Chapter 173

Dustin's eyes were narrowed, his face set in a scowl. "Alexa, I can't believe you're doing this. You're really going to stay behind with the quadruplets?"

Alexa's eyes were fixed on the ground, her voice barely above a whisper. "I have my reasons, Dustin. I can't just leave them behind."

Dustin's voice was laced with frustration. "Your reasons? What reasons could be more important than our alphaship, our home, our people?"

Alexa's eyes flashed with determination. "My reasons are personal, Dustin. And I can't share them with you right now."

Dustin's face fell, his eyes filled with disappointment. "Fine, Alexa. Stay behind with your precious quadruplets. But know that you're making a mistake. A big one."

Alexa's eyes filled with tears, her voice cracking. "I know you don't understand, Dustin. But please, just trust me. I have to do this."

Dustin's face softened, his eyes filled with concern. "Alexa, I trust you. But please, be careful