They say a woman in her element is truly mesmerizing.

Alexander's piercing gaze remained fixed on Amy, dark and unreadable. The intensity of his stare was almost tangible, yet she barely acknowledged his presence.

As the discussion continued, Victoria's throat grew dry.

"Nathan, would you mind getting us some drinks?" she asked sweetly.

Nathan, who had been stifling yawns throughout the musical debate, seized the opportunity eagerly. Business talk was never his forte.

"Of course," he replied smoothly. "Alex, let's give the ladies some space."

With a curt nod, Alexander followed him out, leaving the two women alone.

Nearly fifteen minutes later, Amy closed her scorebook decisively.

"Ms. Langley, if we're done here, I should prepare for rehearsal."

Night had fallen completely now.

The lakeside breeze carried an unexpected chill, whipping strands of Amy's hair across her face. The once-calm waters now looked like an endless void.

That's when Victoria's saccharine voice cut through the darkness.

"You saw it earlier, didn't you?"

Her smile held a razor's edge beneath its sweetness. "No matter what happens, Alex will always choose me. Anyone who crosses me—he'll destroy them without hesitation."

Amy's expression remained impassive. "I'm well aware of Alexander's devotion to you. There's no need for the reminder."

Victoria's voice dropped to a honeyed whisper. "When the accident happened, he believed me instantly. Even after learning the truth, he never held me accountable."

She stepped closer, her breath ghosting over Amy's ear. "You're just like that last pianist. If I want you gone, Alex will discard you without a second thought."

"And by the way," she added with a triumphant smirk, "I've already taken over your precious studio. See? Anything I desire, Alexander delivers."

Amy met her gaze squarely and—surprisingly—laughed.

"You overestimate your importance, Ms. Langley. Alexander may care for you, but let's be honest—he doesn't love you."

"If he did," Amy continued coolly, "when I got pregnant, he could have simply demanded an abortion. Instead, he married me. His loyalty to you has always been... negotiable."

Victoria's eyes flashed dangerously.

"I'll admit," she hissed, "I may not be as important as his career."

Her voice dropped to a chilling whisper.

"But as long as I rank above you, that's all that matters."

Suddenly, Victoria seized Amy's wrist, her smile twisting grotesquely.

"Want proof? Watch this—he'll never blame me, no matter what I do."

Her next words came slow and deliberate:

"Not even if I kill you."

With a violent shove, Amy tumbled backward into the icy water.

Victoria's scream pierced the night.

"Ms. Sinclair! Oh my God—someone help!"

Alexander and Nathan came running at the commotion.

His face darkened instantly at the scene before him.