Marianne shot a sharp glare at Alexander, her lips pressed into a thin line, a look of feigned annoyance playing across her face. But Alexander, unfazed, bent to her level with a mischievous smirk, leaning closer to her ear.

"You know," he whispered, his voice teasing, "we got Emilio on our first try... I think I’m ready to try again."

Marianne bit down on her lips, fighting back a smile. Who would’ve thought Alexander could be this cheeky?

With an exaggerated roll of her eyes, she turned on her heel and strode toward Michael and his mother. By the time she reached them, her expression had softened into a warm...