Oliver took a deep breath, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.

"Your name's Liam, right? How long have you been standing there?"

Liam answered truthfully, "Long enough. I heard every word you said."

"So, Ms. Langley, it was you who told Liam that we prevented the doctor from helping him, and that Mr. Blackwood lied. Don't you think I should ask Mr. Blackwood why he lied?"

"No!" Victoria quickly interjected. "Oliver, you misunderstood. Sweetheart, that's not what I said at all."

Oliver tilted his head, studying her, then turned to Liam. "She didn't say that? Then what exactly did she tell you? Did she mention how Amy and I tried to save you, but she interfered and nearly got you killed?"

Victoria's expression darkened, but before she could speak, Liam exploded in anger. "You're lying! You're the one who stopped the doctor from helping me!"

Oliver smirked. "Oh, so now the moon is made of cheese, cats bark like dogs, and unicorns are real, huh?"

Liam froze, confused.

Oliver's grin widened as he added, "And is Amy really Mr. Blackwood's father?"

Liam's face flushed crimson as he stepped forward, fists clenched. "You little snake!"

Oliver laughed, shrugging carelessly. "Yep, that's me. What are you gonna do? Cry about it?"

Victoria stared at Oliver, stunned. This kid was something else—a master manipulator wrapped in an innocent package.

Liam lunged forward, but Victoria held him back. "Liam, stop! He's just trying to provoke you."

Liam blinked. "Provoke me?"

"Exactly," Victoria began, but Oliver cut her off.

"Of course I am. I want you to lose your temper so Amy will feel sorry for me, take my side, and force you to apologize."

Liam gaped at him. "You—"

Even Victoria's eyes flickered with surprise.

As someone well-versed in manipulation, she recognized the tactics of a schemer. But why wasn't he hiding his intentions?

Was it because he was just a child, lacking the patience for subtlety?

The thought eased her tension slightly—until Oliver continued.

"Liam, you saw it, didn't you? How Amy comforted me when I was upset."

"And you? She barely glanced at you."

Oliver didn't bother masking his smugness, staring Liam down with a triumphant glint in his eyes.

"Face it, Liam. I'm going to win your mom over. Amy's already starting to like me more than you. To her, you're nothing now."

If Victoria hadn't been restraining him, Liam would have tackled Oliver to the ground.

Liam's voice trembled with rage. "Victoria, let me go! I'm going to punch him!"

Victoria narrowed her eyes at Oliver. "Aren't you afraid I'll tell Amy and Alexander what you're doing?"

Oliver shrugged, unfazed. "Go ahead. Let's see who they believe—you or me. And as for Mr. Blackwood..."