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.

was like ice, slicing through me

now, with this mess, she’ll never believe it wasn’t my plan. Why would she? Especially after I told her I’d be in the kids‘ lives no matter what. Now she’ll think I’ve teamed up with my mother to rip them away from her. And I can’t even blame her for

in the 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,

in like she

said sharply, her voice laced with irritation. “I assume you’re going to thank me

your mind, Mother? I told you to stay out of my business with Christiana and the kids! I thought we agreed you

you’re too weak to do yourself. Those children need stability, and Christiana is nothing but a

mother of my children! She’s the one who’s been raising them while I was off being a complete idiot! And you think you can just waltz in

what’s best?”

into the man you are today. Don’t forget that. I know what’s best for you and those children, even if you’re

This is about control, about you trying to manipulate everything like you always do.

that woman is capable of giving those children the life they deserve? She’s weak,

I cut her off, my voice trembling with barely restrained anger. “You don’t get to talk about her like that.

Chapter 33

ever be. She’s done more for Ethan and Emma than I ever have. And you-“I took a step back, shaking

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