Chapter 440

Chapter 440:

“Son.” A single word, loaded with years of absence.

Alexander nodded in acknowledgment, taking the offered drink but not sitting. “I can’t stay long.”

“We understand,” his mother said, perching on the sofa edge. “We’re just grateful you came at all.”

An uncomfortable silence stretched between them. Alexander sipped his scotch, feeling the weight of unspoken words filling the elegant room. His parents had chosen his brother James over him. Had refused to believe Alexander when it mattered most. Had stood silently by when he packed his bags and left their home.

“Your marriage seems to agree with you,” his father commented, breaking the silence. “Pierce Enterprises stock is up fifteen points since the wedding.”

Of course he would focus on business, on appearances. Edward Pierce had always valued success above all else, including his sons’ well-being.

“Camille is extraordinary,” Alexander replied neutrally. “And yes, the partnership between our companies has been beneficial.”

“We’ve followed your press,” his mother added, too eagerly. “The merger with Kane Industries’ tech division for the clean energy initiative is brilliant.”

Alexander watched them grasp for safe topics, for ways to connect without addressing the past. Part of him wanted to force the conversation into uncomfortable territory, to demand acknowledgment of their failures. But that wasn’t why he had come.

“I didn’t come to discuss business,” he said, setting down his glass. “I came because it’s time to move forward.”

His mother’s eyes widened slightly. His father’s posture stiffened further.

“Not to forget,” Alexander clarified. “Never that. But to acknowledge that we all made mistakes. That what happened belongs to the past.”

“Alexander…” His mother’s voice broke on his name.

“I’m not offering forgiveness,” he continued, the words measured, controlled. “I’m offering peace. A chance to build something new, if you’re willing.”

His father cleared his throat, clearly struggling with emotion he had rarely displayed. “We would like that very much.”

They talked for another hour, careful conversation that skirted dangerous topics. No mention of his uncle. No discussion of James’s death. Just tentative bridges built across the chasm of estrangement.

When Alexander left, his mother hugged him again. This time, he returned the embrace briefly. His father offered a handshake that turned awkwardly into a half-hug, both men unpracticed in displaying affection.

“We’d like to have you and Camille for dinner,” his mother said at the door. “When you’re ready.”

Alexander nodded. “I’ll talk to her. Small steps.”

As he drove away, Alexander felt a weight lift from his shoulders—not removed entirely, but redistributed. Making peace with his parents didn’t change his plans for Victoria Kane. If anything, it freed him to focus more completely on his ultimate goal.

.

.

.