"I can't stand how he still dares to parade around like royalty!"

Amy Sinclair's voice remained composed. "As long as Alexander continues to shield him, Nathan will always act invincible."

Samantha Reynolds smirked. "Well, I think Alexander's patience has finally snapped. When Nathan's little entourage landed themselves in hot water, Alexander didn't lift a finger—in fact, he made sure everyone knew he wanted nothing to do with them."

Her grin widened as she spoke.

"Good riddance! Those entitled brats have always been unbearable."

She'd attended Liam's birthday celebration, after all.

Though she hadn't seen them trip Amy, she'd witnessed their shameless harassment of the waitstaff.

Disgusting.

Thankfully, Amy wasn't one to take insults lying down. She'd quietly gathered evidence and ensured the truth came to light.

Otherwise, the injustice would have been infuriating.

Amy, however, barely spared Nathan a second thought.

To her, he was nothing but a desperate attention-seeker.

They were in the lounge preparing when a knock interrupted—time to draw performance slots.

Amy expected Victoria to handle the draw as usual, but to her surprise, Alexander himself walked in.

He'd never been one to attend these school events.

Yet this was his second appearance in a row.

Victoria's influence clearly ran deeper than Amy had realized.

At least Liam's wish had come true.

He'd always longed for his father to watch his performances, to cheer him on from the audience.

Now, with Victoria in the picture, all his wishes seemed granted.

Amy pretended not to notice Alexander, her gaze icy as she turned away.

The draw proceeded smoothly—no drama this time.

Still, Amy's luck wasn't great. She pulled a late slot.

Alexander, however, landed an early position—fifth.

Once the slots were recorded, Amy moved to leave.

"Amy." Alexander suddenly blocked her path.

Her lips curled into a faint, mocking smile.

"Alexander, last time you demanded I withdraw from the violin competition. What now? Should I drop out of the language program too?"

His throat tightened. "No. I just have a question."

Amy crossed her arms. "We're already running late, but since you don't seem concerned about wasting time, go ahead."

His dark eyes bore into hers.

His voice came out rougher than intended. "Why didn't you tell me what really happened at Liam's party?"

"Didn't I?" Amy arched a brow. "I told you. And you dismissed it, saying they meant no harm, that I shouldn't ruin Liam's celebration. Or have you forgotten?"

Alexander pressed his lips together. "But afterward—you never explained the full story."

Amy laughed sharply. "You think I didn't try? The moment I started, you got a call that Victoria had collapsed.

"You rushed off to her side, then spent over a month traveling with her.

"I called you, told you your mother had taken Liam.

"You brushed it off, insisting she's his grandmother and wouldn't hurt him, told me not to worry.

"Even after Liam returned, you were still off sightseeing with Victoria.

"And now you dare to question me? Don't you find that hypocritical, Alexander?"

Her words flooded Alexander with memories.

He struggled to respond. "I wasn't vacationing with Victoria. I was taking her to specialists. Those tabloid stories were just rumors."