The instant Amy stepped into the private dining room, her breath caught in her throat.

Alexander and Victoria.

Behind her, Genevieve noticed Amy's hesitation. "Celeste? Is everything alright?"

Amy blinked, schooling her features into calm indifference. "Nothing at all."

She strode forward with measured steps.

Victoria's eyes widened in shock as Amy entered. "Amy? What are you doing here?"

Victoria was certain she hadn't invited Amy tonight. Her invitation had been extended solely to Genevieve—a world-renowned pianist, distinguished alumna of Solmaris Conservatory, and fellow Newhaven native. Their shared alma mater and hometown made the invitation perfectly natural.

Of course, under normal circumstances, someone of Genevieve's stature would never accept an invitation from Victoria. It was only through Alexander's connections that this meeting had been arranged.

Genevieve followed Amy inside, offering a warm smile. "Hello, I'm Genevieve, and this is my dearest friend, Amy. Forgive my asking, but are you all acquainted?"

Victoria's lips parted in disbelief at the phrase "dearest friend." How had Amy managed to befriend someone as illustrious as Genevieve Harrington?

Alexander, too, was taken aback. Given Amy's usual social circle, how could she possibly be close friends with a woman from such elite circles?

His deep voice cut through the silence. "She's the mother of my child."

Even Genevieve, known for her impeccable composure, couldn't mask her surprise. "You're Celeste's ex-husband?"

Over the past week, Genevieve had heard from Samantha all about Amy's disastrous marriage—the betrayal, the heartbreak, everything. How could someone as extraordinary as Amy have been cast aside for some childhood sweetheart? Genevieve's gaze flickered toward Victoria with newfound understanding.

Ah. So this was the infamous "first love."

Genevieve's polite smile never wavered as she regained her poise. Victoria, however, shifted uncomfortably under the scrutiny.

Once they were seated, Genevieve turned to Alexander. "Mr. Blackwood, might I ask the purpose of this meeting?"

Alexander's eyes briefly met Amy's before responding. "In three months, Victoria will be holding a concert. I understand you and she attended Solmaris Conservatory together, Ms. Harrington, so I hoped to invite you as a guest performer."

Genevieve's smile remained flawless, her tone perfectly diplomatic. "I'm afraid I must decline. My schedule is already committed during that period."

Alexander's voice was cool and precise. "According to my information, you have no performances or competitions scheduled then."

Genevieve didn't deny it. "True. I've cleared my calendar for something far more important."

She'd canceled every engagement the moment Amy needed her help. Natalie and Lillian had done the same. Nothing took precedence over a friend in need.

The message was clear.

Victoria suddenly spoke up, her voice trembling slightly. "Ms. Harrington, is your refusal because of Ms. Sinclair?"

Genevieve's eyes flashed. The society women she usually dealt with maintained decorum even during the most heated disputes. This blunt confrontation was... refreshingly vulgar.