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.

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

feel the anger

with the way they

him off, my voice sharp., I couldn’t hide the bitterness

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

room. I knelt down, hugging both Ethan and Emma close to me. I didn’t want to let them out of my sight, not for a

on, sweethearts,” I whispered, pulling them in tighter. “You’re safe with

being with daddy too, mommy,” Ethan said quietly, glancing up

between us, and it tore at me. As much as I wanted to protect them, they were getting closer to their father, and part of me feared what that might

told them, my voice softening as I kissed the

kids ran off to their room, leaving Alex and me standing in the

at him.

like this

don’t just show up like this,”

not going to be kept at a distance,

11:34 AM

Chapter 57

kids

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

to protect them, I said, my voice barely above

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

a weight pressing down on the air in

he said, his voice

pulse quickened. The tension that had been building up all evening suddenly erupted. Without warning, the door slammed shut, and before I could process what was happening, Alex had spun around and was in front of me, his

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