Alexander's gaze sharpened as he took in Amy's injury, his voice dropping dangerously low. "Mother, that's enough."

Margaret, far from calming down, only grew more furious. "Alexander, how can you defend her at a time like this? She's been nothing but trouble, and now Liam is suffering because of her!"

"Wasn't she supposed to be responsible for this household? Clearly, she's failed. What good is she now?"

Charlotte Blackwood, sensing the rising tension, stepped in with a placating smile. "Amy, don't take Mother's words to heart. Today is about Liam. Whatever issues we have among ourselves, we can't let the child be caught in the middle."

She then shot Margaret a meaningful glance. "Mother, please, Liam is right here. You don't want to upset him further. Let Amy apologize, and we can settle this later. Liam's well-being comes first."

Though Margaret was still seething, she forced herself to rein in her temper, aware of both Alexander and Liam's presence. Her voice was clipped. "Fine. Since Charlotte is speaking for you, an apology will suffice—for now."

Amy wiped the blood from her cheek, the sting finally registering. She looked up at Margaret's haughty expression and smirked. "No wonder Alexander is always demanding apologies. It must run in the family."

Normally, Amy would have swallowed her pride and complied, but today, sarcasm dripped from her words instead of gratitude.

Margaret's fragile composure shattered. She had tried to restrain herself for Liam's sake, but Amy had the audacity to mock her?

"How dare you speak to me like that?!" Margaret's voice trembled with fury. "On your knees!"

Amy met her gaze coldly. "I kneel for God and my parents—who are you? You didn't raise me, not even for a second. Why should I obey you? Because of your title? That means nothing to me. Do you think you're royalty? If you're still dreaming, go back to bed. There, you can be the queen of the heavens if you like."

Margaret's chest heaved, her finger shaking as she pointed at Amy. Words failed her.

Alexander, seeing his mother on the verge of collapse, turned a glacial stare on Amy. "Amy. Show some respect."

Amy's expression remained impassive. "Respect is earned. I treat others exactly how they treat me."

Margaret gritted her teeth. "You insolent girl! Someone bring the family discipline!"

At her command, two servants stepped forward, their expressions menacing. It was no secret that Margaret despised Amy. In the Blackwood estate, her word was law, and defiance was met with swift punishment. Amy's days of leniency were over.

Alexander's jaw tightened as he prepared to intervene—but then Amy took a deliberate step back, her voice ringing clear. "Lay a hand on me, and I'll press assault charges."

Her icy gaze locked onto Margaret, lips curling. "What century are you living in, trying to enforce 'family discipline'? Just because I tolerated your nonsense before doesn’t mean I’ll kneel now."