?Chapter 267:


    “Stop!” Alex cut her off sharply, his voice strained with frustration. “I’ll decide what’s best for my life! And when ites to Sadie, I don’t need your interference!”


    Alex turned and stormed out of the room, leaving Susannah alone, stunned on the sofa.


    Susannah watched her son walk away, her emotions a whirlwind. She knew Alex wasn’t backing down.


    Rubbing her temples, she felt the weight of exhaustion press down on her. She closed her eyes, her mind racing.


    The Howe family was no ordinary household. It had traditions as rigid as stone. How could a single mother, no matter how remarkable, ever be epted into their world?


    Even if she could somehowe to terms with it, what about Alex’s father? And his grandfather? Would they ever look past Sadie’s past?


    Sadie walked hand in hand with Averi, who was bouncing energetically beside her. In her other hand, she carried a thermal food jar given by Laura, her expression calm and content.


    “Mom,” Averi said, his wide, curious eyes looking at her. “When is Alexing to y with us again?”


    Sadie chuckled softly, her hand gently ruffling his hair. “Alex is a very busy man, sweetheart. But I’m sure he’ll visit us again soon when he has some free time.”


    As they reached their apartment building, Sadie saw Alex standing at the entrance as if he had been waiting for them. Dressed in a crisp white shirt, he looked effortlessly handsome, his presence both striking andforting.


    At the sight of Sadie and Averi, Alex’s face lit up with a warm smile. He approached them, his voice filled with genuine warmth. “Sadie, Averi,” he greeted, his eyes lingering on Averi with unmistakable fondness.


    When Averi spotted Alex, he broke free from Sadie’s hand and dashed toward him, his little feet carrying him as fast as they could. “Alex!” he called out, his voice brimming with excitement.


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    Alex bent down gracefully and scooped Averi up into his arms, lifting him high above his head. Averi’s pure and joyfulughter filled the air, echoing around them.


    “Well, well,” Alex teased, his voice yful. “Someone seems happy to see me. Did you miss me, buddy?”


    Averi nodded vigorously, his excitement barely contained. “I did! Alex, can you y with me today?” he asked, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.


    Alex nced at Sadie, his expression softening as he spoke gently to Averi. “I need to have a quick chat with your mom first, okay? How about you y on your own for a little while?”


    Though a flicker of disappointment crossed Averi’s face, he nodded obediently. He slid out of Alex’s arms and dashed off to explore the nearby yground. The neighborhood was tightly secured, allowing Sadie and Alex to chat without worrying about his safety.


    Once Averi was out of earshot, Alex turned to Sadie, his expression tinged with guilt. “Sadie,” he began, his voice low and careful. “Can we talk?”


    Sadie’s eyes met Alex’s, a flicker of uncertainty passing through them before she gave a quiet nod. She also sensed that some things needed to be said between them.


    They walked over to a bench beside a vibrant flowerbed and sat down. The air between them felt heavy, charged with unspoken words.


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