The morning passed in a whirlwind.

By lunchtime, Amy and Samantha had left the courthouse, stepping into the golden sunlight of Newhaven. Samantha's fingers trembled around her coffee cup, her nerves still wound tight.

"Celeste," she murmured, "you don't think there'll be any more surprises, do you?"

Amy shook her head. "Victoria isn't reckless enough to rush back now."

Drug tests took time. If Victoria handed in a sample and received results instantly, it would raise more than suspicion—it would scream fraud.

It wasn’t until mid-afternoon that Victoria finally returned, clutching the lab report like a trophy.

Her excitement was barely contained. She needed this divorce finalized—now. But she forced herself to stay composed. Until those papers were stamped and signed, nothing was guaranteed.

Alexander, on the other hand, had cleared his schedule entirely. He took calls but never left the waiting area, his presence a silent storm.

Seeing both Amy and Alexander still there, Victoria exhaled in relief.

She handed the report to Alexander. "Alex, the medication is flawless. The lab found rare ingredients—things money can’t even buy anymore."

She spun Theodore Whitmore’s so-called miracle cure into something divine, a potion capable of healing the incurable.

If Amy had said it, no one would have believed her. But coming from Victoria? It sounded almost convincing.

By the end, even Victoria seemed to buy into her own lies.

"Alex, the doctor said these pills might actually work. They could cure me!"

Alexander finally nodded. "Understood."

His gaze flickered to Amy, who sat nearby, watching with quiet amusement. His expression darkened. "That’s all."

Amy stood, smoothing her skirt as she approached. She offered Victoria a polite smile. "Ms. Langley, thank you for your faith in Theodore’s... expertise."

Victoria stiffened—the sarcasm was unmistakable. Those "miracle pills" were nothing but overpriced placebos wrapped in false hope.

Did Amy know Theodore was a fraud? It didn’t matter now. Victoria had won. Even if she’d been swindled, it was worth it.

A clerk stepped forward, routine questions at the ready. Did either party wish to withdraw the divorce application?

"No," they answered in unison.

The paperwork was finalized in minutes.

When Amy held the divorce certificate, a strange lightness filled her chest.

Finally. Freedom.

No sadness. No regret. Just relief, sweet and unburdened.

Samantha rushed over the moment Amy stepped outside, her eyes bright. "Celeste—it’s really done?"

Nearby, Nathan scoffed. "How touching. Cheering for a divorce? Some best friend you are."

His smirk was razor-sharp. "Then again, birds of a feather. The company you keep says everything."

Samantha rolled her eyes. "Says the man who’s been salivating over this divorce since day one. Anyone would think you were Alexander’s shadow."

She tilted her head, feigning curiosity. "Or maybe you’re in love with him yourself. Why else would you meddle in his marriage at every turn?"