Alex's heart went cold, twisted by a deep pang of regret.

Hurting Sophia was never his intention.

She was his everything-his reason for breathing-but everything about her drove his emotions beyond control.

Near her, his heart became a storm of love and pain, so fierce he couldn't think straight.

He wanted revenge on everyone who had ever hurt Sophia, even her own mother.

Yet now, seeing Sophia rush between them, all he could feel was guilt.

He stood frozen, eyes heavy with shame, unsure how to even begin to explain himself.

Sophia stared at Alex, eyes gentle despite the tension.

"It's okay," she whispered softly. "I know you didn't mean it. I just don't want you to hurt my mother, even if she's the one who's wrong."

Alex lowered his gaze, voice barely audible. "I'm sorry."

Sophia stepped closer and wrapped her arms around him.

"Don't apologize," she murmured into his chest.

"I know exactly why you acted that way. I was there-I saw what happened when Laura Montclair sent those soldiers after you."

"But I still hurt you," Alex said, his voice heavy with regret.

Sophia gently cupped his face, forcing him to meet her eyes.

"Alex, I've hurt you countless times. Honestly, it's almost a relief that you hit me back."

"Sophia!" Florence staggered backward, nearly losing her footing, fury blazing in her eyes.

"Unbelievable! Did he just try to lay his filthy hands on me? Look closely, Sophia! This is the man you love? I'd rather see him dead! Do you hear me? Dead!"

"Enough!" Sophia spun around sharply, glaring at Florence.

"You were the one who started hitting first, Mom. If you don't shut your mouth right now, I'm walking out of this place forever."

Florence's rage trembled visibly, but seeing the fierce determination in her daughter's face, she forced herself to hold back her venom.

Henny's voice sliced through the tension like a knife, her glare so

allow this man to strike me! Have you completely forgotten your

Henny," Sophia

you came here today, but let me

Even without your help, I would still be Governor of Paris. So stop treating me like

you the right to speak to Grandma

slowly,

anyone needs to watch their mouth,

little—" Clarissa started again, but Henny raised her hand, silencing

watch my words

explain yourself clearly, I'll show you no

met Henny's stare evenly, calm yet

that the governor of Chicago, Lyra Thompson, is my

the other day to

Montclair

government over a billion

dirty money tied

Laura Montclair, your daughter, in the name of

asked what I planned to do about

arrogance, it's clear Montclair

took out her phone and dialed

all out. No

was stunned

Sophia in her place. Never

obedient lamb she planned to tame would turn into

lion.

Montclair!" Henny jumped to her feet, her voice shaking with

"Do

n understand how

you even

we are? You

because you're the acting

our family?

eyes glinting with

that, Lyra? Henny Montclair just

their foundation. What do

with anger, her fists clenched tightly, but

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