Liam's eyes sparkled with admiration. "But... when I had French lessons with my tutor, Grandma never joined us. And..." His gaze drifted back to Amy on stage, voice dropping to a whisper, "She speaks even more beautifully than my French professor."

Nathan rolled his eyes dramatically. "That's just your childish opinion. If Amy was truly fluent, why bother hiring a tutor? She probably memorized a few fancy phrases to impress everyone. Typical show-off behavior."

Margaret, eavesdropping on their hushed exchange, leaned forward eagerly. "What exactly did Amy say?"

Victoria hesitated, lips pressed into a thin line, before reluctantly translating Amy's words for the older woman.

Alexander sat motionless, his stormy gray eyes tracking the confident figure under the spotlight. For a fleeting moment, his expression softened with something akin to nostalgia—like catching a familiar melody through an open window.

A long-forgotten memory surfaced abruptly.

They had been at the Blackwood estate that day. Margaret had been discussing hiring a language tutor for Liam when Amy quietly suggested, "I could teach Liam." Margaret had immediately scoffed:

"You? Teach my grandson? We're employing a certified language instructor. What qualifications do you have? If Liam falls behind because of your interference, you'll bear the consequences."

After that crushing dismissal, Amy never offered again.

Alexander felt an unfamiliar sensation—genuine surprise. How many hidden facets had his ex-wife possessed? The woman he'd dismissed as ordinary now commanded the stage with effortless grace.

Surprise? He mentally scoffed at himself. To him, Amy had always been as unremarkable as a glass of tap water. The concept of her astonishing him was laughable.

In Alexander's world, love and marriage occupied separate spheres. He'd never loved Amy, believing mere fulfillment of marital duties sufficed. Understanding her had never crossed his mind.

Yet now, watching her radiate under the stage lights, he felt strangely untethered—as if seeing her properly for the first time.

Across the auditorium, Theodore erupted into booming laughter. "Bravo! That's how you put pretentious judges in their place!"

Samantha blinked in astonishment. "Mr. Whitmore, you understand French too?"

Theodore feigned offense, clutching his chest dramatically. "What, you think this old country doctor never traveled? I backpacked across Europe in my youth! Picked up languages like souvenirs!"

Samantha's grin turned mischievous as she piled on the flattery. "Incredible! Not only are you a medical genius, but a polyglot too? We've hit the jackpot knowing you!"

Her charm worked instantly, making Theodore preen. "Sharp as a tack, this one! Mark my words, your fortunes are about to change!"

Sebastian, overhearing, studied Theodore thoughtfully before returning his attention to Amy.

He'd told himself helping her was merely for Oliver's sake. Yet now... he realized he'd uncovered a rare diamond in the rough.

Meanwhile, Dominic sat frozen, utterly demolished by Amy's flawless delivery. Just as he thought the humiliation might end, she pinned him with a challenging look. "Mr. Laurent, did you follow everything?"

Words had never been Dominic's strength—hence his ill-advised attempt to undermine Amy's credentials earlier.

As he floundered, another judge—a silver-haired gentleman with piercing blue eyes—suddenly interjected in rapid French.

Amy listened intently, then responded with equal fluency, her words dancing effortlessly between languages.