"Alright."

...

Amy arrived at the restaurant twenty minutes early.

Yet, to her astonishment, Dominic was already seated at their table, waiting patiently.

She approached him with measured steps. "How long have you been here?"

Dominic's dark eyes lingered on her face, studying her for a moment before he offered a faint smile. He stood and pulled out her chair.

"Not long. I just arrived myself."

After they placed their orders, Amy couldn't suppress the question any longer. "Dominic, about Benjamin..."

At the mention of his name, Dominic's expression darkened slightly.

He gave a slow nod. "Yes. It was Alexander. He orchestrated everything."

Amy wasn't surprised in the slightest.

Dominic poured her a glass of water, his voice low. "I met with Alexander today under the guise of discussing a business partnership. From what I gathered, he wants you to surrender Celestial Melodies. And he still hasn’t given up on you composing that piece for Victoria."

Amy let out a bitter laugh. "And if I refuse? After what he did to Benjamin and Samantha, what’s next—me?"

Dominic’s face was grave. "Celeste, Alexander would move heaven and earth for Victoria. It’s just a studio. Until you’re in a stronger position, don’t provoke him directly."

Amy’s fingers tightened around the glass.

She scoffed. "The name 'Celeste'—even I hesitate to use it now, and yet he expects me to create publicity for his precious Victoria?"

Just then, her phone rang.

Samantha’s frantic voice crackled through the line.

"Alexander—that snake—he bribed the testing lab! They just released the results online. It’s official—he’s the father!"

Amy felt as if the ground had vanished beneath her.

Her hand trembled, and the glass slipped from her grasp, shattering against the floor with a sharp, crystalline sound.

She closed her eyes, forcing down the wave of fury rising in her chest.

"Alright. I understand," she said, her voice eerily calm, belying the storm inside.

On the other end, Samantha hesitated. "Celeste… are you… are you okay?"

"I’m fine," Amy replied, her tone icy and controlled. "I’ll handle it."

Before Samantha could protest, Amy ended the call.

Dominic watched her with concern. Her face had drained of color. "Celeste, what happened?"

Amy let out a hollow laugh. "You were right. Alexander truly would do anything for Victoria."

Her pallor made her dark eyes appear even sharper, more resolute than ever.

For reasons he couldn’t explain, an uneasy feeling coiled in Dominic’s chest.

"Celeste, don’t act recklessly."

"I won’t," Amy said, forcing a small, composed smile. "I’ll speak to Alexander tomorrow."

Dominic frowned. "What time? I’ll come with you."

"I’ll let you know once I confirm with him," Amy replied, not refusing his offer.

The rest of the meal passed in tense silence.

She didn’t mention Alexander again. Nor did she bring up Benjamin.

It was the quiet before the storm.

...

Back at home, Amy dialed Alexander’s number.

He answered almost immediately.

"Have you made up your mind?" His voice was cool, unhurried, as if he’d been expecting her call.

Amy’s tone matched his—detached, controlled. "Mr. Blackwood, you’d go to such lengths for Ms. Langley’s future. How could I possibly misunderstand your intentions?"

"As long as you understand," he replied.