Chapter 57

Christiana’s POV

The door opened, and the sight of Alex standing there with the kids made my stomach twist. I hadn’t expected him to drop them off personally. I thought he’d send my bodyguards up with the kids, maybe call to let me know. But no, he was here, looking every bit the powerful billionaire in his tailored suit, his presence filling the room as though he belonged here

“Christiana,” he greeted, his voice firm yet gentle, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. His eyes locked with mine, and for a moment, I saw it–an affection I hadn’t expected, something deep and unspoken that made my heart catch in my

throat.

I blinked, quickly pulling myself together as the kids rushed over to me, hugging me tightly.

“Mommy!” Ethan grinned, his eyes bright. “We had so much fun with daddy! He took us to so many places!”

Emma jumped in, practically bouncing. “We went to the park, and then to the zoo, and had ice cream! It was the best day ever!”

I managed a smile, brushing a hand over Emma’s hair as I listened to them recount every detail of their day with their father. Alex stood nearby, watching them with a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. The way he looked at the kids–so full of pride and warmth–it made my heart waver for just a moment. I couldn’t let my guard down. Not now.

“That’s wonderful, sweethearts,” I said. forcing myself to keep my voice steady, “I’m glad you had fun”

Then Emma’s face scrunched up. “But grandma was mean,” she muttered, her voice dropping as though she were revealing a

secret.

My entire body stiffened at the mention of that name. Margret Alistair. The woman I had every reason to suspect was behind the fire at the masion. My fingers curled into my palms as I turned to Alex, my tone hardening.

happened?” I asked, keeping my voice low but firm.

small smile fading from his face. “My mother stopped by,” he

I echoed, my jaw tightening. I could feel the anger simmering beneath the surface. “What

the way they spoke to her. But, Christiana, she wasn’t being malicious. She’s

down a building to get what she wants,” I cut him off, my voice sharp., I couldn’t hide the

firm. “I would never let anyone hurt them, least of all my mother. But you need to understand, they’re

fists, not trusting myself to speak for a moment. The kids were quiet, sensing the tension in the room. I knelt down, hugging both Ethan and Emma close

pulling them in tighter.

daddy too, mommy,” Ethan said quietly, glancing up at

could see the conflict in their little faces, the pull between us, and it tore at me. As much as I wanted to protect them, they were getting closer to their father,

voice softening as I kissed the

their room, leaving Alex and me standing in the middle of the suite. I crossed my arms, my

at him.

like this

up like

to be kept at a distance,

11:34 AM

Chapter 57

kids

to spill over. I wouldn’t let him see me falter, not again. But as he stood there,

protect them, I said, my

know you are,” he replied softly, his gaze never leaving mine.

spoke. The tension between us was thick, like a weight pressing down on the air

he said, his voice steady. “But

his hand on the door, something shifted in the air between us–heavy, electric, and impossible to ignore. My pulse quickened. The tension that had been building up all evening

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