Was this even the right thing to do? The question hovered like a ghost as I adjusted my collar in the mirror. Dominic had insisted on me leading this project, not only because it would rile Alexander up–though that alone was enough reason–but because he believed it was time for me to take on something bigger, something that would challenge me.
But this challenge was personal. A test of my endurance, my determination, and perhaps even my heart. It was, after all, my first major project, and here I was, staring down the man who once shredded me in ways I never thought possible. The man who still haunted me, whose shadows clung to the darkest comers of my mind.
No. This time, I wasn’t here to fold. Today was about my son. Liam. It still shocked me he’d named the boy the very name we’d picked together, as though it were some token he kept for himself. I felt a swell of sadness, the bitter, familiar ache at my core, but I pushed it down. There was no room for weakness today. I was different now stronger, maybe even flerce.
As I strode into the office, I felt every inch the woman I had fought to become, the woman who had risen from the ashes of Alexander Sullivan’s accusations. He stood across the room, rigid as always, and I felt the old urge to read his face, to search his expression. His dark eyes flicked toward me, an almost imperceptible flash of surprise there, gone as quickly as it came..
I took a slow breath, gathering every ounce of my composure. “Before we sign,” I said, watching him with a calm I’d perfected over years, “I have one condition.”
I felt Dominic’s gaze shift toward me, an encouraging presence at my side, though I kept my own eyes locked on Alexander. I wouldn’t let myself look away, wouldn’t allow myself even a hint of doubt. Not here. Not with him.
I could
His voice
came out cool, indifferent. “And what might that be?”
the way he crossed his arms, a subtle defense, as though bracing himself against me. The trony made me almost smile, but I held my expression, my tone steady and firm. “I want to see my son,” I said, each word measured. There was no tremor, no hesitation. This wasn’t
a request.
For a moment, his mask cracked, a flicker of something–surprise, maybe even irritation–broke through the iron in his gaze. But as quickly as it came, it vanished, replaced by a scowl, one that twisted his features into something harsh, almost cruel
“That’s ridiculous,” he scoffed, the sound sharp, nearly dismissive. “This is business, Raina. You’re here to negotiate a deal, not leverage personal matters.”
My pulse quickened, anger flaring at the cold edge to his voice. How typical of Alexander, to dismiss what he didn’t want to deal with, to sidestep anything he didn’t control. Before Dominic could step in, I squared my shoulders, feeling the confidence surge through me. You are different now, Stand your ground.
“Business or not,” I replied, my tone matching the steel in his, “I’m not the one who needs this deal as desperately as you do. And I can always
I change my mind about whether Dominic should even consider working with you at all.”
The look in his eyes darkened. He hated that I had leverage over him now, that I could stand here and dictate terms. For years, he’d been the one in control, the one pulling the strings. But not this time.
“What’s it going to be, Alexander?” I pressed, folding my arms as I waited. “Are you going to keep making this difficult, or are you going to
His jaw clenched, the muscles tightening as if he were forcing down a string of insults, I know this must feel like betrayal to him, and yet, a part of me savored the moment. Finally, finally, I could feel some sense of justice.
He let out a sigh, an audible sign of surrender. “Fine,” he bit out, his voice dripping with frustration. “I’ll arrange a visitation agreement for you. You’ll get to see him.”
My chest tightened, though I managed to keep my face calm. This was a
was a victory, however small, however begrudgingly he gave it. Still,
Still there was something about the way he said it, like I was some inconvenience he had to tolerate. Like I was beneath him. And that familiar ache surfaced once more, the reminder of all he’d taken from me. But I didn’t let it show. I’d come too far to let his disdain hurt me now.
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