Some tricks only work once or twice before they start blowing up in your face.

Especially now that Amy had returned home.

Nathan's informant confirmed her arrival, sending the message the moment Alexander left the hospital. A smug grin curled Nathan's lips—everything was unfolding exactly as he'd planned.

"I knew Amy wouldn't wait for Alex. She'd come running to the hospital the second she heard. Good thing I anticipated her move, or that woman might have actually succeeded."

Victoria mirrored his triumphant expression. After suffering too many defeats at Amy's hands, she desperately needed this victory to lift her spirits.

"You really outdid yourself this time, Nathan. I never would've thought of something like this," she praised, her voice dripping with admiration.

Nathan preened under the compliment. "Victoria, you're too straightforward to deal with someone as cunning as Amy."

He couldn't help but marvel at his own brilliance. Normally, he was blunt and reckless, but this time? He'd tapped into some hidden strategic genius.

But Victoria's smile faltered, replaced by unease.

"Just because Alex didn't go to her today doesn't mean he won't tomorrow."

Nathan chuckled. "Relax. Starting tomorrow, Alex won't have time for Amy. We finally found that miracle doctor for you. He'll be too busy with your treatments and your concert preparations to even think about her."

Victoria stiffened. "Miracle doctor?"

"Yeah, remember? The one I told you we were searching for?"

She vaguely recalled Nathan mentioning it, but she hadn't taken him seriously. He had a habit of exaggerating, making it sound like they'd uncovered some mythical healer.

She never expected they'd actually find someone.

Nathan rambled excitedly, but Victoria's reaction wasn't the elation he'd anticipated.

Pausing, he frowned. "Victoria, what's wrong? Aren't you happy?"

Snapping out of her thoughts, she forced a smile. "No, it's just... I don't want you and Alex to waste your energy on me."

Her gaze dropped, voice softening. "Nathan, I appreciate everything you've both done. But I know my condition. I'm not worth the trouble. Let's just... drop it."

Nathan immediately protested. "Victoria, don't say that! Alex and I haven't given up—you shouldn't either!"

The next day, Amy tried calling Alexander again.

First attempt—no answer.

Second attempt—call declined.

Her expression turned glacial.

After standing her up yesterday, he hadn't offered a single explanation. No call, no message. As if it never happened.

Infuriating.

Meanwhile, at Theodore Whitmore's clinic.

The elderly doctor glanced at the trio before him, his sharp eyes lingering on the coldly handsome man.

"Young man, your phone keeps ringing. Aren't you going to answer?"

Alexander's voice was ice. "The patient's condition takes priority."

Theodore raised a brow. "It's rung multiple times. Could be important."

Alexander dismissed the call without hesitation. "It's not."