Sebastian looked down at Oliver.

"Oliver, do you need me to step in this time?"

Oliver shook his head. "To be honest, Dad, this all started because Amy was deliberately tripped at Liam's birthday party. If you really want to help, then punish the ones who humiliated Amy."

Sebastian's voice was calm. "If that's what you want, then let's summon everyone responsible for tripping Amy that day. They can apologize to her first. As for punishment... I'll leave that to you."

A flicker of surprise crossed Alexander's eyes. "So, are you seeking justice for Oliver, or for Amy?"

Sebastian's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Oliver doesn’t need me to fight his battles. He can handle himself. After all, it's just some petty social exclusion..."

His gaze lingered pointedly on Nathan.

"If Oliver ever finds it too much, he’ll tell me. The fact that he hasn’t means it’s really not a big deal to him. But honestly, bullying a five-year-old is just pathetic."

He turned to Alexander. "Mr. Blackwood, if I may—"

Alexander met his eyes. "Go ahead."

Sebastian said evenly, "A man of your stature, Mr. Blackwood, yet you surround yourself with people who do nothing but stir up trouble. Haven’t you heard? The company you keep reflects your character... Maybe it’s time to reconsider your taste in friends."

Nathan couldn’t miss the sarcasm. His face darkened, and he was about to snap back, but Victoria gripped his arm and shook her head.

Frustration burned in Nathan’s chest, but he forced himself to stay silent.

Sebastian noticed the exchange, arching a brow in amusement.

"What’s wrong, Mr. Prescott? Feeling guilty? Want to take responsibility for this yourself?"

Nathan’s expression stiffened. He swallowed his retort. If Sebastian really wanted to pin this on him, he’d be in deep trouble. Let Sebastian go after those so-called "friends"—as long as he wasn’t dragged into it, that was fine by him. After all, what were friends for if not to take the fall?

Sebastian made a few quick calls, issuing quiet orders. Suddenly, a commotion at the door drew everyone’s attention.

A heavyset, sweating middle-aged man rushed in, nearly out of breath.

"Mr. Kingsley, there you are! I’ve been searching everywhere for you."

He spotted Sebastian immediately, forcing an ingratiating smile. "Mr. Kingsley, if there’s an issue, you can just tell me—why the sudden withdrawal of your investment?"

Before he could finish, a shocked voice cut through the air.

"Richard, what are you doing here?"

He turned to see his wife, momentarily stunned. Only then did he realize the situation was far more complicated than he’d thought. He also saw Alexander and Nathan in the room—along with his own wife and son.

Now Richard Thornton was truly bewildered. "Mr. Blackwood, Mr. Prescott, what are you two doing here?"

Alexander’s eyes flashed with disdain. He hadn’t forgotten that this family had led the charge in ostracizing and bullying his son.

Noticing the look on Alexander’s face, Richard felt a chill crawl down his spine.

Thornton Industries had somehow offended Sebastian, and now Kingsley Holdings was pulling its investment—and making it clear that anyone who continued to do business with Thornton Industries would be considered an enemy.

If they managed to anger Blackwood Enterprises on top of that, Thornton Industries was finished.

Taking in the scene before him, Richard felt his stomach drop.