The scene before Amy felt like a crushing weight on her chest, stealing her breath away.

In their five years of marriage, Alexander had never once joined her to drop Liam off at school. She had asked him once, but he’d dismissed it with a cold, "I have work."

Now she knew the truth. It wasn’t about work. He just didn’t want to go with her.

Liam, still half-asleep and rubbing his eyes, perked up the moment he heard Victoria’s voice. His gaze landed on Amy, standing a few feet away, and his expression shifted.

Victoria smiled down at him. "See, Liam? I told you Ms. Sinclair wouldn’t stay angry. She came all this way to see you."

A smug glint flashed in Liam’s eyes as he lifted his chin. "Don’t think this changes anything. I won’t forgive you until you apologize to Victoria."

Turning to Alexander, Victoria’s voice was sweet. "Alex, it looks like Nathan’s plan worked after all."

Alexander gave a curt nod before addressing Amy. "Victoria hasn’t been eating well. Prepare something special for her."

Amy stared at him, her lips curling into a bitter smile. "Pathetic."

Victoria stepped forward, her tone dripping with false concern. "Ms. Sinclair, there’s no need for hostility. Let’s talk this through. You’ve been out of work for years—no income, no stability. It must have been hard for you, hasn’t it?"

Her words were a carefully crafted knife, implying Amy was using Liam as a pawn. Alexander’s icy gaze bore into her. "Apologize to Victoria. Now. And maybe I’ll forget this ever happened."

Liam scowled, crossing his arms. "Mom, stop using me to get what you want."

Amy looked at the three of them—united against her—and nearly laughed. To anyone watching, they were the perfect family, and she was the villain.

Victoria reached out, her voice soft. "Ms. Sinclair, just let it go."

Amy’s laugh was sharp. "Let it go? You freeze my accounts, demand an apology, and call that letting it go? Ms. Langley, would you accept such terms?"

Victoria faltered, her lips parting in silent surprise.

Then, suddenly, Liam stepped in front of Victoria, arms spread protectively. His glare was fierce. "Stop bullying her!"

Amy froze. Liam had always been eager to please Victoria, but he had never openly defied her like this.

No—that wasn’t true. Because Amy had always given in first.

The hostility in Liam’s eyes sent a sharp pain through her chest. She stumbled back, nearly losing her footing.

Victoria’s gaze flickered with something unreadable as she reached out. "Ms. Sinclair, be careful—ah!"

With a dramatic gasp, Victoria lurched sideways—as if pushed—staggering dangerously toward the street.

A car sped toward them.

Alexander moved like lightning, yanking Victoria back into his arms just in time.

Trembling, Victoria buried her face against his chest, her voice shaking. "Alex… I—I almost lost you."