Chapter 48

ALEXANDER

I arrived at the office early, hoping the demands of the day would drown out the chaos in my mind. Restless sleep had left me raw, my thoughts an endless loop of regret and frustration. Today, I needed focus—something to anchor me before I spiraled any further.

As I stepped into my office, my eyes were immediately drawn to an envelope resting on my desk. Its stark presence sent a chill through me. Frowning, I grabbed it, dropped heavily into my chair, and tore it open, bracing myself for what might be inside.

Court orders.

My breath caught as my pulse quickened. I scanned the document, each word hitting me like a physical blow: Raina Graham v. Alexander Sullivan—Petition for Sole Custody.

I leaned back in my chair, the paper trembling in my hands. Sole custody? She wasn’t even giving me time to adjust to the fact that we were just divorced, and now she wanted to take Liam too? My son. My blood. 

The ache in my chest deepened, a shar