Chapter 33

Alexander POV.

My head was pounding like a jackhammer, the aftereffects of too much whiskey and bad decisions. The hangover clung to me like a fog, making everything blur at the edges. I sat on the couch, replaying every moment of the meeting earlier today, and with each memory, my regret twisted deeper like a knife.

What the hell was I thinking? How did I let this happen?

It all started with that phone call. I should’ve known better than to answer my mother when I was still half–drunk and disoriented. But when she called that afternoon, insisting I show up to discuss something urgent with the legal team, I dragged myself there, thinking it was some business–related nonsense. Never in a million years did I expect to sit in that room and see Christiana walking in, ready to go to war.

The moment our eyes met, I knew. I knew she thought I was in on it, that I had planned this ambush. The hurt and fury in her eyes said it all. And the worst part? I couldn’t even explain myself, couldn’t even get the words out, because the reality was I didn’t even know what the hell was happening until I got there. I couldn’t face her. I couldn’t meet her gaze because I knew what she was thinking–that I was just as cold, calculating, and manipulative as my mother. But I wasn’t. At least, I didn’t want

to be.

“Christiana, this isn’t a fight,” I’d tried saying, desperate to get her away from that toxic atmosphere, away from the legal vultures my mother had surrounded herself with. I wanted to take her somewhere we could actually talk, where I could explain that this wasn’t my doing. But she shut me down so fast, my words died in my

throat.

through me when she

lay it all out like that, her pain raw and undeniable, made me hate myself even more. All the things I’d done in the past, all the ways I’d hurt her, they came crashing down on me at that moment. But now, with this mess, she’ll never believe it wasn’t my plan. Why would she? Especially

empty room, but it wasn’t enough to drown out the self–loathing burning inside me. I never wanted this. I never wanted to hurt her again. But now, because of my mother’s scheming and my own stupidity for showing up, I’ve probably pushed her

strode in like

with irritation. “I assume you’re going to thank me for taking

I told you to stay out

crossed her arms, her expression hardening. “I’m not interfering. I’m doing what you’re too weak to do yourself. Those children need stability, and Christiana

them while I was off being a complete idiot! And you think you

what’s best?”

narrowed, her voice cold and unforgiving. “I raised you, Alex. I molded you into the man you are today. Don’t forget that. I know what’s best for you and those children,

me. “This isn’t about what’s best for anyone. This is about

“You’re being naive, Alex. You think that woman is capable of giving those children the life they deserve? She’s weak,

cut her off, my voice trembling with barely restrained anger. “You

Chapter 33

than I ever have. And you-“I took

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