Alexander’s pov
I stood up, feeling the tension in the room even before I saw him. Christopher had just walked in, and his sudden appearance threw me off. It wasn’t unusual for him to show up out of the blue, but this time felt different, like he’d come here with something on his mind.
I glanced back at Riley. She was sitting on the couch, shifting uncomfortably, trying to adjust her clothes. I could tell she felt out of place, maybe even ashamed, though she had no reason to be. But when Christopher’s gaze landed on her, I felt the weight of his judgment.
“If I were you, I’d stand up and be on my way out,” he said, his voice filled with irritation. His words hung in the air, sharp and cold, aimed straight at Riley. He was treating her as if she didn’t belong, as if she wasn’t worth our
