"It was Nathan who asked me to bring the sheet music," Amy said.

Victoria's mind raced—she immediately grasped Alexander's scheme.

At last, Alexander had done something that wasn't completely irrational.

She lowered her gaze, her voice dripping with false remorse. "Ms. Sinclair, I'm terribly sorry. Something urgent came up on my end, and now you've made this trip for nothing."

Amy offered a light, knowing smile. "It's no trouble. Consider it Mr. Prescott treating me to a private concert."

Victoria laughed, though it didn't reach her eyes. "That's true. Ms. Sinclair, you don't often get to witness performances of this caliber, do you? Honestly, neither do I. If it weren't for my mentor pulling strings, I doubt I'd ever have this privilege."

As she spoke, she glanced at Alexander, her expression laced with exaggerated gratitude. "Of course, I must also thank Alex for introducing me to Mr. Pendleton."

Amy suppressed a scoff.

She knew exactly what underhanded tactics Victoria had employed to secure that meeting with Mr. Pendleton. Yet here she was, flaunting it shamelessly, even proud of her deceit.

Some people truly had no shame.

With a polite tilt of her head, Amy replied, "Ms. Langley, I must admit, your self-awareness is... refreshing."

Victoria caught the sarcasm but kept her smile intact. "It must be rare for you to land such a coveted performance slot, Ms. Sinclair. Should I ask my mentor to extend an opportunity to you as well?"

Amy's grin widened. "That would be lovely. Thank you, Ms. Langley."

Victoria's smile faltered for a fraction of a second.

She had been certain Amy would never accept such an offer in front of Alexander. After all, Amy had always been too proud to take handouts.

When Victoria hesitated, Amy arched a brow. "Is there an issue, Ms. Langley? Or was that just empty courtesy?"

Victoria was bound by expectations in Alexander's presence—Amy, however, was not. She had no reason to refuse an advantage.

Victoria quickly recovered. "Of course not. If you're serious, I'll speak to my mentor about it."

Her eyes flickered toward Alexander, searching for disapproval.

He said nothing, his gaze lingering on Amy's retreating figure. Victoria's stomach twisted.

Amy nodded. "Then I'll hold you to that, Ms. Langley."

"I have matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave," Victoria said, forcing another smile. "Once I have news, I'll let you know."

"Perfect. I hope it won't take too long—my own concert is approaching. If it's delayed, I may not have time to prepare."

On the surface, their exchange was cordial—almost friendly.

No one would guess they were rivals.

Victoria's smile strained. "Naturally."

Amy didn't linger. She turned and walked away.

The moment Amy was out of sight, Victoria lowered her voice. "Alex, I just offered to help Ms. Sinclair secure some performances. You don't think that was... inappropriate, do you?"

"Not at all," Alexander murmured, his eyes still fixed where Amy had disappeared. "We took an opportunity that should have been hers. It's only fair to compensate her. Besides, the studio you're running now? That was hers first. Now that she's composing for you, it's wise to stay on good terms."

Victoria frowned. "But we paid her ten million. She didn't lose—if anything, she profited."

Alexander's expression darkened. "Victoria, money isn't everything. When it comes to Arthur Pendleton, ten million was never enough."