Amy's fingers twitched, sending a splash of water from her glass onto the tablecloth.

Dominic pretended not to notice her reaction as he continued, "Nathan mentioned that according to Mrs. Blackwood, she's pushing Alexander to marry Victoria."

"Lately, it's been Victoria taking care of Liam, and Margaret Blackwood seems determined to foster their relationship."

Seeing Amy's lowered gaze, Dominic quickly added, "Forgive me, I shouldn't have brought this up."

Amy lifted her chin, her voice steady. "It's alright. Their preference for Victoria isn't surprising—I've long since accepted that. What shocks me is Margaret's sudden change of heart. I always assumed she'd insist on someone from high society for Alexander."

Dominic nodded. "Her opinion of Victoria has shifted. She recognizes Victoria's talents now. More importantly, she fears any other woman might mistreat Liam or fail to bond with him. That's why she's considering Victoria. Nathan told me she's already pressuring Alexander to set a wedding date."

Even though their divorce was finalized, hearing this still left Amy with a bitter taste in her mouth.

Back then, Margaret hadn't interfered with Alexander and Victoria's relationship—why start now? The irony wasn't lost on her.

A waiter arrived, arranging their dishes with practiced efficiency.

Only when they were alone again did Dominic reveal his true purpose. "Amy, there's another reason I asked to meet today."

She met his gaze. "Go on."

Whenever Dominic reached out, it always involved crucial information.

His dark eyes held hers intently.

"Amy, do you know about 'Celeste'?"

The moment the name left his lips, understanding flashed between them.

He knew her secret—she was Celeste.

"I am Celeste," she confirmed without hesitation. "How did you find out?"

Dominic's lips curved slightly. "Someone hired me to investigate Celeste."

Amy didn't need to guess. "Let me guess... Alexander?"

Dominic's approving look confirmed it. "Precisely. Alexander. Victoria wants Celeste as her exclusive composer. Three-year contract. Fifteen million dollars. No restrictions on competitions or other projects. Just one condition—you can't sign exclusively with anyone else."

So it was Alexander who'd offered Samantha that astronomical sum to contact her.

When Samantha first mentioned the offer, the temptation had been undeniable. Fifteen million for three years—who wouldn't be tempted? Alexander... never did anything by halves.

The terms were more than generous. She could still compete, still take on other work. The only real limitation was exclusivity for Victoria.

But Celeste—her secret identity—had always remained anonymous. Public appearances would only generate more buzz for Victoria. As always, Alexander was putting Victoria first.

At Blackwood Enterprises, Gregory knocked on the CEO's door, frustration evident.

"Mr. Blackwood, Celeste keeps refusing our offers. Today, she wouldn't even answer my calls..."

Alexander looked up. "Reason?"

"She claims... violin composition isn't her strength. I assured her we'd accommodate any genre, but she wouldn't budge. I even told her to name her terms—nothing worked."

Alexander's expression remained impassive. "Excuses. She simply doesn't want the position."

"Should I begin searching for other composers, sir?"