Victoria Langley couldn't muster the energy to pretend politeness toward someone so insignificant.

During her time at the clinic, she'd entertained dark fantasies of slipping something into Theodore Whitmore's tea—just to teach him a lesson.

He deserved it for taking Amy Sinclair's side and making her life difficult.

But when Theodore tried to threaten Nathan Prescott, Nathan didn't react with anger. Instead, he burst into laughter, nearly doubling over.

A threat from someone beneath you might provoke irritation.

But when the gap was this vast? It was downright comical.

"Run me out of town? You?" Nathan wiped tears from his eyes. "Old man, you're really committed to this act, aren't you?"

Theodore Whitmore wasn't one to tolerate disrespect—especially not from Nathan. His temper ignited instantly.

"You insolent brat! Next time you come begging for my help, don't expect mercy. Pray you never need me again!"

Amy watched silently, making no move to intervene.

Sebastian Kingsley's gaze sharpened as he studied Theodore, now locked in a verbal duel with Nathan. Suddenly, recognition flickered in his eyes.

He leaned toward Amy, voice low. "Celeste, how exactly do you know Theodore Whitmore?"

Amy replied, "I've consulted him for herbal remedies a few times. I suppose you could say I'm one of his favored students."

"How long has this been going on?"

"About three years, give or take."

Sebastian's eyes darkened like stormy seas. "You two seem... unusually close."

Amy shrugged. "He's taught me a lot about traditional medicine. He might be eccentric, but his heart's in the right place."

Sebastian opened his mouth as if to say more, then thought better of it.

After several more minutes of heated exchange, Theodore finally ended the call with a triumphant smirk, having gotten the final word.

Nathan tried calling back repeatedly, but Theodore rejected each attempt, looking unbearably pleased with himself.

"Hah! That arrogant fool actually thought he could intimidate me? He should learn his place," Theodore crowed.

Samantha: "..."

Amy: "..."

Sebastian: "..."

After helping clean up the clinic, Amy and her friends finally departed.

Sebastian drove Amy and Samantha back to Amy's apartment building, dropping them off without pressing to come upstairs. Even now that Amy was divorced, he maintained his respectful distance—a fact that earned him points in Samantha's book.

As the elevator ascended, Samantha turned to Amy. "Celeste, I really think Sebastian's perfect for you. He's respectful, kind, and he's always there when you need him. Maybe it's time to give him a chance?"

As for Sebastian's occasional flirtations, Samantha knew better than to take them seriously. She'd noticed he only turned on the charm when Alexander Blackwood was around—clearly just to provoke him. The rest of the time, Sebastian was nothing but proper.

He never put Amy in awkward positions or gave Alexander legitimate reasons to accuse her of impropriety. Otherwise, knowing Alexander, he'd twist everything to paint Amy as the villain.

Amy shook her head. "I just finalized my divorce. I'm not ready to jump into another relationship—I want to focus on my career first. Besides, Sebastian and I are just friends. Don't let Oliver hear you say otherwise."

Samantha lowered her voice. "Oliver's actually told me multiple times he wants you as his mother. He said now that you're free, he's rooting for you and Sebastian."

Amy laughed. "He's a child, Samantha. Don't read too much into it."

The elevator dinged, arriving at Amy's floor. The two women stepped out—only to freeze.

Amy's apartment door was sealed shut with an official notice.