The realization struck Alexander like lightning - he had never truly done anything meaningful for Amy.

His dark eyes flickered momentarily as they met Amy's mocking gaze. A rough edge crept into his voice. "You misunderstand. I only want to help you."

"Don't pretend your scheming for Victoria is some noble act," Amy shot back, her words sharp as knives. "Real help wouldn't mean watching them destroy my reputation. And you certainly wouldn't be standing here now."

"Amy," Alexander said through gritted teeth, "don't be reckless. Victoria's talent surpasses what you imagine. This bet - you can't win. The only way out is to withdraw. Stay off that stage and you won't face humiliation. Unless you want Liam to witness his mother's downfall." He stepped closer. "As for the necklace, simply lend your violin to Victoria. After her performance, the Celestial Nocturne will be returned. Agree to this, and I'll handle everything. Trust me, Victoria won't trouble you further."

Amy's slow clap echoed in the hallway, her smile dripping with sarcasm. "How touching, Mr. Blackwood. I'm honored by your sudden concern."

Not a trace of gratitude showed on her face - only bitter irony.

Alexander's brow furrowed.

A thought seemed to strike Amy. "Tell me something. If I refuse to lend the violin, does that mean my mother's necklace disappears? And that favor you mentioned - gone too?"

His gaze turned unreadable. "You've always been good at making wise choices."

Amy exhaled sharply. "If we're done here, I have a competition to attend."

She took Oliver's small hand and brushed past Alexander.

Alexander's nostrils flared. He hadn't expected such defiance. "Must you always be this difficult?"

Amy froze. When she turned, her smile could have cut glass. "If you truly want to help...make Victoria withdraw. Same result, less humiliation for your precious protégée." Her eyes challenged him. "Why must I always be the one to step aside? Is that your idea of justice?"

Alexander stood speechless. By the time he found his voice, Amy had already disappeared down the corridor.

Backstage, Victoria was preparing to perform.

Oliver looked up at Amy, his young face a mix of worry and determination. "Amy...are we going to lose?"

He'd witnessed every moment of the confrontation between Amy, Victoria, and Nathan, silently enduring the doubt surrounding them.

Because Oliver believed - truly believed - Amy would triumph. That she'd silence every critic.

Yet as the moment approached, his small hands trembled.

Amy knelt to his level, her gaze steady as bedrock. "Oliver, look at me. We will win."

The tension in Oliver's small frame eased slightly.

As they spoke, the stage lights dimmed.

Victoria's performance began.

Minutes later, the lights brightened to reveal a vision in white. The spotlight found Victoria - delicate features, serene expression, her designer gown making her appear untouchable as a snowflake.

The music began - soothing, elegant notes flowing like liquid silver, wrapping around the audience in a hypnotic embrace.