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

notice the faint lines of exhaustion and frustration etched on her face. Despite her best

their seats, though their eyes kept darting between their mother and me. I

began, “how have you two

in math. Emma’s doing art. Mommy’s been helping us

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Chapter 22

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

Christiana’s eyes 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

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

hurt with a smile. “It’s not, but I’m glad

air between us. It was evident, like a storm on the horizon that

my attention to

with a surprising enthusiasm. “I really like solving equations. It’s like a puzzle that you have to figure out. Mommy says I’m very good

impressive,” I said, genuinely interested. “Maybe you

who had been listening quietly, finally spoke up. “I’m working on a big art project. Mommy says it’s really good, but I want to make sure it’s

I replied, nodding “T’d love to see

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 being

It was obvious she was doing her best to keep her emotions in check

the gap between us. “Christiana, if there’s anything you need or if there’s a way

Alex. This isn’t about us.

a smile. “I understand. Thank you for

her posture rigid. It was clear she was doing everything she could to

st of this visit

“Why don’t you tell me more about your

make the most of Emma? I’d

with me, I couldn’t shake the feeling of Christiana’s icy demeanor. It was clear that she was still deeply hurt

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 were both

of a long and difficult road. I had a lot

a mask of professional detachment. “It’s time to go,”

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

up as well, and I noticed a flicker of sadness in their eyes as they prepared to leave. “It was nice to see you, Daddy,” Ethan

you for the gifts,” Emma added, her eyes meeting mine with a

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