Alexander stared at her in shock. "You didn't even let me explain what happened!"

Amy's response was calm but firm. "And when have you ever asked for my side of things? You always assume I'm at fault, don't you?"

Her gaze softened as it landed on Oliver. "But I trust Oliver. He wouldn't hurt someone without reason."

Lately, she had been spending more time with Oliver at home. The boy was remarkably perceptive for his age—wise beyond his years—and it made her chest ache with tenderness.

Unlike Liam, who would bolt from the table the moment dinner ended, Oliver lingered. He helped clear plates, wiped down the table, and always made sure to compliment her cooking, savoring each bite with genuine delight.

Liam, on the other hand, only ever had criticisms.

Oliver's quiet voice pulled her from her thoughts.

"Amy, I was wrong. No matter what Liam said, I shouldn't have hit him... I'll apologize."

She studied him. "Are you sure?"

He nodded. "I am."

Her expression warmed. "Alright, then go ahead."

Oliver stepped toward Liam. "Liam, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have hit you."

Despite his upbringing, Liam was still just a child, and Oliver had been grating on his nerves for days. He turned his head away with a stubborn huff, refusing to accept the apology.

Oliver hesitated, glancing back at Amy. She gave him an encouraging smile. "Forgiveness is his choice. But admitting your mistake and owning up to it? That's what matters. That's what makes you a good person, Oliver."

His eyes brightened at her words.

The teachers, watching the exchange, finally pieced things together.

"Mrs. Blackwood... are you Oliver's guardian?"

Amy inclined her head slightly. "His father is away on business, so I'm stepping in."

Victoria's expression twisted. "Ms. Sinclair, so you're not here for Liam... but for him?"

Amy's voice was icy. "That's correct."

Alexander's tone darkened. "Amy, when Liam needed you, you were absent. Yet here you are, fighting for another woman's child. Don't you think that's crossing a line?"

She met his gaze evenly. "I'm just the Blackwood family's nanny. Do I even have the right to speak up for Liam?"

His frown deepened. "Nanny? What nonsense is this?"

"Oh? Hasn't your son been telling everyone that's all I am?"

"Children say things without thinking. You're seriously holding that against him?"

Amy laughed, bitter and sharp. "I can't argue with the dying, can't argue with elders, can't argue with your friends, and now I can't argue with children either."

Her voice dropped. "Alexander, does being your wife mean I have to accept being trampled by everyone?"

His jaw tightened. "Is this really the time and place for this?"

"Now you care about making a scene?" Her eyes flashed. "You had no problem lecturing me in front of everyone a minute ago."

Victoria couldn't resist chiming in. "Ms. Sinclair, Liam is your own son. Why waste your energy defending some stranger's child—"

Amy cut her off with a glare.

"Enough. Who gave you the right to speak?"