Amy Sinclair offered a warm smile. "What's happening?"

Oliver Kingsley hesitated before answering. "It's about Liam."

At the mention of Liam Blackwood's name, Amy's smile wavered slightly, but she maintained her composure. "What about him?"

Oliver shifted uncomfortably. "Liam found out about your divorce from Mr. Blackwood. He's really upset. He said he wants to talk to you—to ask if you really don’t want him anymore."

Amy remained silent.

Oliver continued, "Actually, I just realized—Liam followed us all the way here. I think he’s waiting outside. Amy, maybe we should invite him in?"

Still, Amy didn’t respond.

Samantha Reynolds studied Amy’s expression before breaking into a bright grin. "Oh, it’s been so long since I’ve seen Liam. Honestly, I’ve missed the kid. I’ll go get him."

Amy watched Samantha leave but didn’t stop her.

A few minutes later, Samantha returned, holding Liam’s hand.

"Come on in, Liam. You can sit right here."

She guided Liam to the seat on Amy’s left, while Oliver took the chair to her right.

Amy didn’t object.

Liam looked much the same as before, but there was a quietness about him now, a heaviness that hadn’t been there before.

His presence cast an uneasy tension over the table.

Oliver broke the silence at just the right moment. "Liam, Amy’s treating us today. Order whatever you want—don’t hold back."

Oliver’s attempt at playing host twisted something sharp in Liam’s chest.

He stayed quiet, lips pressed together in a stubborn pout.

Oliver noticed and asked nervously, "Liam, what’s wrong? Did I say something to upset you?"

The scene felt painfully familiar. Liam suddenly remembered the times when he, his mom, and Victoria would go out to eat. Victoria would always encourage his mom to order whatever she wanted, telling her not to be shy—just like Oliver was doing now.

Back then, he’d thought Victoria was kind, always looking out for his mom.

But his mother had never seemed to appreciate it—she always seemed to have something against Victoria.

Now, sitting in Victoria’s place, he felt a deep, gnawing unhappiness.

Samantha chimed in, "Liam, what’s bothering you?" Normally, if he so much as frowned, his mom would immediately ask what was wrong.

But this time, she didn’t even glance his way. She just sipped her water in silence.

A strange disappointment settled over Liam. He shook his head. "I’m fine."

Samantha couldn’t quite read his expression, so she simply handed him the menu. "Here, Liam. See if there’s anything you’d like."

Liam took the menu and ordered a dish he’d been craving lately.

Oliver’s face darkened. "Liam, why are you ordering fried food? We’re still kids—you know that’s not good for you."

Liam had never liked Oliver, and now, hearing that, his irritation flared.

He shot Oliver a glare. "What I eat is my business. Worry about yourself."

Oliver shrank back slightly, mumbling, "Sorry."

Amy opened her mouth as if to say something, but in the end, she stayed silent.

Instead, she reached over and gently patted Oliver’s head. "Don’t worry about others—just focus on yourself, okay?"

Reassured, Oliver’s smile returned.

"Amy, I’ve been taking the herbal remedy you made for me. My hands and feet aren’t as cold anymore!"