"Absolutely not."

"But sir—"

"I said no." Alexander Blackwood's voice was ice-cold, final. "She has Liam to care for. She doesn’t need distractions like this."

Gregory exhaled quietly. Being personally invited by Maestro Arthur Pendleton was an honor most musicians could only dream of.

Alexander continued, "Put Victoria Langley forward instead."

Gregory hesitated. "Maestro Pendleton is... particular. He specifically requested Ms. Sinclair. If we suggest Ms. Langley, he might not—"

A beat of silence. Then, "Arrange a meeting with him. I'll handle it myself."

Gregory nodded. "Very well."

Nathan Prescott, overhearing the call, wisely chose not to press further.

At Amy Sinclair's residence.

Samantha Reynolds was nearly in tears from laughter after hearing about Nathan and Victoria drinking the "special" tea.

"Oh my god! They actually drank something made with foot soak and roaches?"

Amy smirked, recalling the scene, and nodded.

Samantha wiped her eyes. "Next time, we should add something even worse." After catching her breath, she sobered.

"Celeste, wasn’t your duet with Benjamin Carter already confirmed? Why the sudden delay?"

Amy frowned. "Mr. Whitmore said that with my divorce from Alexander still pending, I should focus on settling personal matters first."

Samantha tilted her head. "Is he worried Alexander will interfere? It’s just a charity performance."

Amy found it odd too but shrugged.

"Maybe he’s concerned Nathan will make a scene again. Best to avoid unnecessary drama."

Samantha hummed in agreement. "Fair. Nathan’s unhinged. Better to steer clear." Then, abruptly—

"Celeste, do you remember Maestro Pendleton?"

Amy’s expression flickered. "From Westmoor?"

"Yes, your mother’s mentor," Samantha said carefully. "Rumors say he’s in Newhaven now."

Maestro Arthur Pendleton, now in his mid-sixties, was a living legend.

A child prodigy who mastered instruments effortlessly, playing flawlessly after a single listen.

After retiring at fifty due to health struggles, he dedicated himself to teaching—handpicking only a dozen students in his lifetime.

Each became a titan in the music world, their talent undisputed.

Amy’s mother, Caroline Delacroix, had been one of them.

Samantha hesitated. "Five years ago, he invited you to study under him. But you were pregnant with Liam and planning the wedding, so you declined."

"I think he wanted to test you. Maybe even take you on as his protégé."

"Now that he’s here... should we reach out? With your mother’s connection, he might still consider you."

A heavy sigh.

"The Blackwoods always looked down on your career. But if you’d accepted his offer back then, you’d be untouchable by now."

"Why marry into power when you could’ve built your own?"