Alexander's slender fingers traced the rim of his wine glass absently. The deep red liquid swirled like blood under the dim lighting. "Nathan might be onto something," he murmured, his voice low and measured.

Nathan smirked, leaning back in his chair with the smug satisfaction of a man who knew he was right. "I've dealt with situations like this before, Alex. You should listen to me."

Dominic opened his mouth to argue, but Alexander's phone buzzed on the table, cutting him off.

As Alexander answered the call, Dominic leaned closer to Nathan, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Weren't you the one pushing for Alex to divorce Amy and marry Victoria?"

"Now that he's actually considering it, why the sudden change of heart?"

Nathan's gaze flickered toward Alexander, who was still engrossed in his conversation. He exhaled sharply before responding, "At first, I thought it was the right move. But... Victoria doesn't have much time left. Even if she marries Alex, she won't live long enough to enjoy it."

"Better to keep Amy trapped in this marriage than let her walk away and move on with someone else."

Dominic frowned. "Didn't you find that miracle doctor for Victoria?"

Nathan shrugged, his expression indifferent. "That old man knows Amy. Who's to say he'll actually help Victoria?"

"Even if he does, curing a terminal illness isn't that simple. He might buy her some time, but a full recovery? Unlikely."

Dominic hesitated. "And if she does recover?"

Nathan smirked. "Then they can divorce later. Victoria's treatment will take at least a year. In the meantime, we can make sure Amy stays miserable."

Dominic studied him for a long moment before asking, "Why do you hate Amy so much, Nathan? What did she ever do to you?"

Across the room, Alexander was listening to his assistant, Gregory, with an unreadable expression.

"Mr. Blackwood, there's something about your wife... Would you like to hear it?"

Though Amy and Alexander were in the process of separating, they were still legally married.

Gregory hesitated, then continued. "A friend of mine was asked to track someone down. Apparently, a renowned musician named Arthur Pendleton came across a violin performance video and was stunned. He wants to meet the performer."

"They weren't familiar with Newhaven, so the request eventually reached me."

Gregory paused. "Turns out... the violinist in that video is your wife."

Alexander's fingers tightened imperceptibly around his phone. "Who is this Arthur Pendleton?"

Gregory's voice grew animated. "Master Pendleton is a legend in Westmoor—a virtuoso violinist with a lifetime achievement award. He's incredibly influential!"

"During a recent conference in Newhaven, he saw your wife's video and wants to invite her to his music exchange event."

Gregory hesitated before adding, "You once tried to get Master Pendleton to endorse Victoria, but he refused."

"If your wife impresses him, her career could skyrocket overnight."

Being recognized by a musician of Pendleton's caliber was no small feat. Even Gregory was surprised by Amy's hidden talent.

Alexander was silent for a long time.

Gregory waited, sensing his boss wasn't pleased. That puzzled him.

Amy had always been dismissed by Margaret Blackwood for her background. If she built her own reputation, it would earn her respect—and reflect well on the Blackwood name.

Finally, Alexander spoke, his voice cool and detached.

"Tell them you couldn't find the person they're looking for. But you did find another accomplished violinist who can be introduced instead."

Gregory understood immediately.

He hesitated. "Shouldn't we at least inform your wife about this?"