The call ended abruptly, leaving Alexander gripping his phone in stunned silence. He dialed Amy's number repeatedly, but each attempt went straight to voicemail.

His fingers clenched around the device, knuckles turning bone-white. He'd been too lenient with her—allowed her to cross lines that should have been ironclad. If she wanted to play this game, he'd make sure she regretted it.

When Amy finally arrived at the kindergarten, the sight of Alexander and Victoria waiting didn't surprise her. Victoria was cooing over Liam, her voice sickly sweet, while Oliver stood off to the side, looking lost.

"Sorry I'm late," Amy said, stepping inside. She had been rehearsing with Benjamin Carter, and the studio was on the other side of town.

Alexander's expression darkened the moment he saw her. "Amy. Why the hell didn't you answer your phone?"

She met his glare with cool detachment. "I didn't feel like talking. Do I need a reason?"

His voice dropped dangerously low. "You're Liam's mother. If there was an emergency and you ignored the call, what then?"

Victoria seized the moment, her tone dripping with false concern. "Exactly, Ms. Sinclair. What if something happened to Liam? Your negligence could have put him in danger."

A sharp glint flashed in Amy's eyes. "Tell me, Father of the Year—how many times did you actually pick up when the hospital called? If missing one call makes me a monster, your track record should have buried Liam months ago."

Alexander's jaw tightened, his voice laced with warning. "Are you seriously wishing harm on your own child?"

"Oh, Alexander," Amy scoffed, "are you blind and deaf? It was your precious Ms. Langley who suggested something so vile, and now you're twisting it onto me. Your deflection skills are truly unmatched."

She smirked. "Isn't there a talent show coming up? Maybe you two should perform—a duet in hypocrisy."

Turning to Oliver, her voice softened. "Oliver, sweetheart, what happened?"

The boy hesitated, his gaze flickering nervously toward Liam.

Amy knelt beside him, her tone gentle but firm. "Tell me the truth. I'll make sure it's fixed."

"I'm okay," Oliver mumbled, casting another wary glance at Liam. "Maybe... maybe we shouldn't do the talent show this weekend."

Before Amy could respond, Victoria cut in, her voice laced with disapproval. "Ms. Sinclair, as Liam's mother, shouldn't you be supporting him instead of another child?"

Amy feigned innocence. "Oh? Is Liam withdrawing from the show?"

Victoria lifted her chin. "Without you, Ms. Sinclair, Liam has no choice but to rely on me."

Amy arched a brow. "Did Liam say that, or are you speaking for him?"

Victoria faltered, but Liam suddenly piped up, his voice defiant. "I asked Victoria to help! You can't do anything useful anyway. If you come, I'll just be embarrassed!"