Chapter 102

Alexander

“Alexander!” My aunt Patricia waved enthusiastically. “Come sit by us!”

I made my way around the table, nodding to various family members. Uncle James and his wife Susan, cousin Michael with his new girlfriend, Grandmother Eleanor looking regal as ever, Grandfather William pretending to study the menu he’d memorized years ago. My stepbrother Henry slouched in his chair, probably nursing a hangover.

“You’re late,” Father stated as I took my seat.

“Traffic.” I signaled the waiter for a scotch. “Scarlett, what an unexpected surprise.”

She smiled sweetly. “Georgia invited me. Hope you don’t mind.”

“Of course not,” Madelyn chimed in. “Scarlett’s practically family.”

I caught Georgia’s smirk behind her water glass. This wasn’t a coincidence—they were up to something.

“How’s business, son?” Father asked, cutting through the tension.

“Business is strong as ever. The merger—”

“Always business, always money!” Grandfa