After Amy and Genevieve departed, Victoria lowered her voice. "Alexander, Amy refused us... What do we do now?"

Alexander remained silent for a moment before responding, "Find someone else."

Victoria instinctively bit her lip, unwilling to accept defeat. "But—"

Alexander turned to face her. "Unless you can persuade Genevieve? Or maybe convince Amy to give up her spot for you?"

Amy's disdain for Victoria had always been obvious—she never bothered to hide it.

As for Genevieve, she wasn't the type to be swayed easily. Changing her mind was nearly impossible.

And Amy...

A sharp ache twisted in Alexander's chest. He knew Amy's patience with him was hanging by a thread. If he pushed her any further, she might do something irreversible—something that would leave them both with nothing.

She was Liam's mother. The last thing Alexander wanted was to make her his sworn enemy.

Victoria exhaled sharply. "Fine... if she's Genevieve's friend, I suppose there's nothing we can do."

After leaving the restaurant, Amy took Genevieve on a tour of Solmaris.

Genevieve had grown up in Solmaris, but despite having visited Newhaven before, she'd never truly explored the city.

Lillian and Natalie, on the other hand, were both natives of Newhaven. They had planned an extended break, and with their schedules finally clear, they decided to reconnect with old friends and childhood companions.

Lillian had barely arrived at her gathering when her father called. "Lillian, I heard you're vacationing in Solmaris?"

"Yes, Dad. Why?" Lillian replied.

"Well, here's the thing—a business associate's girlfriend is hosting a concert soon. He was hoping you'd agree to perform as a special guest."

Lillian was a renowned cellist. Despite her youth, she had already made waves in the music world.

Her father, who once entertained the idea of arranging a marriage for her, had long since abandoned it. Her achievements brought him far more pride than any social alliance ever could.

The fact that he was personally calling about this meant the request carried significant weight.

Lillian frowned. "When is it?"

He gave her the date.

She didn't hesitate. "Sorry, I can't. One of my closest friends is holding a concert at the same time, and I already promised her I'd be there."

Her father sounded puzzled. "Your close friend? I haven't heard anything about Genevieve or Natalie planning a concert."

With Genevieve and Natalie's current fame, news of a concert from either would have spread like wildfire. Even his business partners would have been inquiring if Lillian might make an appearance.

He was thrilled that Lillian was friends with Genevieve and Natalie. Without her connection, their family wouldn't even have the chance to introduce themselves to the Chapmans or the Beaumonts.

Lillian sighed. "It's not them. It's another dear friend. Anyway, I'm busy now, Dad. I'll call you back later."

She ended the call abruptly.

Meanwhile, Natalie was facing a similar dilemma.

Her brother, however, was far more direct.

"Natalie, this invitation comes from Alexander Blackwood, CEO of Blackwood Enterprises. Our company just finalized a deal with them. We can't afford to refuse."

He paused, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Whatever plans you have during that time—cancel them. All of them."