"You... you've lost your damn mind!"

Liam felt a pang of guilt, though he masked it quickly, throwing the words over his shoulder before storming off.

Nathan Prescott was rescued shortly after—thanks to Victoria.

When Nathan was released, only Victoria stood waiting for him.

Her expression was shadowed, unreadable.

Alexander had refused to intervene on Nathan's behalf, forcing Victoria to turn to him.

She had sworn never to contact that man again.

Even the thought of him made her skin crawl.

Sometimes, she wondered if he was truly sane.

Her fingers clenched around a delicate earring in her palm.

If...

If he ever discovered the truth—that she wasn’t the one he was searching for—

She’d be destroyed. Utterly.

His methods were merciless.

Victoria knew she was dancing with the devil.

She had to secure Alexander’s hand in marriage soon.

If that madman ever found the real owner of the matching earring and realized her deception—

She didn’t dare imagine the consequences.

But this city was vast. Finding one woman was like searching for a needle in a haystack.

If it were easy, he wouldn’t have needed her in the first place.

Her spiraling thoughts shattered when Nathan’s voice cut through the silence.

"Victoria! I thought Alexander refused to help? Did he change his mind?"

She blinked, her jaw tight. "No. It wasn’t him."

"Not Alexander?" Nathan’s brows shot up. "Dominic, then?"

Dominic Whitmore’s lawyer had visited him—advised him to lay low until the scandal blew over.

But who wanted to rot in a place like that?

He’d begged both Alexander and Dominic for help, yet neither had lifted a finger.

Nathan had resigned himself to a lengthy stay.

Being freed today was unexpected.

Victoria’s gaze flickered. "An old university friend pulled some strings."

"University friend?" Nathan grinned. "Must be someone powerful to get me out now. Introduce me—I owe them a drink."

She waved him off. "He’s already returned to Solmaris. Another time."

But Victoria hadn’t gone through this trouble for nothing.

"Nathan, since the incident, Amy’s reputation has skyrocketed. She’s been invited to multiple high-profile showcases."

Nathan smirked. "Want me to get you invites? Easy."

Victoria nearly sighed.

Nathan was all action, no strategy.

"That’s not the point. I don’t need invitations. What I’m saying is—Amy’s gained too much ground. Even Alexander couldn’t touch her this time. If we strike again, it’ll be harder."

Her nails dug into her palms. "And Alexander’s attitude toward her… He didn’t help you, but he didn’t retaliate against her either. I’m worried—"

Nathan scoffed. "Alexander only cares about talent. Amy’s got none. What’s there to worry about? Still, she’s gotten too bold. Time to remind her of her place. Sure, she’s got fans, but in our world? Without connections, she’s nothing. All she can do is scream—no real power to hit back."

He paused, a slow, cruel smile spreading.

"Actually, Victoria… I might have just the idea…"