"You'd sell your soul for a rich husband, wouldn't you? How dare you show your face in public?"

"Women like you make me sick—so shallow and desperate. The world would be better off without you!"

"If the law won't deal with you, we will! Consider this karma!"

The mob closed in on Amy, shoving her violently. One particularly aggressive woman sent her sprawling onto the pavement.

A hospital security guard spotted the commotion and rushed over. "Break it up! Get out of here before I call the police!"

At his command, the crowd scattered, leaving Amy alone on the ground. As she struggled to catch her breath, a pair of immaculate black Oxfords stepped into her line of sight.

She blinked away the dizziness and looked up. Towering above her was Alexander Blackwood, his expression cold and unreadable.

His dark eyes flickered over her disheveled state before he spoke, voice devoid of emotion. "Victoria has agreed not to press charges for the accident. But you will issue a public apology."

Amy squeezed her eyes shut, forcing down the lump in her throat. She tried to push herself up, but her arms trembled violently. No matter how hard she fought, her body refused to cooperate.

Pathetic. That’s what she was—especially in front of him. It seemed she was always at her weakest when Alexander was near.

A bitter laugh escaped her lips. She smiled, but her eyes betrayed her, filling with tears before she could stop them.

Alexander’s jaw tightened. He took a step forward, reaching out—

But someone else got to her first.

"Amy, are you alright?"

She looked up to see Sebastian Kingsley crouching beside her, concern etched across his handsome features. Her throat burned. "Mr. Kingsley."

Sebastian helped her stand. "I’m sorry. I’ve been swamped and forgot today was your discharge."

Amy swallowed hard. "I didn’t want to trouble you."

His gaze dropped to the cut on her forehead. "You’re hurt. Let’s get you back inside."

She shook her head. "It’s nothing serious."

Sebastian’s expression hardened. "No arguments. You’re getting checked."

Seeing his resolve, she relented. "Fine."

As Sebastian guided her toward the hospital doors, Alexander suddenly seized her wrist. His voice was ice. "There’s no need for Mr. Kingsley’s assistance."

Sebastian didn’t let go. "Funny. I didn’t see you rushing to help her when she was on the ground, Mr. Blackwood."

Alexander’s eyes darkened—

But before he could respond, a sweet voice cut through the tension.

"Alex! You came!"

Victoria Langley sprinted over and threw herself into Alexander’s arms without hesitation.

"Alex, did you come to pick me up?" Her voice was honeyed, her eyes sparkling. "I told you, you didn’t have to if you were busy!"