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.

through the tension like a knife, her glare so vicious it could

to strike me! Have you

Henny," Sophia

you came here today, but let

your help, I would still be Governor of Paris. So

snapped harshly. "Who gave you the right

slowly, eyes

with my speak? If anyone needs to watch their mouth, Clarissa

started again, but Henny

Sophia, why exactly should I watch my

I'll show you no mercy for your

stare evenly,

the governor of Chicago, Lyra Thompson, is my

me the other

that Montclair owes

government over a billion

dirty money tied

orchestrated by Laura Montclair, your daughter, in the name

asked what I planned to do about

clear Montclair doesn't need

out her phone and

go all out. No need

was

in her place. Never in her wildest dreams

planned to tame would

lion.

dare you betray Montclair!" Henny jumped to

"Do

n understand how

you even

we are? You

because you're the acting

the foundations of our family? We can

coldly, eyes glinting

Henny Montclair just said a billion dollars won't

What do you

anger, her fists clenched tightly, but she

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