"Amy, how long do you intend to keep this charade going?!"

Before Amy could answer, Victoria abruptly rose from her seat.

"Ms. Sinclair, I know you've had your reservations about me. If that's why you've been holding a grudge..." Victoria's voice wavered as she bit her lip, then continued, "I'm willing to apologize!"

With that, she bowed deeply to Amy. "I'm sorry, Ms. Sinclair. Please forgive me."

The dramatic gesture in the upscale restaurant immediately drew the eyes of nearby diners.

Amy studied Victoria, letting the silence stretch uncomfortably long.

Victoria remained bent at the waist, as though she wouldn't straighten until absolution was granted.

As the tension thickened, Alexander's expression darkened. Just as he opened his mouth to intervene, Amy finally spoke. "Do you even know what you're apologizing for?"

Victoria blinked, then cast a fleeting glance at Alexander before murmuring, "I... I shouldn't have returned knowing I was dying..."

She clenched her fists. "Ms. Sinclair, if you'll just give the medicine to Alexander's mother, I... I swear I'll disappear from your lives. I won't burden either of you anymore. Whether I live or die—it won't be your concern..."

Alexander cut her off sharply. "Victoria, enough."

Tears spilled down Victoria's cheeks. "I don't have much time left. If my life can buy his mother's health, it's worth it."

Alexander's jaw tightened. "Don't talk like that."

Victoria gave a fragile smile, her tears betraying her bravado. "If Ms. Sinclair agrees, then nothing else matters," she whispered, voice trembling.

The growing audience began murmuring among themselves.

"Good Lord, how can anyone be so heartless to a dying woman?"

"She's literally begging for medicine. Using life-saving treatment as leverage—that's monstrous."

One bold patron called out, "Hey, lady, she's apologized. What more do you want? Have some compassion!"

Others chimed in.

"Seriously, are you trying to push her to her grave?"

"Show some mercy. Why be so cruel?"

Victoria wiped her tears and addressed the crowd. "Thank you, everyone... I-I don't care what happens to me. As long as Ms. Sinclair gives the medicine, I'll do anything!"

"Wait—she's begging for someone else?"

"She's in this state and still thinking of others? That's true kindness."

All eyes turned to Amy, brimming with condemnation.

"Using medicine as a weapon? That's just evil."

"Lady, you've gone too far."

"Yeah, if she dies, it's on your hands."

The whispers swirled around Amy, painting her as the villain without her uttering a single word.

Then, an unexpected laugh sliced through the tension.

"Funny, isn't it? My friend hasn't said or done a thing, yet suddenly she's the monster here?"