The pair continued their conversation as they strolled through the restaurant, eventually finding themselves near Liam's table.

Liam sat in uncharacteristic silence, his gaze fixed on the window with an expression of deep contemplation that was unusual for the normally cheerful boy.

Alexander, however, remained oblivious to his son's strange mood as he approached. "Victoria isn't feeling well. I'll take her to the hospital first, then we can have dinner." His tone left no room for discussion - that familiar commanding edge that meant his decision was final.

Normally, Liam would have nodded obediently. But today, images of Amy kept flashing through his mind. She always made sure his meals were perfectly timed for his sensitive stomach.

Whenever they were out with Victoria and mealtime approached, Amy would produce those specially prepared snacks from her bag. They were always exactly what his delicate constitution needed.

Though Amy was an excellent cook, Liam had grown bored with the routine. The colorful menus at restaurants promised so many exciting options he'd never tried.

Victoria's soft voice broke through Liam's thoughts. "Alex, we should make sure Liam eats something first. You know how his stomach gets."

Alexander responded coolly, "Your health takes priority right now, Victoria."

A faint blush colored Victoria's cheeks at his words. She turned to Liam instead. "Sweetheart, how about we get you some strawberry cake to eat in the car?"

Strawberry cake had always been Liam's favorite. Normally his face would light up at the suggestion. Today, he simply nodded. "Okay."

Victoria noticed the unusual response but didn't comment, simply asking the waiter to box up a slice before taking Liam's hand as they exited.

In the car, Victoria kept twisting in the front seat to check on Liam. "Be careful with your cake, darling," she reminded him repeatedly.

"If only I didn't get carsick," she sighed dramatically. "Then I could sit with you and help." Even when Amy was present, Victoria always claimed the front seat due to her supposed motion sickness.

As Liam stared at the cake box in his lap, he suddenly remembered something Christopher's mother had said about restricting sweets. Without warning, he blurted out, "Ms. Langley, are you the other woman?"

Victoria froze, certain she must have misheard. "Excuse me?"

Liam met her gaze directly this time. "Are you the other woman, Ms. Langley?"

The color drained from Victoria's face. That phrase - so loaded, so damning - left her momentarily speechless.

"Liam!" Alexander's voice cut through the tension like a whip. "What kind of question is that? Where did you learn such things?"

Victoria quickly composed herself. "Don't be angry with him, Alex. He's just a child repeating things he's heard." Her voice took on a sorrowful tone. "I know Ms. Sinclair has never approved of me, but to involve an innocent child... Our issues should remain between adults. Liam shouldn't be exposed to such..."