Sebastian chuckled, his voice smooth with amusement. "Well, Mr. Blackwood, it seems you're quite familiar with what Ms. Langley enjoys eating. As Celeste's husband, you must know her favorite dishes, right?"

Alexander remained silent for a beat before speaking in his deep, measured tone, listing off a few dishes for Amy.

Sebastian listened, his brows lifting slightly. "Mr. Blackwood, are you certain those are Celeste's preferences and not your own?"

Alexander's gaze flickered toward Amy, but she kept her expression blank, refusing to meet his eyes.

Sebastian's knowing smile deepened. "Celeste adores spicy food—the hotter, the better. She can't stand seafood, raw dishes, or anything with fish."

He tilted his head, watching Alexander with quiet amusement. "Not a single dish you ordered aligns with her tastes."

Alexander had chosen a light, citrus-infused salad, a seafood platter, and a delicate fish entrée—everything Amy despised.

The air at the table turned icy. Even the waiter, pen poised over the notepad, couldn't help but glance at Alexander with poorly concealed judgment.

Forgetful husbands weren’t uncommon, but ordering everything his wife hated? The waiter shot Amy a sympathetic look before clearing her throat. "Sir, shall I still place the order?"

"No," Sebastian interjected smoothly, rattling off three dishes—each one rich with spice and heat.

The waiter scribbled them down and hurried away, eager to escape the tension.

With Alexander still silent, perhaps sensing his discomfort, Victoria spoke up. "Alex rarely dines at home, so he wouldn’t know Ms. Sinclair’s preferences."

Amy nearly scoffed. Was that supposed to be an excuse? Or was Victoria implying that she was the one Alexander usually dined with, hence why he knew her tastes instead?

If Alexander had ever cared to pay attention, he would’ve known Amy’s likes and dislikes regardless of where they ate. It wasn’t about opportunity—it was about effort.

Sebastian nodded, his tone light but pointed. "True. Celeste has always prioritized her husband and child, bending over backward to accommodate their needs while neglecting her own—so much so that even those closest to her have forgotten what she truly enjoys."

He turned to Amy, his dark eyes warm with sincerity. "With me, Celeste, you’ll never have to compromise. You can always choose what you love."

Amy knew Sebastian was putting on a show, defending her pride. Yet, despite the act, the earnestness in his gaze unsettled her.

Just then, Victoria’s voice cut in. "Ms. Sinclair, Mrs. Blackwood’s migraines have returned. I heard you used to bring her medicine. If you’d rather not deliver it yourself this time, perhaps you could pass it along to us?"

Amy’s expression remained indifferent. "I don’t have any."

Alexander frowned. "You’ve been supplying my mother’s medication for years. Are you saying you don’t have any now?"

Victoria added sweetly, "Ms. Sinclair, I understand tensions have been high between you and Alex lately, but could we set that aside? Mrs. Blackwood’s health should come first."

Exhaustion crept into Amy’s voice. "I told you—I don’t have it. Mr. Blackwood has endless resources at his disposal. Surely he doesn’t need to rely on a mere housewife like me to find medicine for Margaret?"

Alexander’s expression darkened, his voice dropping to a dangerous chill.