From my hidden observation position, I watched Alexander face down both parents with defiant courage that made my chest tight with emotion. He was refusing to be intimidated, refusing to accept their framing of concern and protection, calling out their manipulation with precision that came from years of experiencing their control tactics.
"Here's what's actually happening," Alexander said, his voice carrying steel determination I'd rarely heard. "You want me to end my relationship with Isabella so you can restore control over my choices and position me for strategic alliance with whatever family serves Calloway media interests best. The fire, the threats, the institutional pressure—all tactics to force compliance through fear and systematic destruction."
"That's paranoid interpretation o
