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

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 after I told her I’d be in the

the self–loathing burning inside me. I never wanted this. I never wanted to

in like she

“I assume you’re going to thank me for taking the necessary steps to ensure those

I shot back, standing up to face her. “Are you out of your mind, Mother? I told you to

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

was off being a complete idiot! And you think you can just waltz

what’s best?”

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 control, about you trying to manipulate everything

think that

my voice trembling with barely restrained anger.

Chapter 33

Emma than I ever have. And you-“I took a step back, shaking my head in disbelief, “you’re only making things worse.”

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