Alexander let out a low chuckle. "You're quite perceptive."

"When dealing with people like Mr. Blackwood and Ms. Langley, one must always stay sharp. Otherwise, you might not see the knife coming until it's too late."

For some reason, the woman he once considered unremarkable was suddenly becoming fascinating to him.

"Amy," he murmured, "if this is your way of catching my attention, let me assure you—it's working."

Amy couldn't help but laugh under her breath.

If arrogance had a ranking, Alexander would be in the god-tier category—with extra points for audacity.

Not that he actually intended to take her phone. Besides, Amy wasn’t foolish enough to let him.

The last time he tried to stop her from holding a press conference, she turned it into an even bigger spectacle, proving she wasn’t as easily controlled as he assumed.

"Amy," Alexander said, his voice smooth but edged with warning, "whether or not we pursue this matter isn’t your decision to make."

Amy stiffened, then quickly pieced together the implication behind his words. Her eyes flashed with fury. "Alexander, are you threatening my friends again?"

He merely glanced at her. "I’ll ensure your friend receives a generous compensation package."

Amy was stunned.

Compensation?

She knew Samantha well—her best friend wasn’t the type to settle for money. But because of Amy’s impulsive actions, Victoria had attempted suicide. Samantha carried a heavy guilt, feeling indirectly responsible. She was the kind of person who would rather suffer in silence than drag others into her problems.

And Samantha was smart enough to know that going against Alexander was a losing battle. It was entirely possible she’d accept his offer.

...

As expected, when Amy found Samantha again, she had already signed an agreement with Gregory.

Amy looked at her apologetically. "Samantha, I’m so sorry."

Samantha grinned. "For what? I just got a luxury apartment in the heart of the city as compensation. It’s an investment I could never afford on my own."

She squeezed Amy’s shoulder and lowered her voice.

"Amy, I know you’re worried about me, but you’re about to divorce Alexander. You’ll need a safe place, and if he tries anything shady, this property will be untouchable. Consider it your safety net."

"Think about it—Victoria’s ‘breakdown’ was an act. She probably told Nathan to do this, and if he ends up in jail, she’ll have even more reason to cling to Alexander."

Samantha paused, rolling her eyes.

"Did you see her ‘episode’ today? Pure theatrics. I don’t buy for a second that she’s actually unstable."

After confirming Samantha’s injuries weren’t serious, they left the hospital. Stepping into the sunlight, Amy spotted a familiar figure. "Wait—isn’t that Dominic?"

Samantha, who had known Amy for years, recognized him too. "What’s he doing here?"

As if sensing their gaze, Dominic turned and locked eyes with them. He strode toward Amy. "Amy, we need to talk."

Before today, Amy had trusted Dominic implicitly. But after discovering he’d lied about Samantha’s situation, that trust had shattered.

He was Alexander’s friend, after all. His loyalty was never in question—and it certainly wasn’t to her.

Amy’s tone was icy. "Mr. Whitmore, I’m busy. I don’t have time."

She took Samantha’s arm, ready to walk past him.

Dominic stepped in front of her. "Just one minute."