94

XANDER’S POV

I sat at my desk in the study, holding the memory card from the recording pen.

My heart pounded as I slotted it into the reader and connected it to my laptop. The screen flickered to life, and I was just about to press play when the door creaked open.

I quickly closed the laptop, not willing to risk anyone finding out I had evidence to save Adeline.

My mom walked in, her face softening when she saw me. "Xander, there you are," she said, her voice warm but tinged with concern.

"Mom," I greeted, trying to keep my tone neutral. I stood up, moving away from the desk to meet her.

She crossed the room and hugged me tightly. "I've missed you," she said, her voice muffled against my shoulder. "I don't see you enough these days."

I held her gently, feeling a pang of guilt. "I've been busy," I said, not wanting to elaborate. "There is a lot on my mind and there is so much work at the company."

She pulled back slightly, looking up at me with those familiar eyes that held both love