If Alexander ever saw this side of her, every carefully constructed piece of her perfect image would shatter.

As for Nathan...

He was more of a complication than an asset—she'd be fortunate if he didn't make things worse for her.

Amy wasn't concerned about whatever schemes Nathan might attempt.

Besides, Dominic was monitoring his every move.

Other than Alexander and Nathan, Amy couldn't think of anyone else who would lift a finger for Victoria.

With Sebastian, Benjamin, Genevieve, and the others by her side, she had no reason to fear whatever games Victoria might play.

Still, despite all her logical reassurances, an unsettling feeling lingered at the back of her mind—a shadow creeping over her thoughts.

Something felt wrong, though she couldn't pinpoint what.

A sharp gust of wind swept past, making Amy sneeze.

The night air was bitingly cold.

She needed to get home, shower, and change immediately. Falling ill now was not an option.

Just as she reached the entrance, about to call for a ride, a sleek black luxury car pulled up in front of her.

The license plate caught her attention—unmistakable, with its sequence of eights.

The door opened, and a tall, striking figure stepped out.

"Celeste, are you alright?" Sebastian hurried toward her the moment he saw her, drenched and shivering.

Amy blinked in surprise. "Mr. Kingsley? What are you doing here?"

Noticing her pale complexion, Sebastian immediately shrugged off his coat and draped it over her shoulders.

"Oliver mentioned you had a rehearsal tonight. I was in the area and thought I'd stop by."

Amy had planned to take Oliver back to the Kingsley estate after her rehearsal, but the boy had stubbornly refused. So Samantha was watching him at home instead.

Earlier, Oliver had asked where she'd be practicing, saying he wanted to see her perform. She hadn't thought much of it and simply gave him the address.

Before she could speak, another figure approached from down the street.

"Ms. Sinclair."

It was Gregory, Alexander's assistant.

He offered a polite smile. "Ms. Sinclair, Mr. Blackwood heard you fell into the lake. He was concerned you might struggle to find a ride and catch a chill, so he asked me to take you home."

Gregory's car had been waiting nearby, originally meant to take Alexander home. Not long ago, Alexander had called him, instructing him to ensure Amy got home safely first.

Though she disliked most of Alexander's associates, Amy had always found Gregory decent. Whenever she couldn't reach Alexander, Gregory did his best to assist.

He was one of the few around Alexander who treated her with genuine respect.

"Thank you, but that won't be necessary," Amy replied politely. "My friend is already here to pick me up."

Gregory glanced at Sebastian and immediately understood. He didn't press further.

"Of course. If you need anything, Ms. Sinclair, don't hesitate to call."

Amy nodded in gratitude before slipping into Sebastian's car.

Once they were on the road, Sebastian asked, "Celeste, what happened back there? You look like you've been through an ordeal."

Amy gave him a brief summary of the evening's events.

Then she added, "Mr. Kingsley, do you know anyone who can fix a water-damaged phone?"

Sebastian chuckled. "Water damage? Easy. Don't worry, I'll have someone take care of it first thing tomorrow."

That same night, Victoria had just finished showering when her phone, resting on the table, suddenly rang.

She stared at the screen, recognizing the number instantly—a familiar dread flickering in her eyes.

Him. Again.

This was the man who had fabricated her medical records so flawlessly that even Alexander hadn't suspected a thing—a testament to his terrifying capabilities. He had helped her with countless problems, ones she would never dare bring to Alexander.

But she never dared to manipulate him the way she had used Nathan.

Taking several deep breaths to steady her trembling hands, Victoria finally answered the call.