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

at that moment. But 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

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

mother strode in like she owned

need to talk, Alex,” she said sharply, her voice laced with irritation. “I assume you’re going to thank me for taking the necessary steps to ensure

to face her. “Are you out of your mind, Mother? I told you to stay out of my business with Christiana and

you’re too weak to

nearly laughed at the absurdity. “She’s the mother of my children! She’s the one who’s been raising them while I was

what’s best?”

eyes narrowed, her voice cold and unforgiving. “I raised you, Alex. I molded you into the man you are

“This isn’t about what’s best for anyone. This is about control, about you trying to manipulate everything like you always do. But this is my family. Mother. My kids. Stay the

being naive, Alex. You think that woman is capable of giving those children

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

Chapter 33

She’s done more for Ethan and Emma than I ever have. And you-“I took a step back, shaking my head in disbelief, “you’re only making things

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255