"Victoria."

The voice on the other end of the line was smooth, deep, and laced with an unsettling charm.

"I hear you've been having some... difficulties lately."

Victoria's fingers tightened around her phone. "I'm managing."

A soft chuckle echoed through the receiver. "From what I've gathered, Amy Sinclair has been giving you quite the headache."

At the mention of Amy, Victoria's jaw clenched.

Silence stretched between them before he spoke again. "Victoria, do you need my assistance?"

Her response was immediate. "No. Not yet. I can handle this myself."

His tone shifted, amusement threading through his words. "Are you certain? Because from where I stand, it seems like you're barely keeping your head above water."

"I... I can."

His voice dropped lower, almost hypnotic. "But here's the problem, darling. Amy has a recording of you. Imagine if Alexander heard it—do you think he'd still look at you the same way? Or worse, what if your fans found out? Your concert is just around the corner. If that recording goes public, who would still buy tickets to see you?"

Victoria's breath came in short, uneven bursts. The moment Amy had pulled out her phone, she'd known. She had suspected a recording, but she couldn’t be sure.

Calling Amy’s bluff would have been a gamble—one she couldn’t afford to lose.

She needed to deal with that recording.

Alexander was out of the question. The only person she could turn to was Nathan...

As if reading her thoughts, the man on the phone let out a quiet laugh. "Victoria, don’t tell me you’re considering asking Nathan for help. Are you sure he’s loyal to you—and not secretly working with Amy?"

Victoria said nothing.

Nathan was loyal, yes. But he was also painfully naïve. Sometimes, she wondered if he even understood the stakes.

But right now, she had no other options.

The man’s voice softened, reassuring. "Relax. The recording? It’s already been taken care of. Amy won’t be able to use it against you. It conveniently disappeared in Sebastian Kingsley’s hands. Perhaps we can even use this to stir up some trouble between them."

Victoria exhaled sharply. "...Thank you, Julian."

Compared to Nathan, Julian Delacroix operated on an entirely different level.

There was a pause before he spoke again, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "It’s been a long time since you’ve said my name."

Victoria’s nails dug into her palm.

Julian continued, his tone almost tender. "Victoria, I want to help you—no conditions, no debts. So why do you insist on turning to someone like Nathan instead of me?"

Her voice was barely a whisper. "You’ve already done enough. I... I have nothing to give in return. I don’t want to owe you any more favors."

"Victoria." His voice was gentle, almost affectionate, yet it sent a shiver down her spine. "I would never force you to do anything you don’t want to. And as for debts? Compared to the fact that you once saved my life, this is nothing. If you truly wish to repay me, just play your violin for me now and then. That’s more than enough."

She swallowed hard. "...Alright."

Julian’s tone shifted, a dark edge creeping in. "I’ll be in Solmaris by the end of the month. I’d like to meet you—and the man who’s captured your heart. And, of course, the woman who dared to cross you."

Victoria opened her mouth to protest, but the mention of Amy silenced her.

She knew exactly what Julian Delacroix was capable of.

If he decided to go after Amy, she wouldn’t stand a chance.