Nathan's lips curled into a mocking smirk. "What's the point of being Mrs. Blackwood?" He scoffed. "You wouldn't believe it, but if Victoria even hints she's upset, Alexander will drop everything and rush to her side in the dead of night. When he comes home depends entirely on when she decides to release him. Seen much of him lately? Wondering where he is? Exactly where you think—by Victoria's bedside, treating a sniffle like it's a terminal illness. Even your own son, Liam, is right there beside her, doting on her and blaming you for making her sick. It won't be long before Victoria replaces you as Liam's new mother."

With that, Nathan shot Amy a triumphant look and sauntered away.

"This is ridiculous!" Samantha snapped, ready to chase after him, but Amy caught her wrist.

Amy didn’t show a flicker of anger. "Let it go, Sam. He’s not worth the energy. I’ve already started divorce proceedings. Soon, I’ll be free."

Samantha clenched her fists. "After everything you’ve given Alexander and Liam—years of your life—and this is how he repays you? It’s unfair!"

Amy shrugged. "It’s fine. Better late than never. If anything, he taught me one valuable lesson—never rely on anyone but yourself."

A few mornings later, Benjamin called Amy.

"Celeste, have you heard from Samantha today?"

"No," Amy answered, frowning. "Why? Is something wrong?"

Benjamin hesitated. "She found a couple of perfect locations for the new studio. We were supposed to tour them yesterday, but now I can’t reach her. I’m worried something happened."

Amy’s instincts flared. "Did something happen? Is she in trouble?"

Benjamin’s voice lowered. "Last time I saw her, that Nathan guy showed up, spewing nonsense about Alexander and Victoria. He dared her to see for herself how Alexander dotes on her."

Benjamin and Samantha were both close to Amy, and he knew Samantha well enough to recognize when something was off.

He continued, uneasy. "I got a bad feeling, so I went to the hospital to check. That’s when I heard Victoria tried to kill herself last night."

Amy’s grip on the phone tightened. "What does that have to do with Samantha?"

Benjamin exhaled. "I heard Samantha went to the hospital yesterday and had a very heated argument with Victoria."

Amy’s expression darkened. "I’ll find out what happened."

Benjamin warned, "If Victoria’s suicide attempt is linked to Samantha, Alexander won’t let it go."

Amy paused, considering. "Samantha doesn’t pick fights without reason. I know she wouldn’t just attack Victoria unprovoked. And honestly—"

Her voice turned icy. "If Victoria is so fragile that a few words from Samantha could push her to suicide, maybe she shouldn’t have gotten involved with a married man in the first place."

Benjamin sighed. "It might not be serious. Samantha could’ve had an emergency and didn’t have time to call. She’s your best friend—Alexander wouldn’t target her."

Amy stayed silent, her mind racing.