Alexander was a tempest of fury and shock.

How dare Amy challenge him like this?!

With effortless grace, Amy plucked a disinfectant wipe from the table and casually cleaned her chin and wrist.

"Mr. Blackwood, why so agitated?" she murmured, her voice silken. "Didn't you once negotiate with me the same way—using Liam as leverage?" She flicked the used wipe into the bin and offered him a mocking smile. "You taught me well. Consider this a lesson learned from the master."

The memory of Amy's stubborn refusal to apologize to Victoria rose in his throat like bile. He had, indeed, threatened her exactly like this before.

Noticing the flicker in his expression, Amy softened her tone.

"Isn't your brother's future and your beloved's life worth more than material possessions?"

Alexander's jaw tightened. "I won't give you half of my estate."

A cold satisfaction curled inside her.

His blind devotion to Victoria had always been absolute—until it clashed with his interests. When it came to business, even Victoria lost her hold over him.

Amy had never truly expected half his wealth. It was merely a negotiation tactic—start high, then compromise.

"Then let's be practical," she said smoothly. "I assume you don’t want to divide company shares, and property transfers are tedious."

"Here’s my final offer: one billion." Her gaze locked onto his, unwavering. "Agree to this, and I’ll sign the waiver. I’ll also persuade Dr. Whitmore to prepare the antidote for Nathan Prescott—saving Victoria’s life."

She tilted her head slightly. "And rest assured, Victoria’s condition will be fully cured. Your money won’t go to waste."

"You’ve already spent a fortune trying to heal her, haven’t you?"

"This billion covers the divorce settlement, damages to my shop, emotional distress for Dr. Whitmore and Oliver Kingsley, Nathan’s future, and Victoria’s cure..."

"Alexander, this deal is hardly a loss for you."

His darkened eyes lingered on her face. A smirk tugged at his lips. "You negotiate ruthlessly."

Amy chuckled. "For a man like you, if money can solve a problem, it’s not a problem at all."

"A billion might be unimaginable to most, but for you? Barely a year’s earnings."

She paused, then added, "Sebastian Kingsley is returning soon. If he learns Nathan terrorized his five-year-old son... do you think he’d let it slide?"

Alexander’s expression hardened. "Amy, enough with the empty threats."

She gestured toward the door, where the security camera was mounted. "Would you like to see the footage of Nathan lunging at Oliver? A child, Alexander. He was terrified."

"Do you really think the police would’ve arrested Nathan without evidence?"

The clinic’s entrance had surveillance, but the interior didn’t.

When Nathan had stormed in, he’d been met with a face full of powder.

He hadn’t even realized he’d been doused—just assumed he’d knocked over a shelf.

And conveniently, the cameras hadn’t caught a thing.

Silence stretched between them.

For a long moment, Alexander said nothing.