Alexander's voice wavered as a recent memory surfaced—the prestigious music gala at Solmaris Conservatory.

His mother and that insufferable woman he despised had taken the top prize together.

Oliver's words seemed to dim the brightness in Amy's smile. A glacial glint flickered through her emerald eyes.

Losing to Victoria had been the most humiliating moment of her life.

But she quickly masked it, painting on a dazzling smile instead.

"Well, since this is a parent-child competition, if Ms. Sinclair wishes to participate with Liam, I'd be happy to withdraw."

Before she could finish, Liam made a disgusted face and interrupted.

"Victoria, my mom doesn't know Spanish."

Samantha couldn't resist chiming in. "Liam, who told you that? Your mother is actually fluent in seven languages."

Solmaris Conservatory was an elite international institution, teeming with prodigies from every corner of the globe, each conversant in multiple tongues.

Without language proficiency, one couldn't even comprehend the lectures—let alone excel.

Moreover, the conservatory offered intensive language immersion programs.

Amy was a linguistic savant, constantly jet-setting to masterclasses and symposiums worldwide.

Major languages were child's play to her.

In fact, to navigate obscure cultural events, she'd even mastered several dying dialects.

For Samantha and Amy, such achievements were hardly worth mentioning.

Samantha didn't even consider it bragging.

But Liam stubbornly shook his head. "Sam, stop lying for her.

She never even went to college! How could she know all that?"

Samantha rolled her eyes skyward. "Who fed you that nonsense?"

"Grandma Margaret said so."

Samantha exhaled sharply. "Liam, your grandmother isn't exactly reliable. Your mother graduated with honors, understand?"

Victoria suddenly burst into melodic laughter, unable to contain her amusement.

"Ms. Reynolds, I comprehend—you want your godson to idolize his mother. That's touching. But fabricating academic credentials out of jealousy? That's pathetic."

"Jealousy?" Samantha's gaze swept over Victoria with undisguised derision. "You and Celeste aren't even playing the same sport. Don't inflate your importance."

Victoria remained unruffled, merely offering a knowing smile. "As you say." She then knelt to Liam's eye level. "Liam, why not let your mother accompany you this time?"

Liam hesitated briefly, but the memory of Amy's earlier rejection reignited his anger.

"No!" His small chin jutted defiantly. "She doesn't want me anymore. If I'm not her son, she can't be my partner!"

He'd even returned Victoria's thermos and tried apologizing, yet Amy had still frozen him out!

At his core, Liam was still a child—ill-equipped to handle his mother's sudden emotional distance.

Then Oliver spoke softly. "Amy, if you're not partnering Liam... would you consider accompanying me?"

Amy's expression softened marginally. "Oliver, are you certain?"

He nodded earnestly. "I'm not here to compete. I'd just... appreciate the company."

A quiet understanding passed between them. "Alright."

She was his mother, yet now agreeing to another child's request.

Liam's small hands balled into fists. "My mom can't even say 'hello' in Spanish! Aren't you embarrassed to be seen with her?"