Alexander pulled into the driveway just as dusk was settling in, painting the sky with shades of purple and orange.

He’d been gone longer than he intended. The meeting with Alpha had dragged on, and he needed some time to wrap his head around everything.

As he walked in, Emma seemed to pop up out of nowhere in the hallway.

She was still in her workout gear, black leggings and a sports bra, with a loose tank over it. Her blonde hair was in a high ponytail, and she looked flushed from her workout.

"Where have you been, Dad?" she burst out, mixing worry with relief and a hint of annoyance. "I was so nervous! I called you like a hundred times, and you didn’t pick up once!"

Alexander couldn’t help but chuckle at her dramatic flair. He dropped his keys on the entry table and checked his phone: fifteen missed calls. Yup, still a lot, but...

"My love," he said, keeping it light, "I was stuck in a meeting with an old friend and didn’t get a chance to check my phone. Sorry for making you worried." He paused, grinning wider. "And a hundred calls? Really?"

Emma caught onto his playful tone, and her lips curled up despite her worry. "You know what I mean, Dad. It’s just a saying. But I really did start to panic. I got back from class, and you weren’t here. Hours went by with no word, so I thought working out would help keep me busy, and maybe you’d be back by the time I got home..." She trailed off, realizing she was rambling.

Alexander stepped closer and pulled her in for a hug, not minding her post-workout sweat. "I’m sorry I made you worry. That was not cool."

Emma hugged him back, her anxiety starting to fade. "It’s all good. I’m just glad you’re okay. I know it sounds silly to worry so much, but with everything going on lately, like Ayla collapsing and all the stress of starting grad school, I guess I’m a bit on edge."

"It’s not silly," Alexander reassured her, pulling back to look her in the eye. "Totally normal. I should’ve paid more attention to my phone. I’ll do better."

"Good," Emma said, finally smiling. "Because next time, I really will call you a hundred times."

"Got it," Alexander replied with fake seriousness. "I’ll make sure my phone is at least on vibrate."

Emma laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Deal. So, have you eaten? I can throw something together if you’re hungry."

"Actually, I was thinking we could go out," Alexander suggested, an idea popping into his head.

Emma’s eyes lit up with excitement. "Yeah? Where to?"

"How about—" Alexander paused for dramatic effect. "La Virelli?"

The way Emma’s face brightened made something twist in Alexander’s chest. Despite everything—the lies, the secrets, the guilt—moments like this felt real. Her happiness felt genuine.

"Really? Can we go?" Emma couldn’t contain her enthusiasm. "I know it’s only been two days since we went last, but the food was amazing, and—"

"Emma," Alexander gently cut in.

She stopped mid-sentence. "Yesss?"

"Did you tell Zayn you’re sorry?"

Emma’s excitement dimmed a bit, and embarrassment took over. Her cheeks turned pink. "Um, not really?"

"Emma." Alexander’s tone was patient but a little pointed.

"I know, I know!" She threw her hands up. "I called him an idiot in front of everyone, and I owe him an apology. But, Dad, that was my favorite dress, and he completely messed it up. I was just so frustrated then."

"And he got us a reservation at his restaurant to say sorry for the accident," Alexander reminded her. "So, he’s already made up for his mistake. But you still need to make up for yours."

Emma bit her lip and looked down at her feet. "You’re right. I was really rude."

"Here’s what we’ll do," Alexander said. "We’ll head to La Virelli tonight. You’ll find Zayn and give him a real apology. After that, we’ll enjoy a nice dinner together. How does that sound?"

"That sounds..." Emma paused, then squared her shoulders. "That sounds fair. I can do that."

"Good girl." Alexander checked his watch. "Go get ready. We’ll leave in thirty minutes."

Emma’s face lit up with a grin, and she quickly hugged him. "Thanks, Dad! You’re the best!"

As she practically bounced towards her room, Alexander called after her, "And Emma? Wear something nice. La Virelli is a fancy place."

"I know, I know! You know my choice," her voice drifted back down.

Alexander smiled to himself, then headed to his room to change. He swapped his meeting outfit for a fresh button-down and slacks, nothing too formal, but nice enough for the restaurant.

Twenty minutes later, he was in the lounge waiting when he heard Emma’s door open.

Emma appeared at the entrance of her room, and Alexander couldn’t help but think she had made an excellent choice.

She was wearing a lilac floral dress that hit just above her knees, feminine without being too dressy.

She took the time to curl her blonde hair, letting soft waves fall over her shoulders in gentle ringlets. A pretty silver necklace, a gift from him for her twenty-first birthday, finished off her look.

"You look amazing, sweetheart," Alexander said with genuine warmth.

Emma smiled big as she spun around. "Is it too much? I wasn’t sure if I should go with this or the blue dress, but I thought the lilac would be nice for spring."

"It’s perfect," Alexander assured her. "Ready to head out?"

"Yep!" Emma chirped as she grabbed her small purse from the entry table. "And I promise I’ll properly apologize to Zayn, even if it’s going to be super awkward."

"Character building," Alexander said with a slight grin as he held the door open for her.

They got into Alexander’s sleek black Mercedes and pulled out of the driveway. What neither of them noticed was a plain sedan parked three houses down, nor did they see it start its engine and follow them at a safe distance.