Chapter 88. Hollow Feeling

Alexander’s POV

The room hums with low chatter, the staff’s hushed voices mingling with the clinking of glasses. Claire sits close beside Roy, their chairs just slightly angled toward each other, while I’m seated opposite them. The tension at the table is palpable, like a taut string ready to snap. My gaze fixes on Claire, tuning out the faint murmurs around me. She seems relaxed, her soft laughter carrying as Roy leans in to whisper something to her.

Let’s see how perfect this dinner date turns out for you both, I think, smirking to myself. Satisfaction bubbles quietly within me. I’ve already won by ensuring your little evening didn’t go as planned.

But a voice in my head murmurs, What’s gotten into me? Why did I insist we all have dinner together? 

I shift in my seat, forcing a casual shrug. Well, since we’r