Even if Amy presented Evelyn's identification, they would simply dismiss it as forged.

She had personally confirmed Genevieve's identity as Ms. Harrington, yet neither of them chose to believe it.

They grasped at any reason to distrust her, which was exactly why Celeste couldn't be bothered to waste another breath explaining.

Victoria locked eyes with Genevieve. "Even if Ms. Harrington says so herself, you and Celeste are close. Naturally, you'd want to elevate your friend's status, wouldn't you?"

But Genevieve only turned to Alexander. "Mr. Blackwood, do you doubt my word as well?"

Alexander remained silent, his expression speaking volumes.

Genevieve realized arguing was futile. "If you refuse to believe me, then so be it."

The four of them finished their meal in near silence, the conversation dwindling to nothing.

As the plates were cleared, Amy began to rise politely, but Alexander finally spoke.

"Ms. Harrington, might I ask—what could possibly be so pressing that you can't spare a single day?"

He still hadn't abandoned the idea of Genevieve accepting the guest performer invitation.

Genevieve was about to decline again when Celeste, who had been quiet throughout the meal, interjected.

"She's the featured performer at my concert," Celeste stated. "She won't have time for Ms. Langley's event."

Genevieve hadn't mentioned this earlier—not out of fear of Alexander, but because she didn’t want Celeste to bear the backlash of their resentment.

Having grown up among the elite, she knew this pattern all too well. Whenever she declined an invitation, the host would inevitably take it out on those closest to her.

The reason was simple.

They didn’t dare direct their frustration at her, so they turned it on Celeste instead.

Celeste understood this perfectly.

But since she had already severed ties with Alexander and his circle, she no longer cared what they thought of her.

Alexander’s brow furrowed. He had known for a while that Celeste was organizing her own concert around the same time as Victoria’s. It wasn’t deliberate—it was simply peak concert season.

After a tense silence, he spoke again. "Ms. Harrington, Celeste and Victoria’s concerts likely won’t fall on the exact same day. There’s no reason you couldn’t attend both. If you’re willing, we’d gladly adjust our schedule to accommodate you."

Celeste nearly laughed at the absurdity.

They wanted to have it both ways.

Perhaps they weren’t openly fighting her for Genevieve’s time, but the maneuver was still underhanded.

Genevieve shook her head. "Mr. Blackwood, organizing a concert isn’t as simple as you think. I need rehearsal time before performing, and I’ll be occupied with Celeste’s preparations. There’s simply no room in my schedule."

Alexander wasn’t naive. He knew a featured guest wouldn’t perform the entire evening—with proper timing, Genevieve could theoretically do both.

Realizing persuasion was futile, he shifted tactics, turning to Celeste.

Genevieve’s loyalty was clear—when forced to choose, she stood with Celeste.

If he wanted to sway Genevieve, he’d have to start with Celeste.

"Celeste," he said, his tone softer now, almost conciliatory. "Since Ms. Harrington is your friend, I’m sure you’d want her to prioritize your concert. But for Victoria’s event, she’d only need to perform one piece. It wouldn’t take much time."