Amy gave a curt nod before spinning on her heel to leave.

Nathan remained rooted to the spot, jaw clenched so tight it could crack walnuts. His stormy gaze followed her retreating figure, his expression twisted in displeasure as if he'd just swallowed something vile.

His friends shifted uncomfortably, exchanging uneasy glances.

One of them let out a forced chuckle, clearing his throat. "Those women must be delusional, calling Nathan a simp? Please! Nathan is—"

His voice trailed off into an awkward silence. The uncomfortable truth lingered in the air—while their words had been harsh, they weren’t entirely wrong. Nathan did come across as a little too eager to please.

Another friend quickly jumped in, salvaging the moment. "Nathan is Victoria’s devoted protector. That’s a better way to put it!"

The others chimed in eagerly, nodding in agreement. "Exactly! A protector!"

Just then, a soft, melodic voice cut through the tension. "Nathan, why are you all standing out here? What’s going on?"

Nathan turned to see Alexander and Victoria approaching. Alexander was tall and striking, exuding an air of effortless sophistication. Beside him, Victoria looked delicate and ethereal, her doe eyes filled with gentle concern.

Nathan’s face brightened immediately. He strode toward them, already weaving an exaggerated tale, painting Amy as the villain of the evening.

"Alex, Victoria, you won’t believe who I just saw—Amy! She’s here, shamelessly flaunting around like she owns the place!"

"I mean, she must have nothing better to do if she’s out partying. She used to cook for Victoria, but now she can’t even be bothered to do that properly!"

"Alex, you can’t seriously let her get away with this kind of behavior!" Victoria frowned slightly at his words.

"Partying?" She turned to Alexander, her delicate brows knitting together. "Alex, it’s quite late. Ms. Sinclair wouldn’t have left Liam alone at home, would she?"

Alexander’s expression darkened at the mention of Amy’s name.

Victoria studied his face, her voice softening. "Alex, with Liam’s condition… is it safe for him to be by himself?"

Alexander’s lips pressed into a thin line, frustration flickering in his eyes. "Liam is staying at the Blackwood Mansion tonight."

He had hoped using Liam would make Amy realize her mistakes. But she hadn’t even bothered to return home.

Victoria hesitated, realization dawning. "Alex, Ms. Sinclair has been handling everything at home without complaint. She barely steps out. Maybe she just needed some time for herself."

She lowered her gaze, guilt creeping into her voice. "It’s my fault for not considering her feelings, having her prepare meals for me all this time. She must be exhausted. It’s only fair she wants to stop."

Before she could finish, Nathan exploded. "What? Amy stopped making your meals? If she hadn’t pushed you into the water, your health wouldn’t be this bad!"

"And now she just abandons you? How dare she!"

Victoria quickly grabbed his arm, trying to soothe him. "Nathan, I’ve told you—it wasn’t Ms. Sinclair’s fault. I fell in by accident..."

"Victoria, you’re too kind. That woman is the reason for all of this, and you’re still defending her?" Nathan turned to Alexander, frustration boiling over. "Alex, seriously, are you really going to let her get away with hurting Victoria like this?"