Amy's expression was glacial, her gaze unwavering and inscrutable.

"There's nothing left between us," she stated coolly. "You don't owe me any explanations."

Alexander met her eyes, his voice low. "I just want you to know—Victoria and I aren't involved the way you think. The media twists everything."

Once, he wouldn’t have cared enough to clarify.

Noticing Amy’s indifference, Alexander softened his tone. "I'm sorry. I didn’t realize Nathan’s actions would hurt you and Liam this much."

A bitter laugh escaped Amy, edged with scorn. "You think people look down on me because of one incident?" she countered. "You believe their treatment of me stems from some misunderstanding?"

She shook her head. "Nathan’s disrespect has been obvious for years, right in front of you. And what have you done? Nothing but empty words—'that’s enough' or 'let it go.' What exactly have you done?"

Her face remained impassive as she stared him down. "Now Liam is being bullied at school because people see me as weak, and now you finally grasp how serious this is."

A heavy silence stretched before she added, her voice sharp as ice, "Alexander, I’ve never met anyone so willing to sacrifice his own family just to protect his so-called 'brotherhood.' If you keep letting Nathan get away with this, it’s only a matter of time before Liam gets hurt worse."

Alexander looked chastened but didn’t argue. "From now on, I’ll keep Nathan in line," he promised quietly.

Amy’s lips curled into a humorless smile. She didn’t bother responding.

All Liam’s suffering had earned was a half-hearted vow to "keep Nathan in line." This man had disappointed her so thoroughly, she felt nothing but numbness.

She’d had enough. "Is there anything else? If not, I’m leaving."

Alexander reached out, catching her wrist. "Amy, Liam is still young. He needs his mother. He’s been miserable without you."

He hesitated, then added, "I know I neglected you before. I’ll make time for our family now. For Liam’s sake, can’t you stop being so stubborn?"

Stubborn. That’s what he called it.

Amy’s smile turned mocking. "This is your idea of winning me back? You think lowering your pride for a moment and saying something soft will make me come running home like some lovesick fool?"

Not a real apology. No mention of Victoria or Nathan—just hollow words and a half-hearted admission. Did he truly believe that was enough? The arrogance was almost impressive.

Alexander frowned, irritation flashing in his eyes. He forced his voice to remain steady. "You won’t have to lift a finger—the staff will handle everything. Come back if you want, or don’t. I’ll deal with my mother."

If only he’d ever stood up for her before. If only he’d defended her, maybe Margaret wouldn’t have made her life unbearable for so long.

"I’m not coming back." Amy’s voice was firm. "Alexander, if you clawed your way out of a grave, would you really choose to climb back in?"

His expression darkened. "A grave? For five years, I fulfilled my duty as your husband. It was only when Victoria returned that things changed. Amy, are five years of marriage and a child not enough to outweigh a few misunderstandings?"

"Misunderstandings?" Amy let out a sharp, disbelieving laugh. "Was it a misunderstanding when you gave our wedding to Victoria? Or when you handed my mother’s necklace to her? Or when you left me behind, over and over, to run to her?"

Alexander had no answer. After a long silence, he finally said, "We’ll have our wedding. If you want it, it’ll be grander than before."