Amy Sinclair tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, the movement deliberately slow. The emerald bracelet on her wrist caught the light, its verdant glow almost defiant in its brilliance.

Victoria Langley's breath hitched. That bracelet—the Blackwood family heirloom, meant only for daughters-in-law. Margaret Blackwood, Alexander's mother, had never warmed to Amy. Not even after Liam was born. She had barely acknowledged Amy's existence, treating her like an unwelcome shadow in their opulent world.

Margaret had always favored women from illustrious lineages. Victoria had once been on the receiving end of her disdain too. She had been instrumental in tearing Alexander and Victoria apart years ago. Yet, in a twist of fate, Alexander had married Amy—a woman they all deemed unworthy. The Blackwoods had made sure Amy knew she didn’t belong. Even the staff at the Blackwood Estate whispered behind her back, convinced she had schemed her way into the family.

For years, Margaret had barred Amy from setting foot in the mansion during holidays. But as Liam grew older, his uncanny resemblance to Alexander became impossible to ignore. His sharp wit and charm eventually softened Margaret’s icy heart. She had entrusted the heirloom to Liam, instructing him to pass it on to his future wife.

Liam had guarded the bracelet like a tiny dragon with its treasure. "Grandma says it stays locked up until I find my wife," he had declared with all the gravity of a five-year-old. "No bracelet, no wife!" His solemn recitation had made everyone laugh.

But now, the sight of the bracelet on Victoria’s wrist felt like a slap. The emerald seemed to pulse with silent mockery, its glow whispering the truth Amy had always known—You were never one of us.

Victoria caught Amy’s stare and smirked, her eyes alight with triumph. "Liam gave this to me," she announced, lifting her wrist. "He said it’s for the Blackwood daughter-in-law. He wouldn’t even give it back when his mother asked."

Amy said nothing, watching as Victoria continued her performance.

"He wants me to be his mother," Victoria purred, satisfaction dripping from every word. "The real Blackwood daughter-in-law."

She leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Oh, and did you know there’s a family event this weekend? Both parents are required to attend."

Family event? The words tugged at Amy’s memory. A few nights ago, Alexander had come home early for dinner. While in the kitchen, she had overheard Liam mention an "event" and "Victoria." The moment she stepped back into the dining room, Liam had clammed up, refusing to elaborate. At the time, Amy had been too weary to press—Victoria’s name alone was enough to sour the rare moment of peace.

Victoria’s voice snapped her back to the present. "Liam told me all his classmates’ mothers are either socialites or celebrities. He said it’s embarrassing to admit his mother is just a housewife."

Her lips curled into a sly smile as she added, "Do you know what he tells people about you? He says you’re his nanny—that’s why you’re always bringing him lunch and picking him up from school."