Chapter 22

Alexander POV.

The conference room was tense, filled with the buzz of high–stakes negotiations and the hum of serious discussions. My team and I were in the middle of a crucial meeting, grappling with the final details of a multi–million–dollar deal. I was leaning forward, laser–focused, when the door swung open with a sharp clack. James, my PA, entered with an urgency that cut through the room like a knife.

“Mr. Alistair,” James said, his voice firm yet slightly strained. “Christiana Davis and the children are here. They want to see

you

The words hit me like a jolt of electricity. My mind raced, momentarily derailed from the business at hand. Christiana and the kids. Here? I struggled to process the sudden shift in focus.

“Cancel the meeting,” I said abruptly, my tone brooking no argument. “We’ll reconvene tomorrow.”

The room erupted in quiet murmurs of confusion and disappointment, but I was already out of my chair, smoothing my suit with a practiced hand. I glanced at James, who was waiting patiently.

“How do I look?” I asked, my voice betraying a hint of the nerves I was trying to suppress.

“You look great, sir, James replied with a reassuring nod. “I’ll bring them into your office.”

I nodded, feeling anticipation and anxiety swirling in my chest. I straightened my tie and paced the floor of my office, trying to force a calm demeanor. Each step seemed to echo with the weight of what was to come.

As the door opened, I looked up to see Christiana standing there. For a moment, everything else seemed to fall away. Christiana was as striking as ever, her presence commanding attention even without a word. Her beauty was a sharp, painful reminder of what I’d lost. Behind her were Ethan and Emma, looking a bit out of place but undeniably curious,

“Mr. Alistair,” Christiana began, her voice steady but laced with a forced politeness. “The kids wanted to see you.”

I rose from my chair, my gaze locked on Christiana. Her expression was a masterclass in restraint, but I could see the effort it took to maintain it. She looked like she’d rather be anywhere else, but her kids‘ beaming faces kept her there.

“Christiana,” I said, my voice betraying my attempt to remain composed. “It’s good to see you. Please, come in.”

I gestured to the seating area, trying to appear as welcoming as possible despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. Christiana hesitated, her eyes flicking to the kids before she took a seat with an almost imperceptible sigh. Ethan and Emma, however, seemed more than eager to engage.

“Thank you for coming,” I said, addressing the kids with a warmth I hoped would bridge the gap between us. “I’m glad to finally meet you both.”

Ethan, ever the articulate one, spoke first. “We’ve been waiting to meet you. Mommy said you’ve been very busy, but we’re glad you sent us gifts.”

“Yes,” Emma chimed in, her voice softer but equally sincere. “The toys are really nice. Thank you.”

I felt a pang of guilt mixed with relief. At least the kids were appreciative. I managed a smile, feeling a tiny spark of hope that this meeting could be a step towards something positive.

them each a seat next to me. “I’m glad you liked the gifts. I hope they’ve

She looked like she was fighting to keep her composure, and I couldn’t help but notice the faint lines of exhaustion and frustration etched on her face. Despite her best efforts, her dislike for me was evident. I knew I had a lot to atone

into their seats, though their eyes kept darting between their mother and me. I focused on them, trying to

“how have you

math.

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Chapter 22

great to hear,” I said, genuinely interested. “I’d love

flitting around the room, clearly uncomfortable. Every time she spoke, it was with a sharp edge that she tried to mask with a vencer of civility. Her sarcasm was thinly veiled, and it was clear she was only here

you,” she said, her tone clipped. “I imagine it’s not every day you

to mask my hurt with a smile. “It’s not, but I’m glad you came. It means a

said nothing. I could feel the tension crackling in the air between us. It was evident, like a storm on the horizon that refused to break. I tried to focus on the kids, hoping to create a positive atmosphere despite the

said, turning my attention to

algebra and fractions with a surprising enthusiasm. “I really like solving equations. It’s like a puzzle

you can show me some

up. “I’m working on a big art project. Mommy says it’s

replied, nodding “T’d

up to me as they spoke about their interests. It was clear that they missed having a father figure in their lives, and I felt a pang of regret for not

watched from the sidelines, her expression a complex mix of frustration and determination. It was obvious she was doing her best to keep her emotions in check for the sake of the kids, but her tension was like a physical

forward, hoping to bridge the gap between us. “Christiana, if there’s anything you need or if there’s a way I can make this easier for you, please

“I’m here for the kids, Alex. This isn’t about us. They wanted to see you, and I’m making it

a smile. “I understand. Thank you for

clear she was doing everything she could to remain

st of this visit

don’t you tell me more about your

back to the kids, determined to make the most of Emma? I’d

and Emma continued to chat with me, I couldn’t shake the feeling of Christiana’s icy demeanor. It was clear that she was still deeply hurt by everything that had happened, and I couldn’t blame her. I knew I had made mistakes,

the kids‘ presence, the cold reality of our fractured relationship hung heavily in the air. Christiana’s protective stance made it evident that she would do whatever it took to shield her children from further pain. Her strength and boldness

was just the beginning of a long and difficult road. I had a lot of work ahead of me if

stood up, her face a mask of professional detachment. “It’s time to go,”

from my seat. “Thank you for coming. It means a lot

of sadness in their eyes as they prepared to leave. “It was nice to

Emma added, her eyes meeting mine with a mixture of

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