Nathan scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "Amy, you're utterly shameless. Victoria plays the violin, so you play the violin. Victoria wears white, and suddenly, so do you! Stop making a fool of yourself here. No matter how hard you try to imitate her, you'll always be a pathetic knock-off!"

Amy didn't even flinch. Her lips curled into a razor-sharp smile. "Funny, I didn’t realize violins and white dresses were patented by Victoria Langley." She tilted her head, eyes glinting with challenge. "Or is mediocrity the only thing you're allowed to replicate?"

Nathan's sneer deepened. "Everyone here can see right through you. Trying to mimic Victoria at an event like this? Pathetic. Ever heard the phrase 'cheap imitation'? No matter how much you pretend, you'll never be the real thing."

Sebastian chuckled, crossing his arms. "If your vision is that impaired, maybe it's time for an optometrist. Anyone with eyes can tell which woman here is genuine and which one's the counterfeit."

Nathan's face flushed red, his mouth opening for a retort—but Sebastian cut him off with an amused smirk.

"If you're so confident, why don't we ask the audience?"

Nathan faltered. As much as he despised Amy, he couldn't deny her undeniable allure—something Victoria simply lacked. Amy's features were striking, her bone structure flawless. Even without makeup, she outshone Victoria effortlessly.

Finally, Nathan spat, "Looks mean nothing when you have such a rotten heart."

Sebastian shrugged, grinning. "I don’t know about hearts, but being more beautiful than Ms. Langley is achievement enough."

Nathan glowered. "You—"

Just then, a bright voice cut through the tension. "Celeste! Oliver! There you are!"

Samantha bounded over, camera in hand. "This place is massive! Took me forever to find you."

She had come to support Oliver, having practically moved into Amy’s apartment recently. The two had grown close.

Oliver beamed. "Samantha! You made it!"

She waved her camera excitedly. "I’m here to document your historic victory."

"Perfect!" Oliver clapped. "Make sure you get Celeste’s best angles!"

Samantha teased, "And what if she looks amazing and you don’t?"

Oliver grinned. "I’m just here to make her shine brighter. The more stunning she looks, the better I look by association."

Samantha burst into laughter. "No wonder Celeste adores you. You’re a natural charmer." She shot a pointed glance sideways. "Unlike some people who bite the hand that feeds them."

Oliver blinked. "Aunt Samantha, why would anyone do that?"

She sighed dramatically. "Maybe they enjoy being treated badly… or perhaps they have a strange love for self-inflicted misery."

Nathan couldn’t resist a jab. "First place? More like last place! Did I hear correctly? A housewife who spends her days grocery shopping actually thinks she can compete with Victoria? Delusional!"

Samantha, who had been ignoring him, turned slowly, her expression incredulous. "Are you out of your damn mind? Do you even know who Celeste was?"