Alexander's voice dropped to a glacial whisper. "And if I refuse?"

"Whether Ms. Langley gets her happy ending... well, that's anyone's guess." The shrug was practically dripping from their tone.

Alexander's gaze turned lethally sharp, the kind that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. "Amy, you're playing a dangerous game."

Amy's lashes fluttered as she met his piercing stare. Her eyes never wavered.

"Oh, so it's perfectly acceptable for you to threaten the people I care about, but the moment I use your precious Victoria as leverage, suddenly I'm the one crossing a line?"

"Alexander, I never wanted to drag anyone else into this mess. If Victoria hadn't repeatedly forced her way into my life, I wouldn't have given her a second thought."

"If you have a problem with me, take it up with me directly. But if you so much as touch my friends..."

Amy leaned in, her voice steady and razor-sharp, each syllable deliberate.

"I have nothing left to lose. If Victoria ends up in trouble, I promise your entire family won't be far behind."

The steel in her words left Alexander momentarily speechless. In that instant, he realized the woman he thought he could manipulate was far more formidable than he'd ever imagined.

His throat worked as he swallowed, and after a tense silence, he tossed the divorce papers back into Amy's lap.

"If you want a divorce, fine. But I won't agree to split my assets."

Amy wasn't surprised. "Then what are your terms? Just say it."

Alexander sank into the nearby couch, his voice icy. "You walk away with nothing, and I'll sign."

Walk away with nothing? Hilarious.

Amy didn't so much as blink. No sorrow, no regret—just cool detachment. The irony wasn't lost on her. Alexander had given Victoria everything, no questions asked. But with Amy? Every cent came with strings attached.

Just as Amy opened her mouth to respond, Alexander cut her off. "Take your time to think it over. Even if you agree now, I'm not available today. And you'll need to revise the agreement."

"Understood," Amy replied calmly. "If that's all, I'll be leaving."

Alexander didn't answer.

Amy walked out without hesitation—no pause, no backward glance. Then came that slight hitch in her step. The unfinished business.

Alexander's eyes flicked up to hers. "Something else?"

Amy nodded, picking up a nearby glass of water. "Oh, just one last thing I nearly forgot."

Alexander watched her with mild curiosity. Was she just thirsty after all that talking? But before he could process the thought, the icy water splashed across his face, dripping down his immaculately tailored suit.

Amy said, "You held me back earlier, letting Victoria slap me for nothing. Consider this payback."

With that, she turned and strode out of the villa without a second glance.

The weekend arrived before she knew it.

It was the day of the talent show at the local kindergarten.

Amy, violin case slung over her shoulder, arrived early with Oliver Kingsley.

"Amy, I'm so nervous," Oliver admitted, taking deep, shaky breaths in a futile attempt to steady himself.

Amy gave him a reassuring smile. "There's no need to be nervous. Just follow my lead during the performance, and take your time."

Oliver was about to respond when a soft voice chimed in from behind them. "Ms. Sinclair, are you and Oliver playing the violin too?"