Maximus was stunned by how quickly the news had reached his grandmother Catherine, and even more so by her drastic reaction. He had never heard of the Palmer family being connected to the Bartz family, and now Marcus Bartz—a name Maximus thought was nothing but a myth—was being floated as a candidat
Peter woke early to prepare Mary’s things for her stay at the clinic. It broke his heart to see her like this, but he knew he couldn’t give her the help she needed. That had to come from experts, through therapy and time. Aurora, Mary’s closest friend, had insisted on being part of the process and w
Leonard and Maximus sat in stunned silence as Catherine warmly embraced the imposing figure of Marcus Bartz. The mysterious man who had just entered the room carried himself with quiet authority, but his connection to their family remained a puzzle.“Peter, I’ll admit, I doubted when Grandma said yo
Aurora watched as Mary entered the clinic, her figure small and fragile against the grand white building that exuded calm. The lush gardens surrounding it gave a sense of peace, but Aurora couldn’t help feeling anxious about leaving her friend.Mary had hesitated at the entrance, but the steady reas
After hearing everything Grandma Catherine had just said, Leonard was furious, Maximus couldn’t believe what he’d heard, and Peter simply smiled.“What the hell are you laughing at, Peter?” Maximus demanded angrily.“I’m laughing at the fact that your future ex-wife will end up being even more power
“You’re going to Florentia?” Peter asked.“Yes, just passing through. Then I’m heading back home. If you’re in a hurry, we can go together and finalize the details for the transfer.”After their exchange, Marcus left the office, closing the door behind him—and the real fight began.“Grandma! What th
As Peter and Catherine left the boardroom, they headed straight to the airport, where Marcus Bartz’s staff was already waiting for them. Catherine wasn’t feeling her best but put on a brave face. Once they boarded the private jet, they found Marcus seated, going through some emails.“Marcus, dear! T
After arriving at the Palmer mansion, Leonard went straight to his bedroom and locked himself inside. He had no energy left to keep discussing the matter. He knew full well that Catherine had suffered because of his father’s actions, but he never imagined how drastically things would change now.Max
After a few emotional minutes at Peter’s final resting place, Marcus Bartz gently urged Valerie to leave. The security team had signaled that someone was loitering nearby—a risk Marcus couldn’t afford.“My beloved Valerie, we need to go. It’s dangerous to stay here,” Marcus said, his eyes scanning t
After half an hour of driving, a convoy of three SUVs arrived at the entrance of Flavian Cemetery. From the lead vehicle stepped the striking couple, returning to Valentia after what felt like an eternity away.The man took the woman’s hand and helped her out of the SUV. A bodyguard handed them the
[In Ambervale, two decades later]In a private hangar at Flameco Airport in Eterna, a strikingly beautiful woman with long blonde hair descended from a sleek private jet. Ahead of her was a tall, commanding man with sharp, rugged features, his face partially covered by a neatly trimmed beard and a p
In Ambervale, two months had passed since Albert’s death, and Agent Count had finally uncovered key information related to Albert Preston’s arrest.“Mrs. Catherine, can we meet? I have something I believe will interest you. I’ve sent part of it to your email, but it’s imperative you see the rest in
Peter and Mary arrived home in Galea after their long journey. Mary was still fragile, so Peter had instructed the staff to provide her with all the help she might need. Agnes, ever attentive, had prepared a delicious meal, knowing the expectant mother needed nourishment. She felt it was her duty to
Maximus arrived in Valeria and went straight to see Alexia. He knew it wouldn’t be easy to face her anger, but he hadn’t expected to find her in loose clothing, her eyes and nose red from crying. When his gaze fell on her swollen belly, he felt like the most miserable man alive. She was the mother o
As Marcus learned of Albert Preston’s death, Catherine retreated to her bedroom, carrying the urn holding the ashes of the man who had been her last love. Meanwhile, Peter lay on the bed, gently stroking Mary’s hair. The soothing motion had helped her relax enough to sleep, so Peter remained still,
Marcus Bartz had just settled into a luxurious house along Coravela’s Arcfield Boulevard, overlooking the beach. The property offered stunning ocean views and was fortified with state-of-the-art security systems.It was a sprawling house for a man living alone, and his sudden arrival didn’t go unnot
Hours later, Catherine, Leonard, and Maximus returned to the mansion with Albert’s ashes in a beautiful white onyx urn. Catherine held it as if her life depended on it, her grip tight, her expression stoic. She longed to retreat to her room, where she could grieve in private. Life, it seemed, had de