Victoria was brutally direct.

Yet Genevieve's smile never wavered. Her voice remained composed, dripping with aristocratic grace.

"My apologies, Ms. Langley, but my personal affairs are none of your concern. I owe you no explanations."

Victoria froze, momentarily speechless.

Genevieve's tone stayed pleasant, but steel glinted beneath the velvet now.

"And might I add, making baseless accusations reflects poorly on one's upbringing."

Victoria's face darkened.

Just seeing Amy seated beside Genevieve told her everything - this request would be denied.

Then Alexander's rich baritone cut through the tension.

"Ms. Harrington, Victoria is battling terminal illness. This concert may be her last performance. As fellow alumni of Solmaris Conservatory, I hoped you might reconsider."

Alexander paused, uncharacteristically earnest.

"Name your price. A favor owed, any condition - just say the word."

Genevieve offered a perfect, practiced smile.

"My heart goes out to Ms. Langley's situation. But I've already committed to assisting a dear friend. A Harrington never breaks her word."

She tilted her head slightly.

"Integrity defines character, wouldn't you agree? I'm afraid you'll need to find another solution, Mr. Blackwood."

With surgical precision, Genevieve dismantled every possible argument.

As a Harrington, her reputation carried weight. Breaking a promise could tarnish the family name - consequences none at the table could justify.

Victoria's hatred for Amy burned hotter. Without her interference, Genevieve might have agreed under Alexander's influence. This concert could have been her golden ticket into elite circles.

Now that opportunity evaporated before her eyes.

Alexander, recognizing defeat, attempted damage control. "It's nearly noon. Ms. Harrington, would you honor us by joining for lunch?"

The invitation was mere politeness - after such a refusal, why would she stay?

Yet Genevieve surprised them all. "How thoughtful, Mr. Blackwood. I'd be delighted."

A meal carried no obligations, after all.

Alexander signaled the waiter.

Genevieve took the menu, turning to Amy beside her. "Celeste, you're familiar with this establishment. What would you recommend?"

Amy selected several dishes, pointing them out.

Genevieve chose two options from Amy's suggestions.

"Still addicted to spicy food after all these years?" she teased.

Amy nodded with a small smile.

"Perfect. We'll take these then," Genevieve decided, adding two glasses of Amy's preferred juice.

Alexander's dark eyes narrowed imperceptibly.

He'd questioned the depth of their friendship - a Harrington and a... well, Amy. But their effortless familiarity, the intimate knowledge of preferences, spoke of genuine closeness.

Perhaps they truly were kindred spirits.

As they finished ordering, Alexander leaned forward. "Ms. Harrington, if I may ask - how did you and Celeste first meet?"