Samantha let out a soft laugh. "Probably another candidate for the interview."

She turned, but her smile vanished the moment she recognized the newcomers.

Victoria and Nathan seemed oblivious to Samantha's glare. They were too busy admiring the space.

"This place has such character," Victoria murmured, her voice like honey. "A bit secluded, but so serene. And that view of the lake—it's perfect."

Nathan grinned, puffing his chest. "Told you it was worth the drive. The landlord mentioned it used to be a music studio. Feels like fate, doesn’t it?"

For the first time in weeks, Victoria’s lips curved into a genuine smile. "Let’s take it."

Ever since the scandal at her previous studio, Victoria had been withdrawn. Seeing her finally light up filled Nathan with a rare sense of triumph.

"Great. I’ll go finalize the paperwork—"

Samantha couldn’t hold back any longer.

"Excuse me? Who said you could just waltz in here? This is private property!"

Nathan’s head snapped up, his eyes widening when he spotted Samantha and Amy.

"You?!"

Samantha crossed her arms, glaring. "That’s my line. What the hell are you doing here?"

Nathan’s gaze swept the room before landing on Dominic, who stood silently by the window.

His jaw dropped. "Whitmore? Why are you here?"

The moment Nathan recognized Dominic, both Amy and Samantha tensed.

This was the worst possible timing.

Dominic had been their inside source. If Nathan found out, their friendship would shatter instantly.

Honestly, Samantha didn’t care much about losing Nathan or Alexander as friends. But Dominic? He was different. She didn’t want him caught in the crossfire.

Dominic hesitated, but Amy spoke first, her tone cool. "Mr. Whitmore is here for the same reason you are."

Nathan brightened, nodding. "Ah, right! You heard about this place too, didn’t you, Dom?" He turned to Victoria. "See? I told you Whitmore always knows the best spots."

Amy’s deflection worked—Nathan didn’t suspect a thing. After all, he had mentioned this idea to Dominic recently.

Dominic gave Amy a subtle glance but stayed silent.

Once the initial shock wore off, Nathan’s expression hardened. He locked eyes with Amy, his voice icy. "We’re taking this studio. I’ll cover your lease termination fee. You have three days to clear out. Or things will get ugly."

Samantha scoffed. "Oh, please. You think you can just barge in and claim what’s ours? We’ve poured months into renovating this place. Have you no dignity?"

Nathan smirked. "Money solves everything. With what I’m offering, you can find somewhere better."

Samantha rolled her eyes. "If it’s so easy, why don’t you go find another place? Why steal ours?"

Nathan’s grin turned smug. "Because Victoria loves it. Consider it a compliment. Hand it over, and I’ll still pay your penalty."