Once Amy Sinclair's name had been discovered, tracking down Celeste wasn't as challenging as Alexander Blackwood had anticipated.

Gregory cleared his throat awkwardly, glancing at Amy's frosty expression. "Ms. Sinclair, we're here to speak with Celeste."

Amy's eyes darkened slightly.

If Alexander had managed to locate her, it meant he knew everything.

Alexander shot Samantha Reynolds a brief look. "Ms. Reynolds, would you mind giving us some privacy?"

Samantha hesitated, glancing at Amy for confirmation. At Amy's subtle nod, she left the room with Gregory.

Once they were alone, Alexander stepped closer.

His piercing gaze studied her as if seeing her for the first time.

"So, you're Celeste."

The realization struck him—how little he truly knew about the woman he had once been married to.

For five years, she had never held a job in his presence. It hadn’t mattered to him then. He’d never asked about her past, her passions, or her talents beyond what she had casually revealed.

And now, here she was—not just a gifted violinist fluent in multiple languages, but the elusive, world-renowned composer known only as Celeste.

Amy didn’t bother pretending. She knew exactly why he was here. "I won’t compose for Victoria Langley. Find someone else."

Alexander didn’t flinch. "Why not?"

She had expected this.

"Do you really need me to spell it out for you?"

With his resources, uncovering her identity had been inevitable.

His voice was calm, controlled. "If compensation is the issue, name your price. I’m willing to negotiate."

Amy let out a sharp, humorless laugh. "I thought once you knew who I really was, Mr. Blackwood, you’d never seek me out again."

Her tone dripped with quiet derision.

"A smart man wouldn’t want his ex-wife anywhere near his precious fiancée. And yet, here you are—personally delivering the request to pave the way for Ms. Langley’s career."

Every time she convinced herself that Alexander didn’t care for Victoria as much as he claimed, he did something like this—proving her doubts wrong.

"Aleander," Amy said firmly, "you know exactly why I’m refusing. First, I have no interest in stepping back into the public eye. Second, I won’t let my reputation be used to elevate Victoria’s career."

She tilted her head, eyes cold. "You have countless ways to promote her, Mr. Blackwood. You don’t need to use me as her stepping stone."

Alexander’s expression darkened. "If exposure is your concern, I’ll hire the best PR team to manage it. If you don’t want to appear publicly, I’ll ensure your anonymity. Whatever you need—just say the word."

"I don’t need anything from you." Amy’s voice was glacial. "The only thing I want is for you to walk away and never reappear in my life."

The afternoon sun filtered through the blinds, casting sharp lines of light and shadow across Alexander’s striking features.

"Is it because of me that you’re refusing?"

Amy exhaled sharply. "Glad you finally caught on. But honestly, even if it weren’t you, Mr. Blackwood, I’d still refuse. Your involvement just gives me one more reason to say no."

Alexander held her gaze, unyielding. "Amy, you should know by now—when I want something, I always get it."