Liam's head snapped up, startled to find Alexander's piercing gaze fixed on him. Those cold, calculating eyes always made Liam shrink back in fear.

Before Liam could respond, Alexander's icy voice cut through the silence. "Did Amy teach you that?"

Liam wasn't afraid of his mother, Amy, but his father was a different story. He quickly looked away, mumbling, "No, Mom didn't teach me."

But his hesitation was all the confirmation Alexander needed. In his eyes, Liam's guilt was already decided.

Was Amy really filling their son's head with nonsense?

Alexander scoffed. "If she can't raise our child properly, perhaps she should reconsider her priorities."

Then, turning back to Liam, he said, "You'll stay with your grandparents for a few days."

Liam had been about to protest, but at those words, his eyes lit up. He remembered his aunt's story—how Amy had once pushed Victoria into the pool and refused to apologize. It wasn’t until Alexander sent him away that she finally caved.

Maybe history would repeat itself.

Meanwhile, in a cozy apartment across town, Samantha gaped as Amy deleted the group chat and blocked Alexander and Victoria.

"Celeste, are you serious this time?" Samantha asked, stunned.

Amy finished cleaning up her phone before looking up. "Do I look like I'm joking?"

Samantha sighed. "Last time Victoria 'fell' into the pool, you swore you wouldn’t back down. But then Liam got sick. I’m worried Alexander will use him against you."

Women were always vulnerable when it came to their children.

Amy’s voice was steady. "Don’t worry. It’s different now."

Samantha raised a skeptical brow. "Really?"

A wistful smile touched Amy’s lips. "I thought I was being the perfect mother, sacrificing everything for Liam. But really, I was just lying to myself."

Samantha’s eyes sparkled mischievously. "In that case, let me treat you tonight. We’re going out."

As a single woman who loved nightlife, Samantha was always ready for fun. "Oh, no, that’s not—"

"No excuses!" Samantha cut her off. "Back at Solmaris Conservatory, you were the campus goddess. Remember your performance at the homecoming gala? Half the school fell for you."

Pouting, she added, "You play the violin like an angel, dance like a dream, and yet you ended up with Alexander, who doesn’t appreciate you. There are better men out there! Come on, just one night to unwind."

Unable to resist Samantha’s relentless persuasion, Amy finally gave in.

By eight o’clock, they stepped into an upscale bar—nothing like the rowdy clubs Amy had feared.

Samantha grinned. "This place just opened. Trust me, the men here are quality."

Amy chuckled. "Alright."

Just then, a familiar voice sneered from behind them.

"Well, if it isn’t Alexander’s little shadow. Looking for him again?"