That explained everything. Amy wasn't in any position to fight back right now, but rattling those around her and teaching her a lesson would be revenge enough for Victoria.

Victoria swiftly masked the triumph in her eyes and murmured softly, "Alexander, if this is too much trouble for Ms. Sinclair... perhaps we should just forget about it?"

Amy let out a quiet laugh. "If he were willing to let it go, he wouldn't have gone to such lengths to corner me."

Alexander studied Amy, his expression inscrutable.

"Amy, you should know you're in no position to bargain with me."

Without hesitation, Amy rose to her feet.

"Fine. If you think I'm unworthy of negotiating, then I'll take my leave. Find someone you deem worthy enough to speak with you."

She strode toward the door, her steps steady and unwavering.

The room fell into stunned silence at her audacity.

If Alexander had truly orchestrated Benjamin's predicament, then Amy's presence here—offering to surrender her studio and even compose for Victoria—was clearly a plea on his behalf.

By all rights, she should have been groveling at Alexander's feet, begging for mercy.

So where did she find the nerve?

The door creaked as Amy reached for the handle, ready to walk out.

Suddenly, Alexander stood and caught her wrist.

He locked eyes with her. "Don't you care what happens to Benjamin?"

Amy smiled faintly. "Alexander, I recall you once told me that when asking for a favor, one must show the proper attitude. So, who exactly are you trying to impress with this superiority act?"

Her lips curved, but her gaze was icy.

"Let me make this clear. Yes, Benjamin matters to me, which is why I'm here. But if you think you can use him to manipulate me indefinitely, you're mistaken. He's important, but not important enough for me to sacrifice everything. If you insist on this path, fine. Even if I lose, I'll make sure you pay dearly before I go down."

Nathan, who had only just learned of Alexander's involvement in Benjamin's situation, felt a surge of irritation. He had hoped to see Amy utterly humiliated, yet here she was, as defiant as ever.

He couldn't contain himself. "Amy, Benjamin's future is in our hands! I suggest you watch your tone, or—"

Amy cut him off with a laugh. "Do you know who gets destroyed the fastest?"

She didn’t wait for his answer. "People who think they have leverage and keep brandishing it, threatening others over and over. They're always the first to fall."

Nathan froze, speechless.

Before he could recover, Alexander spoke, his voice low and controlled.

"That's enough. All of you, stop."

Surprisingly, rather than anger, Amy's words seemed to put Alexander in a better mood.

He said coolly, "Amy, you have ten minutes to convince me."

That single sentence signaled his retreat.

Amy glanced at Nathan and Victoria, both now looking as if they'd swallowed something bitter, before returning to her seat.

Alexander's goal wasn't mutual destruction—he wanted Victoria's studio and the concert. Since Amy had come, he clearly didn’t intend to push things too far.

And just now...