Alexander’s POV

The Christmas dinner table was alive with chatter, the festive tree casting a warm glow over the gathered guests. Olivia stayed close to my side, her presence a quiet anchor, though she seemed reserved, still navigating her return to the family fold.

Having her near steadied me, a necessity given the unwelcome arrival of my father, Charles, at the celebration.

“Don’t hold it against Vivian for inviting him,” Olivia had murmured when I first spotted Charles among the ...