Oliver had always feared water, but after years of therapy sessions arranged by his father Sebastian, the terror had nearly faded. He'd even been thinking about asking Amy to give him swimming lessons soon.

Liam stood by the pool's edge, watching Oliver with simmering emotions. Flashes of Oliver deliberately hurting himself for their mother's attention played in his mind.

With a scoff, Liam challenged, "Anyone can pretend to be helpless! If you jump, I jump!"

Let's see who Mother would run to first!

In a dramatic splash, Liam leaped into the water too.

But in his anger, he overlooked one critical detail—he knew how to swim.

Now he stood awkwardly in the shallow end, his fury dissolving like sugar in tea.

Just then, Oliver's trembling voice pulled Amy's focus back to him.

"Amy... I don't feel right."

Amy's voice turned velvet soft. "Hold on, sweetheart. The paramedics are coming."

Oliver clutched desperately at Amy's sleeve, his knuckles white.

"Don't leave me, Amy... please? I'm scared..."

Without hesitation, Amy pulled him into a protective embrace. "I'm right here, darling. I won't go anywhere."

Oliver's eyelids fluttered before he went limp in her arms.

Panic flashed across Amy's face.

Liam glared at his unconscious rival.

That little faker! Always the dramatic one.

Frustration bubbled in Liam's chest, but what could he do? Oliver had already stolen the spotlight.

Inspired, Liam decided to play the same game. If Oliver could faint, so could he!

With an exaggerated gasp, Liam let his body go slack in the water.

Amy's head snapped up when she heard the splash.

Though she knew Liam could swim, the thought of him hitting his head sent ice through her veins.

Torn between two unconscious boys, Amy's hands fluttered helplessly until Sebastian returned and took Oliver from her arms.

Free now, Amy rushed to Liam's side.

One touch revealed his steady pulse and the subtle tension in his muscles.

She exhaled sharply—just pretending then.

Soon, the wail of approaching sirens filled the air.

...

At the hospital, Amy arrived with the ambulance to find Alexander already waiting in the emergency bay.

He wasn't alone—Margaret and Charlotte Blackwood stood beside him.

The moment Margaret spotted Amy, her face twisted in rage. "Amy Sinclair! Are you trying to steal my grandson?! Should I have you arrested?!"

Amy arched one bored eyebrow. "Be my guest."

"Don't test me!" Margaret's trembling fingers stabbed at her phone. "A night in jail might knock some sense into you!"

Charlotte grabbed her mother's arm. "Mom, stop! Maybe Amy just wanted quality time with Liam—"

"If I don't put her in her place," Margaret hissed, "who knows what poisonous ideas she'll plant in that boy's head next!"

Amy brushed past the hysterical woman, following the medical team as they wheeled the boys inside.

After ensuring both children were stable, a police officer approached her.

"Ms. Sinclair, we've received a report alleging attempted child abduction. You'll need to come with us for questioning."