Every Blackwood family gathering was an endurance test for Amy. She moved like a whirlwind through the room, refilling teacups and arranging desserts, working twice as hard as the paid staff—yet in Margaret's critical gaze, her efforts remained invisible.

No matter what cutting remark Margaret made, Amy had learned to smile and agree. A single word of protest would brand her as ungrateful or ill-bred.

For years, Amy had endured it—for Alexander, for the sake of keeping peace. She respected Margaret as his mother, even when that respect wasn't returned.

But not anymore.

The past was dead. She refused to swallow another ounce of Margaret's contempt.

"I'm not coming," Amy said, her voice steady, devoid of the hesitation that once choked her words. She no longer cared about saying the wrong thing. No longer feared Margaret's temper.

"And feel free to remove me from the Blackwood family registry. Being your daughter-in-law was never an honor—just a burden."

She ended the call before Margaret could respond, leaving only stunned silence on the other end.

Across the room, Charlotte Blackwood noticed her mother's frozen expression. "Mom? Is Amy coming today? I was hoping she'd bake those lemon tarts. Even our pastry chef can't match hers."

Though Charlotte had never warmed to Amy, even she couldn't deny her talent in the kitchen.

Margaret snapped back to reality, fury darkening her features. "That insolent girl just hung up on me! She actually had the audacity to suggest we disown her!"

Charlotte shrugged, unimpressed. "It's just an act. She fought too hard to marry Alexander to walk away now. And they have Liam together."

She sighed. "Though, with how openly Alexander flaunts Victoria, I can't blame her for being upset. Half the city thinks she's the wife."

"Maybe this is her way of reminding everyone who holds the title."

Margaret scoffed. "Title? I never recognized her as a Blackwood. And Victoria? Please. Rumor has it she won't last the year. I won't waste my time on her."

She took a slow sip of tea, lips curling. "Let her help destroy whatever's left between Amy and Alexander."

Charlotte's eyes widened. "Mom, you're not actually considering—"

Margaret cut her off. "With Alexander's status? Even divorced with a child, he could have his pick of women—educated, well-bred, from respectable families."

She sniffed. "I tolerated Amy for Liam's sake, and this is how she repays me? She should know her place."

Charlotte said nothing. Her mother had always valued pedigree above all else. Without connections or an impressive degree, Amy stood no chance.

And with Amy's recent scandal dragging down Blackwood Enterprises' stocks? Her future in this family was already crumbling.