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Antoinette led the way to a secluded study within her estate, where they could talk without the noise and distractions of the party. She closed the door behind them, ensuring complete privacy for the conversation that was about to unfold.

"Please take a seat," Antoneitte offered, gesturing towards the plush armchairs arranged around a low mahogany table. The room was warmly lit, with bookshelves lining the walls, filled with volumes that spoke of a well-read occupant.

Michael chose a seat far from Alexander, almost as if the proximity could reignite old wounds too painful to touch. Alexander, noticing this, took a seat with a heavy sigh.

Once settled, Antoinette's gaze darted between the two, her intuition whispering that this was more than a mere acquaintance.

"I can't help but feel there's something more... Have you met before?" she ventured.

Michael's response was curt, his gaze fixed on a nondescript point on the bookshelf.

"We're not acquaintances," he stated flatly, leaving an unsaid history hanging thickly in the air.

It was Alexander who broke the silence that followed. "Antoinette, the truth is... Michael is my son," he revealed, his voice breaking slightly with the weight of those words. The room seemed to contract with the magnitude of the admission, and even the air felt heavier.

Antoinette's eyes widened. "I see..." she murmured, her gaze softening as she looked at Michael, then back at Alexander. "That explains the tension."

"Why did you say that to her?!" Michael erupted, his frustration boiling over. The carefully maintained composure he had exhibited up to that point shattered. "Why bring that up now, in front of Mrs. Estolas? You could have kept it to yourself, just like you did from the moment I was born."

Alexander flinched at the raw emotion in Michael's voice, the hurt and anger palpable. "Michael, I—"

"Like how hard is it for you to hide it huh?! You even faked a DNA test just so you could hide the fact that you and my mother have a child. And you couldn't do that now?! Just because I got to this point in my life, you can now proudly reveal that your son is the CEO of a rising photovoltaic company.

It's convenient for you now, isn't it?" Michael's words were sharp, each one cutting deeper into the already tense atmosphere.

Alexander's face was a mask of regret and sorrow. "It was never about convenience, Michael. It was fear, shame, and a host of mistakes I deeply regret."

Michael scoffed, his disdain clear. "Regret doesn't change the past. It doesn't change the fact that we were abandoned when we needed you most. And now, out of the blue, you want to acknowledge me as your son? For what? To ease your conscience?"

Alexander tried to speak, to offer some form of apology or explanation, but the words seemed to fail him. The gravity of his past actions, the consequences of his choices, were now staring him in the face, embodied in the son he had failed.

Antoinette, who had remained silent, observing the painful exchange, finally spoke. "Michael, I had no idea about any of this. Alexander, I... I'm at a loss."

"There's nothing to say, Mrs. Estolas. This is just another chapter in a long story of disappointment and abandonment," Michael said, his tone cold. He stood up, ready to leave the stifling atmosphere of the study.

"Michael, please," Alexander started, reaching out as if to stop him.

"Save it," Michael cut him off. "There's nothing you can say that will change anything. I've built my life without you, and I will continue to do so."

With that, Michael turned and left the study, leaving a heavy silence in his wake. Alexander sank back into his chair, running a hand over his face as he contemplated the magnitude of the confrontation.

"Alexander…I didn't know you have a child outside of your marriage," Antoinette finally said, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and concern. The revelation had taken her by surprise, adding a layer of complexity to her understanding of Alexander.

Alexander looked up, meeting Antoinette's gaze with tired eyes. "Yes, Antoinette. It's a part of my life I've kept hidden for far too long. The truth is, I was young and irresponsible. Now you know this secret, I ask that you keep it between us," Alexander requested.

Antoinette nodded, understanding the delicacy of the situation. "Of course, Alexander. But if you don't mind me asking, why now? Why do you want Michael to acknowledge you as his father, or why do you want to acknowledge him as your son after all these years? Is it because he's becoming successful?"

Alexander's gaze dropped to his hands, clasped tightly in his lap. "It's not about his success, Antoinette. It's about making amends for the past, for the mistakes I've made. I've watched him from afar, seeing him grow into the man he is today without any help from me. It's my biggest regret."

"But what's your plan?" Antoinette pressed gently, her curiosity piqued. "How do you intend to bridge the gap between you two?"

Alexander sighed, the weight of the years evident in his posture. "I don't have a clear plan yet. I just know I need to try, no matter how late it might be."

Antoinette studied him for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "It's a difficult road ahead, Alexander. Reconciliation takes time, especially when the wounds are deep. But I believe in second chances. Michael may not be ready now, but perhaps, with time and genuine effort on your part, he might come around."

"I hope so, Antoinette. I really do," Alexander said, a note of sincerity in his voice that hadn't been there before. "Thank you for understanding and for keeping this a secret. It means a lot to me."

"You're welcome, Alexander. Remember, it's never too late to try to make things right," Antoinette offered one final piece of advice before standing. "Now, we should probably return to the party. If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know."

"Well…I think I'm going to stay for a drink and then leave. The only reason why I came here is because Michael was invited. But now that he is leaving, I see no reason for me to stay here any longer. However, I still bought a gift for Catherine , and I would appreciate it if you could give it to her on my behalf," Alexander said, retrieving a small, elegantly wrapped package from his pocket.

He placed it on the table, pushing it slightly towards Antoinette.

"Of course, Alexander. I'll make sure Catherine receives your gift," Antoinette assured him, picking up the package and examining it briefly. "It's very kind of you to think of her, especially given the circumstances."

Alexander managed a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Catherine is a wonderful young woman, and I've always admired her spirit and intelligence. Please tell her I wish her all the best."

"I will, Alexander. And... if you ever need someone to talk to, or if you think there's a way I can assist in mending things with Michael, you have my number," Antoinette offered, her tone warm and sincere.

"Thank you, Antoinette. That means a lot," Alexander responded, standing up. "I think it's best I leave now. Tonight has been... eventful, to say the least. And I need some time to think."

Antoinette nodded in understanding, walking him to the door of the study. "Take care, Alexander."

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