Amy paid the girl discreetly, ensuring no one saw the transaction. Only then did the troublesome visitor finally depart.

"If this leaks, it'll seem like we're bribing her to keep quiet."

Having survived internet mobs before, Amy knew the harsh truth—once public opinion was set, explanations meant nothing without undeniable evidence.

Benjamin collapsed onto the sofa, his usual vibrant energy drained. He stayed silent, shoulders slumped under the weight of the accusations.

Amy and Samantha exchanged a glance.

It was crushing—doing the right thing only to be punished for it.

Samantha lowered her voice. "That family has been extorting Benjamin for years. New excuses every time."

"And now, after taking his money, they went public instead of disappearing."

She hesitated, then added, "This was orchestrated. Someone’s targeting Benjamin deliberately."

Amy’s lashes flickered as a cold realization struck her.

"Alexander." Her voice was sharp, like winter frost.

"At Mr. Pendleton’s seminar last month, he said something odd to Benjamin."

She turned to Benjamin. "Is this what you’ve been hiding from me?"

Benjamin kept his head down, his dark bangs shadowing his eyes.

A faint, reluctant hum of agreement escaped him.

Amy clenched her fists. "Vicious."

Samantha muttered a curse under her breath. "We can’t stay silent. If we don’t fight back, people will assume it’s true. If this escalates, your concert will be canceled, Benjamin. Worse—you could be blacklisted."

Benjamin’s voice was rough. "Maybe I should withdraw. I won’t drag you both down with me."

Amy shook her head. "Don’t give up yet. We still have options."

She turned to Samantha. "If that woman is so certain the child is Benjamin’s, demand a paternity test. Make it public—prove his innocence."

Samantha’s eyes brightened. "Perfect! Once the results are out, they can’t slander him anymore."

Amy’s mind raced. "Benjamin’s a public figure. He can’t engage in online mudslinging. Samantha, you handle it. If they want a war, we’ll give them one."

A slow, fierce grin spread across Samantha’s face. "You’ve got a plan, don’t you?"

Amy nodded. "Let the video spread. Let everyone believe Benjamin abandoned his child. The bigger the scandal, the better."

Samantha caught on instantly. "When the test results come out, their lies will collapse!"

Her excitement was palpable. "Brilliant! I’ll set up an account right now."

She grabbed her phone, fingers flying over the screen—then paused.

"Wait, Amy. Whatever you do, don’t defend Benjamin publicly. If Alexander is behind this, he’s waiting for you to step into his trap and ruin your own reputation."

For the first time, Benjamin lifted his head.

His gaze burned with intensity. "Samantha’s right. Please, Amy—stay out of this."

Amy opened her mouth to argue—

Then Samantha’s phone rang.

Her face paled as she listened.

"Ms. Reynolds… I regret to inform you that due to Mr. Carter’s scandal, he’s been deemed persona non grata. The concert has been postponed indefinitely."