A hushed whisper cut through the murmurs of the crowd.

"Look at her poise, her eloquence—there's no way she only finished high school. Something doesn't add up."

"I heard Ms. Sinclair is Alexander Blackwood's ex-wife. No connections, no prestigious background, barely any education."

"But you can't fake that kind of grace. She carries herself like someone who's seen the world."

"Maybe she's just good at pretending."

The whispers spread like wildfire, speculation dancing on hushed lips.

Dominic Laurent's eyes glinted with icy disdain as he leaned into the microphone. "So, you still refuse to admit you cheated?"

Amy Sinclair stood unwavering on stage, her gaze steady as she met every skeptical stare in the room.

"That's correct. I did not cheat."

In the audience, Victoria Langley noticed Nathan Prescott tapping away at his phone again. A sudden unease prickled at her nerves.

She leaned in, voice low. "Nathan, what are you doing?"

Without looking up, Nathan smirked. "Livestreaming. Let the world see how far the mighty Amy Sinclair has fallen."

Victoria's grip tightened on her purse. "Alexander will be furious if he catches you."

This time, her warning wasn't just for show.

Every time Nathan tried to humiliate Amy publicly, it backfired spectacularly.

Instead of embarrassment, Amy always emerged stronger, more untouchable.

Nathan scoffed. "Relax. Dad and Alex keep saying we should promote her. Well, here's her big moment—perfect scores from the judges, only to be exposed as a fraud. If she's humiliated, that's on her."

Before Victoria could argue, Dominic's voice boomed through the hall, sharp and mocking in flawless French.

Those who understood the language stiffened before erupting into laughter.

Margaret Blackwood, who didn't speak French, frowned at the sudden amusement. "What did he say?"

Struggling to hide her smirk, Victoria translated.

"Dominic said, 'Frankly, I doubt anyone here has less education than Ms. Sinclair—unless we're counting the toddlers in the front row.'"

Margaret's lips twitched, amusement flickering in her eyes.

She glanced at Victoria, reassessing her. "I didn't know you spoke French."

Victoria lowered her lashes demurely, masking her triumph. "You flatter me, Margaret."

Nathan chimed in, eager to impress. "Mrs. Blackwood, Victoria's fluent in six languages. Even the obscure ones, she knows enough to hold a conversation."

Margaret's gaze sharpened thoughtfully.

She had always hoped Alexander would marry for advantage, to elevate Blackwood Enterprises further.

Instead, he chose someone like Amy—no pedigree, no influence, nothing to offer.

But now, with Blackwood's dominance secure, perhaps they didn't need a strategic marriage.

A man like Alexander, even divorced, would never lack for wealthy, accomplished women vying for his attention.

The question was—would any of them truly care for Liam? And would Liam ever accept them?

Her grandson adored Victoria, and Victoria doted on him in return.

Maybe... just maybe... letting Alexander marry Victoria wouldn't be such a terrible idea after all.