The crowd that had been sneering at Amy moments ago now shifted uncomfortably, their expressions cycling through shades of embarrassment. The visible discomfort would have been comical in any other situation.

"Ms. Sinclair."

A smooth voice cut through the heavy silence. Victoria had materialized at the edge of the gathering, her poise unshaken yet authoritative.

"Perhaps personal matters should wait until after the gala," she suggested with practiced ease. "Mr. Pendleton rarely visits Solmaris for these musical gatherings. Let's not squander this opportunity with petty disputes."

Her gaze swept across the assembled guests, a subtle reprimand in her tone. "We're all honored guests here. Must we turn this into a spectacle? It was merely harmless teasing, nothing worth escalating."

Eager voices quickly rose in agreement, grasping at the offered escape.

"Exactly! Just lighthearted banter. No need for dramatics."

"This is about music, not personal vendettas. Take it elsewhere if you must."

"Really now, let's maintain some decorum. Overreacting benefits no one."

They'd all joined Nathan in ridiculing Amy earlier. If apologies were demanded, they'd be implicated too - and none wished to publicly humiliate themselves.

As the crowd rallied behind her, Victoria's lips curved in a barely-there smirk. Amy remained hopelessly idealistic. Didn't she understand the principle that you couldn't hold an entire crowd accountable? Had she only demanded apologies from Nathan and those two foreigners, the others might have remained neutral. But targeting everyone? Foolish.

Amy turned her glacial stare on Victoria. "They say you can judge someone by the company they keep. With Nathan's twisted morals, I shouldn't be surprised he associates with homewreckers like Ms. Langley."

Victoria's eyes widened dramatically. "That's slander!"

"Is it?" Amy's voice rang clear through the hall. "Shall we ask Alexander himself if our divorce was because of you? I still have our signed settlement. Happy to share it with everyone present."

She paused, then added with razor-sharp sweetness, "Oh, and I'm certain everyone here knows Alexander Blackwood of Solmaris, CEO of Blackwood Enterprises. Difficult to find anyone in this room who doesn't."

Amy held Victoria's shrinking gaze, unflinching. "Of course, if you believe I'm defaming you, by all means call the authorities."

Victoria paled, a cold sweat breaking across her forehead. She'd only meant to land a few jabs while Amy was vulnerable - who could have predicted this reversal? Worse, Amy clearly possessed damning evidence. With so many distinguished musicians from across the globe attending, she couldn't risk Amy destroying her reputation.

Now, Victoria bitterly regretted speaking up. Amy had seized the perfect moment and refused to relinquish it.

"Amy, what's happening?"

Julian had just entered the hall and immediately noticed the crowd surrounding Amy. Concern etched across his features as he pushed through the gathering. Mr. Pendleton and Alexander followed closely, drawing even more curious glances.

Without hesitation, Amy tapped her phone screen. A crystal-clear recording of the earlier confrontation filled the room.

Words alone meant nothing - Nathan always had excuses. So Amy let the recording speak for itself, leaving no room for denial.

As the voices echoed through the grand hall, Alexander's eyes flickered with surprise when he heard Amy's flawless German responses. His brows arched as he studied her with newfound interest.

She speaks German too? And with such fluency?