Alexander's piercing gaze locked onto Amy as she stood there, shivering in her soaked dress. She deliberately avoided eye contact, her forced smile cracking at the edges like thin ice over turbulent waters. The way her eyes darted nervously told him everything - she was concealing something important. What game was being played here that he wasn't privy to?

Nathan, still fuming, started to protest again when Alexander sharply interrupted. "That's enough. Look at them - they're both freezing. We'll continue this discussion after they've changed into dry clothes." His tone brooked no argument.

Assuming Alexander's concern was solely for Amy's wellbeing, Nathan shot Victoria one last venomous glare. "This isn't over," he hissed before scooping Amy into his arms and striding away.

The moment they disappeared, Victoria turned to leave, but Alexander moved with surprising speed, blocking her path. "At least dry off first," he murmured, his voice unexpectedly gentle. "You'll get sick walking home like this."

Victoria froze at the familiar concern in his voice, memories flooding back unbidden. Before Amy's dramatic return, their marriage had been one of quiet companionship rather than passion, but there had been moments of genuine care between them. Like that stormy afternoon when she'd picked up Liam from school without an umbrella, using her coat to shield him while she got drenched. Alexander had just returned from a business trip that day. Seeing her soaked to the bone, he'd simply said, "Go take a hot shower before you catch cold," and for days afterward, her heart had fluttered at that rare show of consideration.

Now, the memory only made her lips twist in bitter amusement. "I appreciate your sudden concern, Mr. Blackwood, but it's unnecessary," she replied icily, attempting to step around him.

"Celeste—" Alexander reached out instinctively, his fingers brushing her arm.

She whirled around, her eyes flashing. "What? Hoping I'll go home and play that incriminating recording for you?" The mocking lilt in her voice made him recoil slightly.

Alexander's expression darkened as realization dawned. For a heartbeat, it seemed he might say something more, but Victoria didn't wait to find out. Seizing his momentary hesitation, she slipped past him and disappeared into the rain.

He watched her go, his jaw clenched, but made no move to follow. Today's rehearsal had clearly been a disaster.

Outside, Victoria walked briskly toward the exit, her fingers tightening around her phone. The recording - undeniable proof of Amy's malicious intent - weighed heavily in her pocket. While it might not be enough for criminal charges, releasing it strategically could destroy Amy's carefully constructed image just before their competing violin concerts.

The timing had to be perfect. Too soon, and Alexander and Nathan would undoubtedly find a way to suppress it. No, the ideal moment would be when tickets went on sale - that would maximize the damage to Amy's reputation while minimizing their ability to contain the fallout.

Yet...

A shadow of unease crossed Victoria's features. If Amy and Nathan were desperate enough, they might resort to extreme measures to silence her. Amy would certainly be on high alert now that she knew the evidence existed.

But one thing remained certain - Amy would never dare tell Alexander the truth. That was the one card Victoria still held.