Amy noticed the sharpness in Samantha's tone and lowered her voice. "Celeste, no matter how you look at it, Victoria went to extremes because of my words. Even though I'm your closest friend, it's only natural that Alexander would demand answers from me."

Normally the most outspoken in their circle, Samantha remained uncharacteristically composed this time.

"Victoria nearly died and ended up in the emergency room, enduring all that agony. And here I am, just offering a simple apology. If you think about it, I'm getting away lightly. Almost like I'm benefiting from this."

She continued, "Don't blame Alexander for this. If it weren't for your influence, this situation wouldn't have been resolved so smoothly."

Amy knew Samantha was right, but the weight in her chest refused to lift. Glancing at the bruises on Samantha's face, she asked, "But what about your injuries?"

"Alexander didn't do this. There's a reason behind everything, and he's not at fault here."

Samantha met her gaze steadily. "Celeste, maybe this was Victoria's plan all along. Don't let her manipulate you."

Amy didn't respond.

Just then, a soft knock sounded at the door.

A slender figure stepped inside hesitantly.

"Nathan mentioned he saw you downstairs... and I heard Ms. Reynolds was hurt, so I came to check on you, Ms. Sinclair."

At the sight of Victoria, Samantha's expression twisted with disdain. "Pathetic actress," she muttered under her breath.

Victoria ignored the jab and smiled sweetly at Amy. "Congratulations, Ms. Sinclair, on finding Ms. Reynolds."

Amy turned to face her directly. "Did you orchestrate Samantha's kidnapping, Ms. Langley?"

Victoria feigned innocence, widening her eyes. "Ms. Sinclair, I have no idea what you're talking about—"

Amy realized Victoria intended to play dumb until the very end.

A cold laugh escaped her lips as she stepped forward, resolve hardening in her eyes. "It doesn't matter if you admit it or not, Ms. Langley. I've already contacted the authorities. The truth will come out soon enough."

Without influence or resources at her disposal, Amy had no choice but to turn to the police for help in rescuing Samantha.

In the end, it was law enforcement that had brought Samantha to safety.

Amy held Victoria's gaze, her voice unwavering. "How convenient that you're here, Ms. Langley. I was planning to find you anyway."

Victoria, however, remained unshaken. Instead, her lips curled into a faint smile. "Alexander won't allow it."

At that moment, another knock echoed through the hospital room.

Two uniformed officers entered.

They approached Victoria. "Are you Ms. Victoria Langley?"

Victoria inclined her head slightly. "Yes, that's me."

"You're being accused of kidnapping, Ms. Langley. We need you to come with us for questioning."

Victoria shook her head. "There must be some mistake. I haven't done anything wrong."

"Whether it's a mistake or not, you'll need to accompany us for further investigation."

As the officers moved to escort her, Victoria suddenly let out a bloodcurdling scream.

"Ah!"

The shrill sound startled not only the officers but Amy and Samantha as well.

Victoria's demeanor transformed instantly—her eyes wild with terror, her entire body trembling violently. "I didn't do it! Stay away from me! It wasn't me!"

The abrupt shift from composed to hysterical left everyone in the room stunned.

Victoria seized Amy's hand in a desperate grip, her nails digging painfully into skin. "Ms. Sinclair, I swear I didn't do it... Please, have mercy on me... Please let me go."

The sharp pain made Amy instinctively yank her hand back.