Natalie's brows knitted together, her voice sharp. "Absolutely not. That's the day of my best friend's concert. I already gave her my word as her guest performer."

Her older brother, Sebastian Beaumont, was notorious for his domineering nature.

"If it's Lillian, just back out," he said bluntly. "But if it's Genevieve..."

He trailed off, realizing this wasn't a simple matter to dismiss.

"Genevieve takes priority. But their concerts likely won't overlap. Just do Alexander this favor—show up at his girlfriend's event, perform one song, and call it done."

Natalie let out a bitter, mocking laugh. "Tell Alexander this for me: Trying to steal his ex-wife's guest performer for his new fling, and resorting to threats to do it—isn't that just pathetic?"

Sebastian blinked in surprise. "Ex-wife? New fling?"

Natalie's tone was glacial.

"Alexander's ex-wife is my closest friend. She sacrificed her career for him, raised their children, and what did he do? He cheated. Now she's finally free, rebuilding her life, and she invited me to perform at her comeback concert. And you want me to betray her for his mistress?"

Sebastian fell silent.

He was a man who prioritized business above all, but even he couldn't justify this.

If it had been a stranger asking, Natalie might have considered refusing Amy. But helping the woman who destroyed her friend's marriage? That was a line even Sebastian wouldn't cross. Besides, Natalie and Genevieve Harrington were close, and their families had benefited from that connection for years. There was no need to risk damaging that over Alexander's whims.

With a sigh, Sebastian softened his approach. "Natalie, this puts me in an impossible position. Could you... ask Genevieve to intervene? If she steps in, Alexander won't dare pressure the Beaumonts."

The Beaumonts always put their interests first. When Natalie pursued music, they'd dismissed her as rebellious, even cutting off her funds. Only Sebastian had quietly supported her, which was why she still bothered explaining herself to him now.

Now that he led the Beaumont Group, Natalie didn’t want to make his life harder than necessary.

She exhaled. "Fine. I'll talk to Genevieve."

At Celestial Melodies, the three friends gathered, and Natalie wasted no time explaining Alexander's scheme—he wanted one of them to perform at his girlfriend's concert.

When the story was laid out, the women exchanged glances.

Lillian smirked. "Amy, you're like a treasure chest—your ex just keeps digging for more. Soon there’ll be nothing left to take."

Natalie shook her head in disbelief. "What are the odds? Of all the people in Newhaven, his new girlfriend just had to come to us? And of course, she runs straight into Amy."

Genevieve shrugged. "Honestly, it makes sense. We're well-known, from influential families, and all grew up here. Plus, we went to Solmaris Conservatory with Victoria. It's easier to approach us than to scout someone overseas. Besides..."

Samantha raised a brow. "Besides what?"

Genevieve tilted her head. "If Amy weren't involved, would either of you have refused?"

Lillian and Natalie went quiet.

They'd been raised with privilege—and its obligations. Turning down such a request would have been unthinkable... unless it involved Amy.

All three turned to her. "Amy, what do you want to do?"

They'd been friends for years. No pretenses were needed.

Amy's answer was simple. "I cut ties with them long ago. I won't let them take anything else from me."