"It's unbearable watching Oliver get spoiled while Liam goes without," Victoria said, her voice laced with simmering fury. "Liam deserves just as much—why Amy favors the very boy who bullies him is beyond me."

Liam's small fists clenched instinctively. The injustice burned—his own mother always seemed to side against him.

Victoria turned to the nearby waiter with a sharp smile. "We'll have whatever they're having at that table, please."

"Right away," the waiter replied before hurrying off.

Minutes later, their table mirrored Amy's—a lavish spread of child-friendly indulgences. Towering milkshakes, cream-layered cakes, and steaming cups of hot chocolate gleamed under the soft restaurant lights.

Victoria smirked. "I've heard this place is famous for its desserts. Amy certainly has good taste."

Liam scowled. "We've been here so many times, and she never lets me have any. Not even a bite!"

Alexander glanced at the sugary display and said evenly, "They're all dairy-heavy. She's just watching out for your health."

Victoria arched a brow, surprised by Alexander's rare defense of Amy.

Leaning closer to Liam, she murmured, "Remember your promise, sweetheart. Just a little taste, okay?"

Liam's shoulders slumped, but he nodded. "Fine."

True to her word, Victoria allowed him only a single sip of the milkshake before pulling it away. Though longing flickered in his eyes, he obediently turned back to his plain meal. Yet beneath the surface, resentment festered—each bite of his dull food a bitter reminder of his mother's neglect.

Victoria and Grandma Margaret weren't wrong. If Amy had taken better care of herself when she was pregnant, he wouldn't have these problems. She owed him.

Midway through their meal, Alexander's phone buzzed. His sister Charlotte's name flashed on the screen.

"What is it?" he answered, stepping aside.

"Mom's out of her medication," Charlotte said urgently. "Her migraines are unbearable... Alexander, could you ask Amy to bring more?"

Alexander exhaled sharply. "Mom is family, but that doesn't excuse her behavior. And after the way she treated Amy last time—"

Charlotte hesitated. "You know how Mom feels about Amy. She only exploded because she thought Amy was using the meds to control her."

"And let's not forget," Charlotte added pointedly, "Liam's been struggling, and Amy hasn't exactly been present..."

Alexander cut her off. "That's not the point."

Amy's sharp words had been justified, but Margaret's reaction had been excessive.

Charlotte's casual tone suggested this wasn't new.

After a pause, she admitted, "Fine, maybe Mom's been harsh before. But things improved... until Amy's recent drama and her neglect of Liam."

Alexander's jaw tightened. "I'll handle the medication. Don't worry."

Charlotte sighed in relief—until suddenly, panicked shouts erupted through the phone.

"Alexander! Something's wrong with Liam!"

His blood ran cold. Spinning around, he sprinted back to the table.