Sebastian had an epiphany.

At that moment, a honeyed voice drifted toward them. "Ms. Sinclair, what a pleasant surprise to see you here."

Amy and Sebastian turned simultaneously. A willowy figure approached, trailed by a strikingly handsome man with an air of detached elegance.

"What an unexpected encounter," Victoria beamed. "Ms. Sinclair, are you dining here as well?"

Amy gave her a cursory glance before looking away. "Do you need something?"

Victoria's gaze flickered to Sebastian. "Ms. Sinclair, and this gentleman... what's your relationship?"

Amy's tone remained frosty. "Is that any of your business?"

Undeterred, Victoria pressed on. "It's so rare to bump into you here. Would you mind if we joined your table?"

Amy's brows knitted together, but Sebastian spoke first.

Alexander had noticed the way Amy's face had softened when speaking to Sebastian earlier, and his stormy gray eyes darkened.

When their eyes met now, Amy's expression turned glacial.

If this was her attempt at getting his attention, Alexander mused darkly, she'd succeeded. He pulled out the chair beside Amy with effortless grace. "Mr. Kingsley, are you acquainted with my wife?"

The square table seated four, with Amy and Sebastian positioned opposite each other. Alexander now occupied the seat beside Amy, leaving Victoria to sit next to Sebastian.

Sebastian flashed a rakish grin. "Indeed. Though I should thank Mr. Blackwood for introducing me to such an extraordinary woman like Celeste."

Amy's eyes lifted to meet Sebastian's.

Alexander's jaw tightened. "So you've only recently become friends?"

"Thanks to your negligence, Mr. Blackwood. Had you not repeatedly turned a blind eye to your wife's suffering - to the point where even a stranger like me couldn't remain indifferent - Celeste and I might never have grown so close."

Sebastian's smile remained warm, but his words cut like shards of glass. Though she had a husband, Alexander had stood by while his wife endured online harassment and bullying. The unspoken accusation hung heavy in the air.

Victoria quickly interjected, sensing the tension. "Shall we order? The kitchen here tends to be slow, so we might as well chat while we wait."

Sebastian didn't press further, signaling for a waiter.

Alexander scanned the menu and ordered several dishes with practiced ease. Sebastian arched an eyebrow. "That's quite the order, Mr. Blackwood."

Victoria offered an apologetic smile. "Alex ordered for both of us."

Sebastian gave a knowing look before turning to Amy, his voice softening. "Celeste, mango juice?"

Amy nodded. "Please."

It had been ages since she'd last tasted mango juice.

Alexander studied her profile. "You like mango juice?" Before she could respond, Sebastian cut in with mock surprise. "Mr. Blackwood, you're her husband and didn't know this?" Amy's fingers curled slightly as she pressed her lips together.

She adored mangoes - the fruit and its juice. Once, she'd prepared fresh mango juice for dinner, only for Alexander to declare the flavor peculiar and distasteful. She'd never touched mangoes again in his presence.

Victoria's gentle voice broke the silence. "I'm allergic to mangoes, so Alex hasn't had anything mango-related in years."