Victoria's breath hitched as she scrambled to pull a tissue from her clutch.

"Ms. Sinclair, I'm so sorry—let me help clean that."

But the more she dabbed at the coffee stain, the worse it spread, darkening the delicate fabric.

Amy's fingers closed around Victoria's wrist, stopping her frantic motions before shoving her away.

"What exactly are you trying to do?"

Victoria stumbled back, landing hard on the plush carpet with a gasp. "Ah!"

The sound drew every eye in the room, all attention snapping to the unfolding drama.

Curled on the floor, Victoria lifted tear-filled eyes to Amy's. "I—I didn't mean to," she whispered, fingers twisting in the ruined silk. "Please, you have to believe me."

Amy glanced down at the stain, a cold smirk curling her lips. "Oh, I'm sure it was just an accident."

"Ms. Sinclair, I was only handing you your coffee..." Victoria sniffled, bowing her head. "I know you don't like me. You don't want me near Liam for the competition. But—"

She looked up, desperation sharp in her gaze. "This competition affects his final grade. He's your son. Don't you care about his future?"

Amy exhaled sharply. This again.

Her voice turned glacial. "What does my dress have to do with Liam? Stop deflecting, Victoria. Your excuses are pathetic."

Just then, the competition coordinator hurried over.

"Is there a problem here?"

Amy didn't look away from Victoria. "She ruined my dress. I can't perform like this."

The coordinator's eyes dropped to the stain, lips pressing into a thin line. "Do you have a backup outfit?"

Amy shook her head.

The coordinator sighed. "This complicates things."

Every ensemble was custom-made—irreplaceable on such short notice. One missing piece could derail months of preparation.

A smug smile flickered across Victoria's lips.

Amy turned to her abruptly. "Since you caused this mess, you'll fix it."

Victoria straightened, feigning sincerity. "Of course. I'll pay for the dress."

After all, Alexander would cover it. Money meant nothing to him.

Amy's smile was razor-thin. "I don't want your money." Her gaze slid to Victoria's pristine white gown. "I'll take yours instead."

Victoria stiffened. "If I give you my dress, what will I wear?"

Amy arched a brow. "And what should I wear, now that you've sabotaged mine?"

Victoria's mouth opened, then closed.

"It wasn't sabotage," she finally whispered.

Amy cut her off. "Intent doesn't erase consequences. You're an adult, Victoria. Take responsibility."

Tears welled in Victoria's eyes. "This competition matters to Liam. He's your son. Would you really let him down?"

Amy's stare didn't waver. "This matters to all the children. Not just yours."