The tension between them was palpable. Amy could feel Alexander withdrawing, his warmth replaced by an icy distance.

Nathan was the first to voice his objection.

"That violin, Celestial Nocturne, is utterly wasted in Amy's hands. Alex, just give it to Victoria. What's the big deal? You and Amy are married—what's hers is technically yours. Besides, Victoria doesn’t have much time left. You know how much she idolizes Caroline. Playing one concert with that violin is her dying wish—we're just borrowing it. It's not like we're stealing the damn thing." He scoffed. "Hell, if it's about money, we'll pay. Offer her a million upfront, and she’d probably toss the violin at us without a second thought. That’s all she cares about anyway."

Alexander’s expression darkened, recalling how often Amy had mentioned finances.

Maybe Nathan was right. Maybe she hadn’t agreed because the price wasn’t high enough.

Backstage, Samantha looked around, her eyes wide with amazement.

"No wonder they call this the elite’s playground. This place is bigger than some college campuses. The grounds are immaculate, and the auditorium? It looks like it belongs on Broadway."

"Even the private lounges are fit for royalty," she murmured, glancing at Sebastian. "Don’t laugh at me for being impressed."

Oliver grinned. "Aunt Samantha, when I grow up, I’ll take you to even grander places."

Samantha couldn’t resist pulling him into a hug. "Oh, you sweetheart! How did you get so charming?"

She turned to Sebastian.

"Mr. Kingsley, how did you raise such a well-mannered child? I need parenting tips—my own kid could use some of that polish."

Amy listened, her gaze drifting to Sebastian. She wanted to know his secret.

She had poured everything into Liam, yet he grew more distant by the day, his values warped beyond recognition.

Some nights, she lay awake, questioning every choice she’d made as a mother. Had she been too harsh? Too detached?

Sebastian smirked. "Genetics, maybe. I’m rarely around—too busy with work."

Their eyes met briefly. Biology was cruel. Liam might have Amy’s eyes, but he’d inherited Alexander’s unfortunate taste in women.

A knock interrupted them.

A teacher stepped in. "The performance is starting soon. Could Oliver’s guardians come with me to draw for the performance order?"

Amy nodded. "I’ll go. You all wait here."

As she left, she nearly collided with Victoria, who was also heading to the drawing room.

Amy’s expression flattened before she deliberately looked away.

Inside, parents mingled, their chatter filling the air.

Finding no familiar faces, Amy took a seat at random.

"Ms. Sinclair," Victoria purred, sliding into the chair beside her with a cup of coffee. "No matter how hard you try to copy me, Alex will never look at you twice. Save yourself the humiliation."

Amy feigned surprise. "Ms. Langley, have you seen yourself lately? What exactly is worth copying? Your personality? Your face?"

A flicker of malice crossed Victoria’s features, though her smile remained sweet.

She extended the coffee toward Amy. "Here, have some—oops!"

Her hand jerked suddenly, sending the dark liquid cascading over Amy’s pristine white dress.