Secret Weakness?

Amy's gaze instinctively flickered toward Nathan when she heard the revelation.

Nathan's face flushed crimson as his private struggle was laid bare before everyone. His expression darkened with barely contained fury.

"You senile old fool—stop spreading lies!"

Theodore Whitmore remained unruffled. "Young man, denial won't cure your condition. Early treatment is key. Neglect it, and you'll live to regret it."

Nathan's mouth opened for a sharp retort, but Victoria's fingers brushed his wrist, silencing him.

"If this gentleman can truly alleviate my symptoms, I'll stay willingly."

Survival trumped pride—any rational person would choose the same.

Victoria needed to appear cooperative, or suspicions would arise. Besides, she was convinced this so-called miracle doctor was nothing but a fraud.

From the moment he'd declared he could heal her without proper examination, she'd doubted him. Even after checking her pulse, he'd stuck to his claim. Relief washed over her—but so did contempt.

A miracle doctor? More like a snake oil salesman.

She'd even considered allying with this charlatan before discovering his ties to Amy. Thank heavens he wasn't the real deal—otherwise...

A cold resolve settled in her eyes. She needed to find another solution.

Theodore nodded approvingly before turning his disapproval toward Alexander and Benjamin.

"Two grown men, yet neither possesses this young lady's clarity of mind. Shameful." He waved them off dismissively. "Day one begins now. If you've no purpose here, leave."

Benjamin had mountains of work awaiting him. Dragging Victoria here had already eaten into his schedule. He checked his watch and glanced at Nathan. "If you're fine here, I'll head out."

Nathan gave a curt nod. "Go ahead. I'll stay with Victoria."

As Benjamin turned to leave, Amy's voice sliced through the air.

"Benjamin. A word."

He checked his watch again, irritation tightening his features. "I'm on a tight schedule. Can this wait?"

Amy's lips curled into a frosty smile. "Wait? Until your funeral?"

Nathan exploded before Benjamin could respond. "Amy! Who the hell are you cursing?!"

Her voice was glacial. "This is between Benjamin and me. Stay out of it. A grown man gossiping like a fishwife—where's your dignity?"

Nathan wasn't accustomed to being spoken to this way. In his world, people addressed him as Mr. Prescott. Yet here was Amy, openly disrespecting him. Unthinkable!

Just as he prepared to unleash his temper, Theodore interjected with worldly amusement.

"Son, when husband and wife converse, wise men stay silent. Meddle in others' marriages, and misfortune may shadow your own."

Seeing Amy's unyielding stance, Benjamin knew evasion was impossible.

After a weighted pause, he nodded. "Outside."

Nathan's face fell, his body instinctively moving to follow.

But a small figure blocked his path.

Oliver stood there, solemn as a judge. "Sir, interfering in marital discussions invites discord into your own future."

Enraged, Nathan shoved Oliver aside, sending the boy tumbling.

"Ouch! Bullying a child—real classy!"

Hearing the commotion, Amy glanced back to see Oliver wink slyly, mouthing, I'll handle him.

Reassured, she followed Benjamin outside.

Alone at last, Amy cut straight to the heart of the matter.

"Alexander. About the divorce—don't I deserve an explanation?"