Amy Sinclair gave a faint smile. "If Mr. Blackwood can't even tolerate Ms. Langley doing the simplest tasks, that changes everything."

"If you're concerned that Mr. Whitmore might be too harsh on Ms. Langley, you're welcome to visit daily. I'm certain he won't object. In fact, he might even be touched by your devotion and finally provide your mother's medication."

Gregory couldn't help but glance at Amy several times.

Devotion.

The word sounded perfectly natural when referring to one's wife. But when applied to another woman, it carried an unmistakable edge of mockery. His own mother needed his wife to beg for medicine, while he exhausted himself for someone else.

Alexander didn’t miss the sarcasm lacing Amy’s tone. His voice remained steady. "There's no need for the veiled remarks. Even if Victoria recovers, I won’t be with her."

Amy feigned understanding. "Ah, so legitimacy holds no appeal for you, Mr. Blackwood? You prefer the thrill of the forbidden, is that it?"

"Amy!"

She masked the disdain in her eyes. "Was there anything else, Mr. Blackwood? If not, please excuse me. I have a house to clean."

Without waiting for his response, Amy turned back to her chores. Alexander lingered for a moment, watching her, before finally walking away.

Whatever Alexander said to Victoria must have worked, because she appeared the next morning, all false concern.

"Mr. Whitmore, Ms. Sinclair, and little Oliver—are you all alright?"

Her gaze flickered toward Amy before she added, "Nathan isn’t usually like this. It’s just that there have been so many misunderstandings between him and Ms. Sinclair, which led to… that unfortunate scene."

"Ms. Sinclair, honestly, knowing Nathan’s temper, why provoke him?"

Her tone carried a subtle reprimand. "Mr. Whitmore isn’t getting any younger, and Oliver is just a child. Even if you don’t care about yourself, shouldn’t you think of them?"

Victoria was in top form, effortlessly shifting the blame for Nathan’s outburst onto Amy. But Mr. Whitmore wasn’t fooled. He let out a derisive snort.

"Enough chatter. If you’re here to work, then work. This is your task for today."

With that, he dropped six large sacks of unsorted herbs in front of Victoria.

Her eyes widened. "Why so many?" She pointed at Oliver. "He only had three bags. Why do I have six? That’s not fair."

Mr. Whitmore scoffed. "An adult woman comparing herself to a five-year-old? Shouldn’t you be ashamed?"

Oliver chimed in helpfully. "Ms. Langley, Mr. Whitmore isn’t being unfair. On the first day, we were supposed to sort three bags, but you barely managed half of one."

"So today, you make up for what you missed, plus the usual three. Six in total. It’s only right."

Victoria bit her lip. "Given my condition, I can’t overexert myself. Besides, I have a concert coming up. If my hands get injured, Alex will be furious."