The divorce papers lay between them, identical to the terms Amy had demanded before - an equal split of their shared assets.

But Alexander wouldn't hear of it. His counteroffer? She walks away with nothing.

Exhausted by their endless battles, Amy had reluctantly agreed.

Yet when the appointed court date arrived, he never showed.

That moment crystallized a painful truth for Amy: if she didn't fight for herself, no one would.

Alexander's expression darkened like gathering storm clouds. "Amy, do you find this amusing? Using divorce as some twisted bargaining chip? Missing one meeting doesn't warrant this melodrama."

"If you're truly upset, we can go out tonight. No—right now. Pick any place you want."

Amy stared at him as if he'd grown a second head.

"A date? Have you lost your mind completely, Alexander? I requested your presence at the courthouse to finalize our divorce, not play some romantic charade."

Remembering Victoria's interference and Nathan's mocking remarks, Amy suspected Nathan had planted ideas in Alexander's head.

Her lips curled in bitter amusement. "When I say divorce, you assume I'm seeking attention. When I arrange legal proceedings, you interpret it as a date invitation."

"If plain English eludes you, let me phrase this differently..."

Amy's piercing gaze locked onto Alexander's chiseled features, her eyes glacial.

"What exactly would convince you that I genuinely want to end our marriage?"

The question struck Alexander like a physical blow, momentarily stunning him. Seizing his silence, Amy continued in a voice like polished steel.

"Believe what you will. But understand this—I'm not signing Nathan's release papers."

"A few days in holding may seem insignificant, but that criminal record will tarnish his precious reputation in your esteemed circles forever."

Alexander's eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. "Amy, that's unnecessarily cruel."

"Cruel?" A humorless laugh escaped her. "Was it kind when your dear friend hurled insults and destroyed property? Now that consequences exist, you cry cruelty?"

Though her lips smiled, her eyes remained arctic.

"If justice seems cruel to you, perhaps you're too fragile for this world."

Their gazes clashed, Alexander's burning with barely restrained intensity.

"Amy Sinclair, is this truly what you want?"

Without hesitation, she met his stare. "Absolutely."

"Fine." His jaw tightened. "Original terms stand. You leave with nothing, and I'll sign."

Amy laughed at his audacity. "Alexander, you're the one needing my cooperation now. Sign today, and we part civilly."

"Refuse, and we'll settle this in court. Though I doubt your friend Nathan will enjoy extended accommodations."

"Rumor has it he injured himself quite dramatically—nearly ruined that pretty face of his. Even healed, scars might remain."

"Apparently Theodore Whitmore's special compounds reacted poorly with his skin. Such a shame the good doctor refuses to prepare an antidote after Nathan wrecked his clinic."