The moment Amy Sinclair ended the call with Alexander Blackwood without letting him respond, Victoria Langley stood frozen in disbelief.

What was Amy playing at with that sudden phone call?

Was she using Victoria as bait to keep Alexander close?

Even if Alexander came, it would be for Victoria—so what did Amy gain from this?

With the call abruptly terminated, Amy turned back to Theodore Whitmore and Liam, inviting them to resume their lunch.

Victoria's stomach growled loudly. She'd skipped breakfast, hoping to share lunch with Alexander. Instead, she'd been stuck here with Theodore.

At least Alexander was on his way now. That was the only reason she hadn’t stopped Amy from making that call. She needed him to see exactly how difficult Amy was making things for her.

An hour later, Alexander arrived. By then, Amy and the others had finished eating. Oliver was carefully organizing herbs while Amy ground them into a fine powder. Victoria, the supposed "patient," sat perched on a chair, her gaze flickering expectantly toward the door.

When Alexander’s tall, imposing figure strode inside, Victoria’s face brightened instantly.

"Alex! You came!" she exclaimed.

Alexander’s eyes immediately dropped to her hand. "How bad is the injury?" he asked, voice tight.

Victoria flinched, quickly tucking her hand behind her back. "Oh, it was just a tiny scratch. It’s already healed," she said with a nervous laugh.

Alexander frowned and gently pulled her hand forward.

His grip stilled.

Victoria’s palm was completely unmarked—just as she’d claimed.

His gaze snapped to Amy, who was still focused on the herbs. His voice turned dangerously low. "Did you set this up, Amy?"

Before Amy could respond, Oliver cut in. "Mr. Blackwood, why assume the worst? Ms. Langley came here complaining of pain, saying her condition makes her prone to excessive bleeding."

He continued, "She mentioned how last week, she nicked her finger and you rushed her to the hospital—even had a blood pack prepared just in case."

"But at the hospital, an emergency came up, and her blood was used for another patient. You were so furious, you fired the entire medical team."

Oliver, young and guileless, had no reason to lie. Alexander hesitated, but the details matched too closely to dismiss.

Just then, Theodore reappeared, holding several small medicine bottles. "That’s exactly what she told us. We didn’t want to risk treating her without knowing the full situation."

Alexander turned his piercing gaze on Victoria, his expression unreadable. "Victoria. Is this true?"

Victoria’s fingers curled into fists. She’d forgotten—everyone here was Amy’s ally. Of course they’d twist things in her favor.

Thinking fast, she spun her explanation. "I’ve heard that improper use of herbs can be dangerous. When I accidentally cut myself earlier, I panicked about possible infection."

"I only brought up the hospital incident because Oliver said he never worries about minor injuries. I felt embarrassed, that’s all."

She looked up at Alexander, her voice softening into something wounded. "Besides, I never accused Ms. Sinclair of anything. You assumed the worst without even asking me."

A flicker of satisfaction crossed her eyes as she spoke, praying her story would hold.