Chapter 36

Alexis, devastated after calling Daniel, prepares for a gala with numb determination. Neil arrives, unexpectedly apologizes for his behavior, admits control issues rooted in his upbringing, and offers her the house. He asks only that she remain open to not hating him and, perhaps later, to consider couples therapy. Alexis senses his sincerity and agrees to think about it.

Briana interrupts with strong margaritas and scathing humor. As they talk, Alexis admits profound unhappiness despite professional success and family approval. Bri reframes love as a nonnegotiable, citing Derek’s sacrifice, and asks Alexis to reorder her life. Alexis realizes she would choose Daniel, then Wakan, then Royaume.

This clarity triggers a deeper reckoning: Alexis recognizes her father’s emotional abuse and her mother’s enabling, patterns that primed her for Neil. Rejecting lifelong conditioning to placate, she decides she no longer wants the legacy, the house, or the empty accolades—she wants Daniel.

With that shift, Alexis embraces leverage. She drafts an email and calls an emergency hospital board meeting, intent on renegotiating on her terms—or leaving. The chapter closes with Alexis empowered, prioritizing Daniel over Royaume for the first time.