Amy Sinclair wasn't fooled by Nathan Prescott's little charade.

Not that his petty attempts to impress her mattered in the slightest.

She had only agreed to come tonight for one reason—to observe a concert curated by the legendary Arthur Pendleton. Even if the maestro himself wasn’t performing, his influence was evident in every detail, and that alone made it worth studying.

Nathan, of course, had assumed she’d be jealous.

He had no idea she was actually grateful.

With her current reputation, she wouldn’t have gotten within ten feet of this event without his unwitting invitation.

Amy studied him with quiet amusement.

By sheer accident, he’d done her a favor.

Nathan caught her gaze—not angry, not bitter, just… something he couldn’t place. It unsettled him.

"What’s that look for, Amy?" he snapped.

She smiled. "Just admiring the view."

His skin prickled. "What view?"

This woman was trouble. He didn’t trust her for a second.

He shot her a warning glare.

Amy’s lips curved knowingly. "Nothing important. Weren’t you taking me to see Victoria? If we wait any longer, we’ll miss her performance."

Nathan checked his watch. The concert was about to start.

He dropped the argument and led her into the auditorium.

The hall was packed.

The lights dimmed, signaling the beginning of the show.

Nathan pointed to a lone seat in the back. "Stay here until Victoria’s done. Afterward, I’ll introduce you."

Amy nodded. "Of course."

Her easy compliance only made him more suspicious.

"Don’t wander off," he warned. "If you cause trouble, you’re on your own."

Secretly, he hoped she would. Watching her embarrass herself would be satisfying.

Without another word, he slipped back to his front-row seat beside Alexander Blackwood.

"You’re late," Alexander murmured, frowning.

Nathan avoided his gaze. "Phone call."

Thankfully, the darkness hid his discomfort.

The music began, and Alexander turned his attention to the stage.

Nathan exhaled in relief.

Then the stage lights flared to life, illuminating Victoria Langley at the center.

Amy arched a brow.

Arthur Pendleton clearly had high expectations for Victoria—not only had he chosen her to open the concert, but she was performing a solo.

No wonder Nathan had been so eager to show off.

Victoria’s playing had improved significantly—likely under Pendleton’s tutelage.

Amy might despise her, but she couldn’t deny Victoria’s talent.

As one of Pendleton’s protégés, Victoria now had access to training most musicians only dreamed of, surrounded by peers who were already stars in their own right.

With even minimal effort, her future was guaranteed.

The piano’s elegant notes filled the hall.

Victoria had always been striking—easily a nine out of ten. No wonder Alexander still couldn’t forget her after all these years.

Under the spotlight, her carefully crafted beauty was almost ethereal.

When her solo ended, thunderous applause erupted.

All around Amy, the audience whispered praises.