"This is just Alexander's pathetic excuse to avoid divorce. Even if Amy agrees to walk away with nothing, he still wouldn't sign the papers," Samantha fumed, her nails digging into her palms.

"Did you see how the Blackwoods behaved earlier? They didn’t even bother hiding their disdain for Amy in public. Behind closed doors, I bet they’ve already rolled out the red carpet for Victoria as their future daughter-in-law."

"If he’s so obsessed with Victoria, he should just divorce Amy and marry her. Trying to have his cake and eat it too is beyond despicable!"

Sebastian leaned against the lounge sofa, his voice low and measured. "Alexander is pragmatic. Amy is the perfect wife and mother, while Victoria is on borrowed time. Do you really think he’d throw away a lifetime with Amy for someone who might not survive the year?"

"Does he think Amy is some kind of consolation prize?" Samantha snapped. "If he wants to play dirty, does that mean we’re powerless to retaliate?"

Amy’s voice was glacial. "As long as he refuses to divorce, I’ll make sure he and the Blackwoods regret every second of it."

Sebastian’s stormy gaze darkened further. "Aren’t you worried he’ll come after your family?"

"I don’t have a family," Amy replied, her tone eerily detached. "If he tries anything, I’d almost be... grateful."

No family. And yet, grateful for it.

A spark of intrigue flickered in Sebastian’s eyes.

A sharp knock interrupted the tension.

Sebastian’s assistant stepped in. "Mr. Kingsley, Ms. Sinclair’s replacement gown has arrived."

After Amy left to change, Sebastian turned to Samantha. "About the bet she just made with Victoria—do you want me to influence the judges? Tilt the scales in your favor?"

Samantha blinked. "Tilt the scales?"

"Victoria might be vile, but she’s undeniably skilled. I’ve looked into her background. She did graduate from Solmaris Conservatory with above-average marks."

"Amy beating her won’t be easy."

Samantha gave him an incredulous look. "You investigated Victoria, but did you even bother researching Amy?"

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "Hmm?"

Realization dawned on Samantha’s face, and she scoffed. "The fact that you’d say that proves you haven’t done your homework. Victoria may have graduated from Solmaris Conservatory, but Amy did too—and she was leagues ahead!"

Sebastian’s expression shifted. "So, she didn’t drop out of high school?"

Samantha threw her hands up. "Who fed you that nonsense? Amy was a prodigy. She received a special invitation from Solmaris Conservatory when she was still a freshman in high school!"

A slow smirk curled her lips.

"Now I get it. No wonder Margaret keeps bringing up Amy’s education. She, like Mr. Kingsley, never bothered to check the facts."

The competition had been delayed for nearly forty minutes.

Not because of Amy—but because Victoria had taken an eternity to redo her hair and makeup.

Even now, with the first performance underway, Victoria still hadn’t emerged.

But forty minutes was the absolute limit.

Any longer would infuriate the other contestants and make the competition look rigged.

After heated discussions, the organizers decided Amy and Victoria would perform last.

Amy, having only needed to change her dress, stood at the front, watching the performances unfold.

The first act was a piano piece.

As the lights dimmed and then brightened, the competition officially began.