When she returned to the table, Maximus looked colder than before. But Catherine greeted her with a warm, excited smile.“Mary, I wasn’t able to celebrate your birthday, and it saddened me. So, I have a special gift for you,” Catherine said, pulling out a small black box. “Peter told me you used to
[Present Day]After their conversation in the garden, Maximus and Mary walked toward the mansion, where Catherine was already standing on the balcony, waving at them.“Maximus! I’m glad you finally decided to visit your wife!” Catherine said cheerfully.“Yes, Grandma. In fact, we’ve been talking. I
[Present Day]Maximus spent the entire day at the mansion, staying by Mary’s side and helping her with her medication. Meanwhile, Peter, unable to stomach Maximus’s decision, left in a fit of anger.By evening, Catherine seized the opportunity to foster intimacy between the couple. She had dinner se
In Valeria, several miles away from Florentia, events were unfolding that would change everything.Alexia had officially signed her termination papers but remained calm, confident that Maximus would visit her soon. She was certain he’d have a good explanation for everything that had happened.Days p
Back in Lunavalle, Maximus had spent an entire week at his grandmother’s house, diligently caring for Mary. One morning, he had even surprised her by bringing her breakfast in bed.“This is delicious, Maximus! I never imagined you could cook!” she exclaimed.“Well, there’s a lot we don’t know about
At dawn, Mary awoke feeling cold. The warm embrace of Maximus was gone. She assumed he might have risen early to prepare breakfast for her, but a heavy feeling in her chest unsettled her. She dressed quickly and wandered through the mansion. She checked the kitchen, but he wasn’t there. No sign of h
“I understand. Where are you located?”“We’re in Lunavalle. I brought her here for a change of scenery, hoping it would help.”“I see. Give me ten minutes to find someone who can assist.”Those ten minutes felt like an eternity to Catherine. When Chris finally called back, he provided the contact in
In Valeria, Maximus and Alexia sat in front of the gynecologist, waiting as he reviewed the results of her tests.“Ms. Levett, Mr. Palmer, congratulations! There’s a baby on the way! Based on the results, you’re about nine weeks along.”“Maximus, congratulations! You’re going to be a father!” Alexia
"We never said we would deny you that," Laura replied sharply. "But let’s be honest, Mr. Legrand, this puts us in a very uncomfortable situation. I do believe he should meet you, but we should take it slowly—we can’t just drop the truth on him all at once.""Lau…" Lucius finally spoke, his voice cal
[Present Time]Adrian replayed the conversation in his mind, but there wasn’t much to consider. The offer was tempting—anyone in his position would see it as the perfect deal. But he already knew what he truly wanted: his daughter.He had made the mistake once before—choosing what his school, his fa
"You said it yourself—if I wanted to, I could’ve hit her back. But I won’t. I don’t want to. And I refuse to let this situation escalate any further. Look at me now—I have stitches in my head. Who knows what will happen next? I’d rather put an end to this now.""Adrian! You don’t have to air our bus
Adrian sighed as he watched Alice disappear in the distance. A short while later, he arrived home. Hilda, the housekeeper, rushed to help him out of the car."Sir… How are you? I thought you’d be back later… We were all worried!""Relax, Hilda. It was just a hit to the head. A few stitches, and that
As if fate itself wanted to set things in motion, the time had come. Laura, Lucius, and Maximus left the house together.The younger siblings saw them go, but they didn’t think much of it. Lately, the three of them had been leaving without saying where they were going, so this time didn’t seem any d
"Dad?""Come in," Maximus said, still checking his inbox."What’s going on, Maximus? Why all the secrecy?""Alright… Serenity’s wedding is over, and Lucius, I know you’ll be heading back to New Zealand soon. Moriarty won’t give me another extension, so we need to move forward with whatever decision
Another day passed at the Evans residence. The family was gathered for breakfast while Diana ran around in a rush, realizing she was running late for work. Maximus, ever the bad influence, kept telling his future wife not to worry so much, but it was impossible—Diana was always incredibly respectful
"Come here," Maximus said, opening his arms.Laura walked over and hugged him."My girl… Never apologize for standing your ground. Never—hear me? Never apologize for defending what’s yours. Honestly, I can’t picture the scene, but I wish I could’ve seen it.""Dad… This is embarrassing. I’ve never ac
Maximus, Diana, and Adele arrived home. Little Adele was completely exhausted—her day out had been long and tiring. For Maximus, spending time with his granddaughter filled his heart and eased the anxiety of what was coming.Laura heard her father arrive and immediately left her room to see him.“Da