innocent people into it."

Without another glance, she strode out.

"Amy, what the hell is that supposed to mean?" Alexander's voice darkened as he followed her.

Once they were gone, silence swallowed the room, leaving only Victoria and Liam behind.

Liam stared blankly at the door, his small face pale.

Victoria waited until the footsteps faded before speaking softly. "Liam, when did you wake up? What did your mom ask you?"

Liam blinked, snapping out of his daze. "Just a little while ago. She asked how I had the allergic reaction. And... about the spray in my pocket."

Victoria studied him carefully. "What did you tell her?"

"I didn't get to answer before you came in."

Victoria exhaled slightly, relief flickering before she forced a worried expression. "Liam, I'm so sorry. I gave you too much of what you shouldn't have had. Your mom says I almost hurt you, so... please avoid those foods from now on."

Liam's face twisted with anxiety. At his age, snacks were sacred.

"Victoria, don't listen to Mom. Didn't you say it was because she ate all the wrong things when she was pregnant with me? That's why I'm not healthy... She's the one who caused it!"