Amy Sinclair looked confused. "Find something to keep yourself busy?"

"Exactly," Samantha Reynolds replied with a dry chuckle. "It's strange having all this free time suddenly. I need to figure out how to stay occupied and make money."

She hesitated, then continued, "Alexander froze my credit card. I have some savings, but Benjamin wants to open a studio, and that requires serious capital."

"That bastard Alexander froze your card?" Samantha gasped, her temper flaring. "After everything you've sacrificed for that family, he couldn't even buy you flowers. Meanwhile, he spends more on fireworks for Victoria than he ever did on you!"

Amy exhaled sharply. "I can earn money taking care of other people's children, but when it comes to my own family, I get my finances cut off."

Samantha, still unmarried, felt a shiver run down her spine at Amy's marital struggles. And Amy had married into wealth, no less.

If she had married into an average household, wouldn’t that mean working, handling all the chores, and raising kids alone? The thought was horrifying—especially the idea of facing complaints from both husband and child.

Samantha was lost in thought when Amy's voice pulled her back. "A woman needs financial independence to have real confidence and strength. Without it, even your own child might not respect you."

That hit hard.

Samantha nodded firmly. "I'm between jobs right now, so if you need anything, just call me."

"Thanks, Samantha."

Samantha waved her off. "Please. We're practically sisters. No need for formalities."

After parting ways, Amy carried Oliver and headed home.

The next morning, Amy walked Oliver to school. As they stepped outside, a sleek black car was already idling at the curb, drawing curious glances from passersby.

The driver approached them the moment they descended, offering a respectful smile. "Ms. Sinclair, good morning. I'm Oliver's driver, Frederick. I’ll be handling his school drop-offs and pickups."

Amy wasn’t surprised. She returned his smile. "Thank you, Frederick."

Frederick opened the car door. "It’s my pleasure, Ms. Sinclair."

About twenty minutes later, Amy realized the route looked familiar. Suspicion prickled at her. "Frederick, which preschool does Oliver attend?"

Oliver had only recently moved to Newhaven, and Sebastian hadn’t mentioned his school in the information he’d sent.

Frederick smiled. "He attends the Royal Oaks Academy, just up ahead."

Amy’s brows lifted slightly.

Liam went there too.

Royal Oaks Academy was the most elite preschool in the city. Only children from influential or prestigious families could enroll—money and power alone weren’t enough.

Amy had guessed Sebastian wasn’t ordinary, but she hadn’t expected his connections to be this impressive.

At the school entrance, Amy instinctively reminded Oliver, "If anything happens, call me, okay? Be nice to the other kids, and I’ll pick you up after school."

Oliver nodded, glancing back at her several times as he walked inside.

Amy’s chest tightened with nostalgia. When Liam first started preschool, he’d done the same—looking back at her, reluctant to leave.

But eventually, Liam stopped responding to her reminders, growing impatient instead.

Just then, a surprised voice cut through her thoughts. "Ms. Sinclair, are you here for Liam?"

Amy turned—and froze.

Standing a short distance away were Liam, Victoria, and Alexander.