She shook her head but then winced as pain exploded inside.
“I suggest you don’t do that too much anymore.”
“Confirmed. Ouch.” She rubbed at her temple.
“Roman killed Phillip. He died at the safe house.”
“He was obsessed with power. With taking his brother’s place,” Alex said.
Thinking about Roman brought tears to her eyes. “I want a divorce, Dad. You’re going to have to figure out some way to … bring peace with Lucas, but I can’t, not anymore. Not after.”
“I know. I have already called my lawyer. I don’t mean to be rude, but you did mention an annulment…”
“Dad, that’s not possible.” She hated saying those words to him.
“Okay.” He sat on the bed and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
“I am still going to be Mommy to those kids,” Alex said.
“I figured you were going to say that.” Liam sighed. “I have already had the orphanage sign removed and have done the necessary paperwork. That house is now yours, Alex. You can do with it as you please.”
“I can?”
“Yes. I’ve also contacted some contractors. I think it’s time it is made into a house. If anyone can take on fifteen kids, then it’s you,” he said.
“Is that why … you didn’t want me to adopt?” Alex asked.
“I knew who they were, and at the time, tensions were still very much in place. If I allowed you to go through with any adoption, I was worried for your safety, and for the safety of the children.”
“You should have told me.”
“I was doing what your mother wanted.”
“You were?”
“She knew what I was capable of. Knew our lifestyle, and she wanted me to keep it as far away from you as I could. I failed.”
“You did great, Dad.”
“But growing up, you never had a whole lot of friends.”
She shrugged. “Friends can be overrated. I had you and Millie. That was enough.” She rested her head against his shoulder.
The doctor suddenly appeared. “Sir, Lucas and Roman Greco are here.”
Liam tutted and Alex tensed.
Her father had snuck her away while they’d been distracted.
“I will go deal with them,” Liam said.
“Don’t leave.”
“Honey.”
“Can we go?”
The doctor looked at her and then turned to her father. “She needs to be kept awake, and if she does fall asleep, wake her every hour, on the hour, just to be sure.” He winked at her.