Amy Sinclair finished speaking and walked out of the hospital room.

Days later, the family that had tried to frame Benjamin Carter was arrested.

The police investigation exonerated Benjamin completely, and an official statement was released to the public, confirming the child wasn’t his. It turned out the woman’s family had paid off someone at the agency to forge the documents.

Just like that, the scandal surrounding Benjamin finally ended.

Thanks to Amy’s foresight and Samantha Reynolds’ meticulous planning, their new studio, Celestial Melodies, was thriving.

Isabella Whitmore had already begun rehearsing her new piece.

One afternoon, as Amy and Isabella discussed the upcoming concert, her phone rang. It was Nathan Prescott.

"I need you to deliver the original score to Victoria Langley’s venue," Nathan said without greeting. "She’s performing it tonight."

At this point, Nathan had taken on the role of Victoria’s unofficial manager. He’d always been a spoiled heir with no real interest in his family’s business, rarely stepping foot in the office. But with Victoria’s concert approaching, he’d thrown himself into helping her.

Amy’s voice was cool. "Send me the address."

A few seconds later, Nathan texted her the location. "Just sent it. And don’t be late," he warned. "This is a major performance for Victoria. If you mess this up and it affects her, you’ll answer to me. I’m not as lenient as Alexander, you know."

The address Nathan sent was for a luxury yacht. Apparently, Victoria’s performance would take place on board that evening.

Victoria hadn’t even practiced Amy’s composition yet—there was no way she could perform it tonight. Amy knew exactly what Nathan was doing: he wanted to flaunt Victoria’s connections, to show off how she had powerful backing.

Samantha, suspicious of Nathan’s motives, did some digging.

"I found out tonight’s concert is for high society. Rumor has it some major international figures have been invited. And..." Samantha hesitated, glancing at Amy with concern. "I heard Arthur Pendleton is hosting the event. Only someone of his stature could gather so many influential people."

It seemed Arthur Pendleton was officially grooming Victoria now.

Victoria had barely become his protégé, and already she was performing for the elite—clear proof of how much he valued her.

With Alexander Blackwood and Nathan Prescott paving her way, and Arthur Pendleton pouring resources into her career, Victoria’s starting point was impossibly high. Even if Amy had more talent and skill, surpassing her in the short term would be difficult.

It was like comparing someone who had to climb a mountain barehanded to someone born at the summit.

Amy finally understood. "No wonder Nathan wanted me there."

Samantha scowled. "If Alexander hadn’t sabotaged you and stolen your chance, tonight’s performance would’ve been yours, not Victoria’s."

Amy had already made peace with it. "Nothing in this world truly belongs to anyone, Samantha—not even your own child, let alone an opportunity. Victoria caught Arthur Pendleton’s eye because of her own abilities. My job is to keep improving, to become better."

She met Samantha’s gaze. "If you can’t let go of the past, you’ll only trap yourself where you are."

Samantha sighed. "I know you’re right. It’s just... we really need a break, Amy."

"Victoria has Alexander and Nathan pulling strings for her, but their influence has limits. They’re not even in the same league as Arthur Pendleton. He’s at the very top—his resources, his connections... no one else compares. When he speaks, people listen."