Sebastian withdrew his gaze, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "No, I didn’t expect you to be so invested in Oliver."

Amy arched a brow, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Mr. Kingsley, anyone would be invested if you offered them a million dollars."

Samantha chimed in with a playful grin, "Exactly! You wouldn’t even need to offer me that much. A hundred grand, and I’d treat Oliver like a little prince."

Sebastian chuckled, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Very well. I’ll make sure all the details about Oliver are sent to you, Ms. Sinclair."

His gaze shifted to the boy. "Before we leave, I’d like a word with Oliver."

Understanding the unspoken request, Amy nodded. "I’ll wait for him downstairs."

With that, she and Samantha exited the hospital room, closing the door softly behind them.

Once alone, Sebastian crossed his arms and studied Oliver. "Are you absolutely certain it’s her?"

Oliver, usually so composed, nodded eagerly. "Yes. I want her to be my mother."

Sebastian rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "If it were any other woman, it’d be simple. Money could solve most problems—even if she had a husband and children. But this woman is married to Alexander Blackwood. That complicates things."

Oliver’s jaw set stubbornly. "I don’t care. I want her."

"Timing is everything," Sebastian mused, a slow smile spreading. "Six months ago, it would’ve been impossible. But now? The odds are in your favor."

"Alexander’s obsession with his so-called 'first love' has become public knowledge. His judgment—and his son’s—seems to align in the most inconvenient ways. Even his own child favors this woman over his wife."

Sebastian crouched to meet Oliver’s eyes. "She’s living alone now. I’ve set the stage. The rest is up to you."

There was no trace of childish innocence in Oliver’s expression—only determination. "I’ll make sure she chooses me."

"That’s my boy." Sebastian ruffled his hair affectionately. "When you want something, you go after it—even if it requires a little strategy. But tell me, what is it about her that caught your attention?"

A few weeks ago, Oliver had transferred to an elite kindergarten. Within days, he’d declared he’d found the woman he wanted as his mother.

At first, Sebastian had assumed it was some gold-digger trying to manipulate the boy. But after digging deeper, he’d discovered the woman was none other than Alexander Blackwood’s estranged wife.

She lived quietly, rarely seen in public. There were no photos of her online, no interviews. The world knew Alexander was married, but few knew her identity.

The scandal surrounding Alexander and another woman had only fueled speculation that his secret wife was Victoria Langley.

Oliver’s voice softened. "I watched her for days. The way she looks at her son—so full of warmth. No other mother looks at their child like that. It’s exactly how a mother should be."

Night had fallen by the time Samantha dropped Amy off at her apartment. Oliver had fallen asleep in the backseat, his small frame curled beneath a blanket.

As Amy carefully lifted him out of the car, Samantha hesitated. "Amy, are you sure about this? The money’s great, but his father isn’t someone you want to cross. If anything happens to Oliver, he won’t be forgiving."

Amy’s expression remained calm. "I know."

Samantha frowned. "Then why take the risk?"

The initial excitement of the paycheck had faded, replaced by unease. If Oliver stayed safe, all would be well. But if something went wrong…

Amy exhaled softly. "Samantha, I just need something to keep me busy."