"Amy, that's enough. Liam isn't your shield." Victoria's voice turned icy. "If you truly cared about him, you'd teach him accountability—not how to hide behind your excuses."

The crowd watched the confrontation unfold, their murmurs laced with disdain rather than sympathy for Victoria's theatrics.

If they were the ones whose costumes had been ruined, their performances compromised, they wouldn't be forgiving either. Did she really think her son's success mattered more than the dreams she had crushed?

That weak apology—I didn’t mean to—changed nothing. Did she honestly believe the world owed her forgiveness?

Victoria faltered when she realized no one was rushing to defend her. No righteous anger directed at Amy. Why wasn’t anyone taking her side?

Meanwhile, Margaret and Charlotte made their way to Liam’s dressing room. The boy’s face brightened the moment he saw them.

"Grandma! Aunt Charlotte! You came?"

Charlotte grinned. "Of course we did! Today’s competition is important. You better bring home that trophy!"

Liam puffed out his chest. "Victoria plays the violin perfectly. We’re definitely winning first place."

Margaret’s expression darkened. "Victoria again?"

Nathan, sensing the shift, stepped forward with a practiced smile. "Mrs. Blackwood, while Victoria may not come from an illustrious family, she graduated from Solmaris Conservatory. She’s already making waves in the music world. Given time, she could very well be the next Caroline Delacroix."

Caroline had been a legend in her time. Even without today’s digital reach, her name had resonated among the elite—Margaret included. The wealthy loved their refined hobbies, and music was a favorite status symbol.

Margaret had learned the violin herself once, not out of passion, but necessity—to secure investors and elevate Blackwood Enterprises.

Nathan pressed on. "You know how many influential families are attending today. Alexander is always buried in work, and he’s never been one for the arts. As for Amy..."

His lip curled slightly. "A talentless socialite clinging to Liam’s arm would be an embarrassment the Blackwoods can’t afford. I understand your reservations about Victoria, but this competition changes everything. With her pedigree beside him? Liam won’t just succeed—he’ll make every lesser family in that audience burn with envy. They’ll never catch up."

Margaret exhaled, relenting. "Fine. Let Victoria perform well. She will not disgrace the Blackwood name."

Nathan relaxed, flashing Alexander a discreet thumbs-up.

Just then, the door burst open. A teacher rushed in, breathless. "There’s been an incident with Ms. Langley!"