As for Victoria's "life-threatening condition," Margaret had already gotten the full story from Nathan recently. Apparently, there was now a treatment available; as long as Victoria followed medical advice, she would recover completely.

Margaret, however, remained deeply skeptical.

This so-called terminal illness of Victoria's? Most likely just a ploy to get closer to Alexander.

Being a woman herself—did Victoria truly believe she couldn't recognize another woman's schemes?

If this had happened before, Margaret would have exposed the deception to Alexander immediately. But now, she chose silence.

Because she'd realized Alexander was actually considering reconciliation with Amy—he even wanted Amy to become Liam's mother again.

The thought made Margaret break out in cold sweat.

She and Amy had already severed all ties. If Amy returned, wouldn't that make Margaret appear foolish? She'd much rather have Victoria in the family than let Amy walk back through those doors.

So, Margaret reclined in her seat, watching the unfolding drama like a spectator at a theater performance.

Amy and Oliver were delivering a decent act, but Margaret suspected it was all just memorized lines—rote repetition, nothing substantial.

She could only imagine how many tutors Amy must have begged for help these past days, how many sleepless nights she'd endured preparing for this competition.

Margaret was certain: Amy didn't truly know French.

Just then, Alexander returned, having finished a call with his assistant.

His schedule was always packed, making it rare for him to carve out time to watch Liam's performance today. Yet his phone hadn't stopped ringing all afternoon.

But when Liam performed with Victoria, Alexander had turned off his phone, choosing to focus entirely on their act.

Given their high score, he wasn't surprised. If anyone recognized Victoria's talent, it was him. Liam had never neglected his studies either. Their victory seemed almost inevitable.

The last call had taken longer than expected, so when Alexander returned, the stage performance had already concluded.

His dark eyes narrowed as he observed the two figures under the spotlight—Amy and Oliver.

Turning to Charlotte, he asked, "What happened? Did they forget their lines?" Charlotte's mouth hung slightly open, her gaze fixed on Amy with newfound interest.

At her brother's question, she finally turned. "Forget their lines? Why would you think that?"

Alexander glanced at the buzzing crowd. "Did they mess up then?"

If not forgotten lines, it must have been a stage disaster. In Alexander's mind, Amy apparently possessed no redeeming qualities.

Charlotte shook her head. "Actually, they were brilliant. Nearly flawless. Several judges gave perfect scores. But—one judge accused them of cheating."

She quickly briefed Alexander on what had transpired.

Nathan, overhearing, couldn't resist quipping, "Alexander, I'll give Amy credit—she clearly put in the work. Almost made it convincing. Must have been desperate to impress you and Liam. Still, fake remains fake. No matter how you polish a rock, it won't become a diamond. The judge saw right through her, didn't he?"

But before his smug expression could fully form, Amy suddenly spoke—in a long, flawless stream of French.

The entire auditorium froze.

Victoria's mocking smile died before reaching completion.

Amy declared, "Mr. Laurent, using your academic credentials to belittle others is profoundly disrespectful. Having someone like you—a judge who openly mocks homemakers and scorns others' education—makes me seriously question this panel's integrity. As a language judge, shouldn't your foreign language skills surpass everyone else's?"