Alexander leaned forward just a little. "And don't worry," he added, his tone sharp now, almost cruel. "I'm not helping her. I'm keeping my distance. Thanks to you." His eyes darkened. "Isn't that what you wanted?"
Ana looked at him, shocked by the bitterness in his voice. "Sebastian…"
"No," he interrupted. "Let's say it properly—you can't stand my happiness."
"Sebastian, I am your mother," Ana snapped, her voice rising just a little, as if trying to remind him of a title she thought still held weight.
"And that's the saddest part," he replied, his voice quiet now. Empty. "Because the only person who was supposed to protect me… became the reason I needed protecting."
Ana's breath caught in her throat.