At first, Liam would still listen to her. But as time passed, he started brushing off her words with growing contempt.

"That little snake planned everything!" Liam's furious outburst snapped Amy out of her thoughts.

"That brat, Oliver, he wanted me to see you all laughing at the carnival. Then he ran up to me, gloating about stealing you away. He said I'd never get you back—that you were his mom now! He was so scared I'd take you from him that he threw himself into the pool. Well, if he could jump, so could I! I wasn’t going to let him win!"

Liam's eyes burned with betrayal as they locked onto Amy.

"We both fell in, and you chose him first. You left me there. Do you really... not want me anymore?"

Amy hesitated, then spoke carefully. "I didn’t see you in the water. I didn’t know you’d fallen in too."

For a brief second, Liam's icy anger flickered—just a hint of warmth.

"So... between what I said and what Oliver claims, who do you believe?"

Amy didn’t waver. "I believe what I saw."

Liam’s face twisted in disbelief. "How could you? I’m your son! You’re supposed to believe me, not some manipulative little liar! You’re my mother—you should always be on my side!"

Amy met his gaze evenly. "Just because I’m your mother, does that mean I have to blindly agree with everything you say?"

"Yes!" Liam shot back, his voice cracking. "That’s what moms do!"

Amy exhaled slowly. "I’m your mother, Liam. But have you ever trusted me unconditionally? Or have you forgotten how you stood up for Victoria, swearing I pushed her down the stairs? You demanded I apologize."

Liam faltered. "I... I didn’t see what happened then."

"And this time, I did," Amy said firmly. "I’m not accusing you without proof."

She pulled out her phone and played the security footage.

"See for yourself."

Liam snatched the phone, his eyes scanning the video. The truth was undeniable—Oliver had orchestrated everything.

Just then, Alexander, who had been silent, spoke up. His voice was cool, calculated.

"Amy, is this your way of manipulating Liam? Making him run back to you?"

Amy’s brows drew together. "What are you talking about?"

Alexander’s gaze was piercing. "Do you really think a five-year-old would know to tell Liam about your weekend plans? Or keep taunting him that you didn’t want him anymore?"

Ever since Oliver entered their lives, Liam had changed.

The sweet, well-behaved boy who used to charm everyone had turned into a troublemaker—fighting at school, lying to teachers.

Alexander knew Liam. He wouldn’t lie.

Which meant Oliver had provoked him.

But could a child that young really be so cunning?