The tension in the room became suffocating.

Victoria was the first to react, her scream slicing through the silence.

"Alexander! He's bleeding!"

Nathan snapped out of his daze, his pulse racing. He instinctively moved toward Alexander, but Victoria clutched his arm in panic.

"Nathan, don't—she's dangerous!"

Amy stood frozen, the bloodied knife still in her grip. Her expression was eerily calm, as if she hadn't just plunged a blade into the man she once loved.

Nathan hesitated, his gaze flickering between Amy and Alexander. Fear coiled in his gut—what if she turned on Victoria next?

Alexander had been caught off guard. That was the only reason she'd managed to strike him. If he had been prepared, Amy wouldn't have stood a chance.

Alexander stared down at the knife embedded in his abdomen, his face paling. Shock and betrayal warred in his eyes.

"...Why?" His voice was rough, strained. "Amy... do you really want me dead?"

Amy's lashes fluttered, her grip on the knife trembling slightly. This was the first time she had ever done something like this.

Yet her gaze remained steady, unwavering.

"You promised me a chance to settle things, Alexander. I'm just taking what you offered. The question is—will you honor your word?"

A bitter smile touched Alexander's lips. His voice was barely above a whisper.

"If you hate me this much... why not aim for my heart?"

Amy's lips curved into a cold, hollow smile.

"Because then I'd be a murderer. And no matter how much I despise you, I won't pay that price."

The office door burst open.

Dominic rushed in, his eyes widening at the scene before him.

"Amy! Are you—"

Nathan seized the opportunity. "Dominic, restrain her! She just stabbed Alexander!"

Dominic's expression darkened as he realized his mistake—he had arrived earlier than planned. Amy had deliberately come ahead of schedule, ensuring he wouldn't interfere too soon.

He moved toward her, but Alexander's weak but commanding voice stopped him.

"Dominic. This is between us."

Dominic hesitated, his gaze locked on Alexander, wary of what he might do.

Amy knew she had only succeeded because of the element of surprise. A second attempt would be impossible.

Slowly, she released the knife.

Alexander made no move to retaliate.

Dominic exhaled in quiet relief.

Alexander was rushed to the hospital. Amy followed—after all, the contract still needed to be signed.

Nathan had recovered from his shock, his face twisted in fury as he jabbed a finger at Amy.

"You're always preaching about justice, aren't you? Well, I've already called the police. You're going to rot in prison for this!"

Victoria's earlier panic had hardened into icy hatred.

"Amy, Alexander will never forgive you for this."

Amy met her glare with a chillingly confident smile.

"You're wrong. He won't lift a finger against me."

Victoria's breath hitched. "What did you just say?"

"Don't believe me? Let's make a bet."

Before Victoria could respond, Dominic cut in sharply.

"Alexander is still in surgery. Let's wait until he wakes up before we discuss anything else."

Nathan's eyes burned with vindication. Finally, he had something to hold over Amy.