Alexander couldn't pinpoint why, but something about Sebastian rubbed him the wrong way. His glare burned into Sebastian with undisguised hostility. "That's because Mom was cruel to Victoria!"

"I don't buy that for a second!" Sebastian shot back, his voice rising. "Amy is the kindest soul alive. She'd never hurt a fly. You're all just ganging up on her!" Sebastian was on fire now. "Like earlier—Oliver fell, and you immediately accused Amy of pushing him! She's the best mother anyone could ask for!"

Liam's eyes prickled with unshed tears. Amy, who usually showered him with affection, was now fussing over Oliver, making Liam feel like a discarded toy.

"She's my mom, not yours!" Liam yelled, his voice breaking with emotion.

Sebastian didn't back down. "But you've never treated her like a mother. You act like she's just the help!"

In a swift move, Sebastian stepped protectively in front of Amy. "From now on, I won't let anyone mistreat Amy!"

Even a child could see it—her own son seemed more attached to another woman. Was there anything more painful than that?

Liam's mouth opened, but no words came out.

Watching the two boys argue, Alexander felt irritation simmering beneath his skin. His voice was icy. "Whose child is this?"

"My son," Sebastian smirked. "I heard Ms. Sinclair's credit card was frozen, and she's strapped for cash. Since I'm swamped with work, I asked her to help with childcare."

Alexander's lips thinned in displeasure. "Amy, you'd rather take care of someone else's child than your own? When was the last time you were home?"

Liam's heart twisted. Yeah, why hadn't Mom been around?

Sebastian chuckled darkly. "Maybe it's because looking after another child actually earns her gratitude and money, while taking care of her own gets her treated like a servant."

His gaze flicked between Liam and Alexander. "If you don't see her as a wife or mother, and you don't fulfill your roles as husband and son, why demand she play the perfect wife and mother?"

Amy's eyes welled up, a wave of sorrow crashing over her. Whenever Victoria was involved, Alexander and Liam always turned against her. Sebastian's words resonated deeply, making her chest ache with emotion.

As Amy turned to Sebastian with gratitude shining in her eyes, Alexander's expression darkened, a storm of anger and something unreadable flashing across his face.

His voice was as cold as a winter storm. "Our family matters are none of your concern, Sebastian."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "If it's a family matter, why is Ms. Langley allowed to interfere? Unless... she's part of your family too?"

Alexander's jaw tightened. Ignoring Sebastian, he turned to Amy. "Come home with me. Liam needs you."

Amy's voice was steady, devoid of warmth. "I already told you. I'm not coming back."

She took Oliver's hand. "Let's get that cut cleaned up."

"Okay," Oliver nodded obediently.

As they turned to leave, Liam darted in front of them, his small face set with determination. "You can't go!"

Amy looked down at the child she had raised. Had she spoiled him too much?

Had she been trying to be a good mother, or had she forced her own ideals onto him? Why, of all people, did he cling to Victoria?

Amy's gaze was calm but firm. "Are you going to apologize to Oliver for pushing him earlier?"